Chapter 22: Where There is Life, there is Always Death
Dean opened his eyes, staring at the night sky. He swallowed, surprised that he was alive. He turned and saw his wand lying next to him. He reached for it, but it was too far. He pushed himself off the ground, but something was tried to move his legs, but they wouldn't move. He concentrated as hard as he could, but they wouldn't move. He began to have a panic attack when he realized he could not move nor feel his legs. He was paralyzed from the waist down. Dean covered his face with his hands and began to cry out for help.
Josh ran after Craven, blasting spells at the man who ducked away from them. Soon, Josh had run out of the castle and into the Astronomy courtyard. Josh twitched his wand, casting the tripping jinx, tripping Craven who landed face first into the grass. Craven growled as he sat up on his knees.
"Traitor!" Josh growled. Craven stood up and turned to face Josh, smirking. "You murdered innocent lives!"
"They were in the way!" Craven replied, "Just nothing but spare souls that needed to be freed. And I set them free! They will not have to live in this war ridden world."
"Who are you to choose whether they live or die!" Josh argued. He flicked his wand, knocking Craven off his feet. "Those were my teammates, your whole team that you swore to Protect." Craven sent a curse towards Josh who quickly blocked it. Josh thrust his wand, summoning Craven to him. Josh took a hold of the older man's robes. "You're nothing but a coward, Craven. A weak-minded piece of shit!" Josh yelled, punching the older man in the face. "Their blood will always be on your hands!" Craven stood up, only for Josh to punch him again, knocking him back into the ground. "Theresa Anderson!" Josh flicked his wand, sending Craven into the nearby tree. Craven groaned struggling to his feet. Josh waved his wand, sending a magical spell that would feel like a punch to Craven's body. "Theseus Thadric!" A spell truck Craven's chin. "Robert Stewart! Stephanie Williamson! George Benson! Alex Harrison! Jeffrey Dane! Rutherford Red! Sam Aoki! Ronan Shad!" And with each name, a spell truck Craven's body like a punch, and the last spell was sent with more power causing Crave to be picked up and thrown onto the ground with a heavy thud. Craven got up to his feet, grinding his teeth and began to run away from Josh.
"This isn't over, Craven!" Josh growled. He magically pulled Craven back into the courtyard and tossed him away from the closest exit. Josh slowly walked over to Craven thrust out his wand. "Fulgur!" A green bolt of lightning shot out of his wand, striking and electrocuting Craven who screamed out in pain. Part of his bolt struck the tree, catching it on fire and lighting the courtyard. Josh once again lifted the man in the air. "Now it is your choice, Craven. Life or Death?" He growled through his teeth. Though, he suddenly felt like he was being watched. Josh slowly turned and his heart lurched. It was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen even if she was covered in dust and scratches. He could see she was crying but her eyes were a cold stare. Even so, Josh began to smile -
"I choose death!" Craven shouted, and within a second, Josh turned as he witnessed a blue curse soar towards him. He had dropped his guard and had no time to shield himself. Though the curse never reached him as another spell soared and struck the curse causing a magical explosion, knocking back both Josh and Craven.
Sirius had made it to the Great Hall, dueling a couple of lowly death eaters. He easily flicked his wand and knocked out both of the death eaters. Sirius continued down the familiar corridors of his alma mater, helping out anyone who was in need of help. Minutes later, Sirius turned a corner only to be blasted of his feet. He growled, sitting up from the floor, his wand a couple of feet away. He turned to see a grinning death eater, his wand glowing green, about to throw the killing curse Sirius's way. Suddenly, there was a white flash of white, blinding Sirius for a moment. When his sight returned, the death eater was nowhere to be seen.
Sirius grabbed his wand and stood to his feet, wondering who it was that had just saved his life. He turned to the figure who had their hood over their face. "Thanks," he said, "Whoever you are." He watched as the person removed the hood to which Sirius's heart almost leapt out of his heart and causing his stomach drop. Sirius raised a shakily pointed figure towards the face of his dead brother. "What kind of sick joke is this?" he staggered. "Who the hell are you?"
"It's me, Sirius," Regulus simply answered. "Your brother."
Sirius shook his head, "No," he said, feeling his anger rising, stepping towards Regulus. "My brother is dead!" Sirius jabbed his wand forward and began sending spells towards Regulus. Sirius's brother was taken by surprise and quickly began to shield himself from his brother's spells.
Regulus shook his head. "No, I'm not," he shouted. "I've been alive this whole time. I'm sorry I never told you, but - " Without warning, Sirius ran up and punched his brother, grabbing him by the robes.
"No!" He shouted in anger, his eyes gleaming. "Regulus is dead! I mourned for my brother while I was in prison! I accepted his death! If he was still alive, why would he have left me to rot inside Azkaban for twelve years!"
Regulus, his eyes gleaming as well, placed a hand over one of Sirius's. "Not a day went by that you were on my mind, Sirius. Not a day goes by that I regret leaving you or choosing the wrong side in the last war. If you knew what I knew, you'd understand why I left. I did it for you, my brother. My knowledge could get you killed, it still can - "
"-Then why come back?" Sirius hissed.
"I had to," Regulus answered, "Once word got out that Voldemort was back, i made plans, and I came back. I saved your son, and I plan on revealing what I know to rid the world of the Dark Lord once and for all."
"Save my son?" Sirius repeated, "Josh is alive? How? Is he here?" Regulus nodded. "Take me to him!"
Josh groaned and coughed as the wind was knocked out of him. It took him a couple of seconds until he was allowed to suck in some air, huffing and puffing. Someone ran over to him, grabbing his arm, and helping him to his feet. He looked over to the person who helped him to his feet. His eyes looking straight into Daphne's eyes. His heart pounded even faster as he looked into her eyes. He smiled but then -
SMACK!
Josh was suddenly looking to his right, the left side of his face suddenly stinging. "Ow!" Josh exclaimed, turning to Daphne who was now giving him a death glare. He was about to ask her why in anger but realized he had no right to do so. He held his face and stared at her. Part of him wanted to kiss her, but that probably wasn't the best idea. Out of the corner his eye, Josh could see Craven standing up, but before he could do anything, he was blasted back by Daphne, whose eyes were still on Josh. Josh shifted a little uncomfortably, hearing shouts inside the castle. He gulped, "Daph - " Smack! Daphne smacked him again. "Merlin, Daphne!" Josh screeched, holding his face. The second slap hurt far worse than the second. He turned back to her. "Why - "
"Shut up, Black!" Daphne hissed, dropping her wand and began pounding on Josh's chest. Josh did his best to defend himself. "You, insufferable arse!" She struck his defensive arms. "You right piece of dragon dung!" He shielded his head from her blows. "You are the lowest of the low, Joshua Black!" she sniffed, her eyes filled with tears, still slapping his arms. "You...you..." She sniffed and stopped hitting Josh. Daphne took a shaky deep breath, looking into Josh's eyes. "You let me believe you were dead! How could you do that to me!?" She cried through her tears. "You were alive this whole time! We had a memorial for you! We mourned you! Your death broke all our hearts and made us lose hope!"
"I can explain - "
"I don't want to hear it!" Daphne screamed, turning away from Josh to grab her wand from the ground. Once she turned back, Josh wrapped his arms around her. "Let me go!" Daphne cried, trying the move away from Josh, but he wouldn't let go. "Let me go!" Josh didn't. He wasn't going to. He continued to hug her close. Daphne continued to struggle only for a few seconds until she stopped, turning her face into his chest, crying. "Why?" Josh heard her muffled voice say into his chest.
"Regulus thought it would be beneficial," Josh answered. He lowered his arms as Daphne took a few steps back.
"Who's Regulus?" She asked, wiping her cheeks.
"I will tell you everything, Daphne, I promise," Josh said, "But we have to make sure the Castle is safe and get the Death Eaters out of here."
"You don't have to worry about that," Daphne replied, "We have others who came to help. The Order, Sirius brought others, and I brought some volunteers from the camp. I'm sure this is just about over."
There was a loud audible gasp. Josh and Daphne turned to see Daphne was a few feet away, her hand over her mouth, looking at Josh. "How?" Hermione breathed out, taking a step forward. "How are you -?"
Josh stood and waved awkwardly. "I survived," he replied, noticing Hermione grip her wand tighter.
She turned to Daphne. "Why is he still standing?" Hermione angrily asked. She pointed her wand at Josh who quickly raised his hands in defense, but nothing happened.
Daphne sniffed. "I gave him a right pounding, and that's only the beginning," she finished with a death glare towards Josh.
Josh looked in between both women who were glaring at him. "I'm going to kill you!" someone shouted, and Josh felt someone jump on his back, shocking both Hermione and Daphne. Josh began to stumble, wondering who the hell was on his back, an arm around his neck, and a hand in his hair. Whoever this was, had a tight grip on him.
"Geroff me!" Josh groaned, trying to throw the person off his back, trying to grab onto the person.
"Shaun!" Hermione cried, "What are you doing!?"
"This bastard!" Shaun growled, as Josh grabbed onto his air. "Led me to believe he was dead! To me he's a zombie and I'm going to kill him!"
"Shaun!" Josh said in a raspy voice, "I can explain!"
"No!" Shaun cried, "You abandoned me! I don't take that kind of thing lightly."
"I'm sorry!" Josh said, "I had to!" Shaun didn't say anything, instead gripped tighter. Hermione and Daphne moved to try and help, but as Josh was turned and jumping around, Shaun's legs were flailing wildly.
"Shaun, please," Daphne pleaded, "Let go of him!"
Flash!
Everyone froze. "Did you see that!" Shaun asked, looking up into the sky. Shaun let go of Josh who took a heaping breath of air and started coughing. "There was a flash of green! And Something fell over there!" He pointed. Josh regained his composure and was about to smack Shaun in the back of the head until an elbow from Daphne told him not too.
"What was it?" Hermione asked, squinting over to the dark, seeing a lump of something and then up on the ground.
Josh saw the lump on the ground and all of a sudden, everything went quiet. There was no shouting or any explosions of any kind. It was like the battle stopped, but why. The four friends gently moved towards what had fallen nearby. There was an enthusiastic scream from above. Everyone looked up to see a lightning strike from out of the Astronomy tower and strike the clouds. A form instantly took shape, the form of his mark, the Dark Mark. Hermione and Daphne gasped in horror as they knew exactly what that meant.
"What is that?" Shaun asked.
"His mark," Josh answered, "Lord Voldemort's Dark Mark. It means someone was killed."
"But a lot of people have died," Shaun said.
Josh lowered his gaze onto the figure that had fallen. "I don't think that's anyone," he said, tightening his wand and walking over to the figure. He lit his wand and knelt down.
Hermione choked, "Please don't tell me its Harry!"
"It's not," Josh simply answered, as his friends gathered around, all of them shocked to see the old and wizened face of their headmaster. He was still and not breathing. It was safe to assume that Professor Dumbledore was dead. Daphne and Hermione began to cry as Shaun dropped to his knees in horror.
And it felt as if the battle was coming to a close. Josh turned to look behind him as a small crowd began to gather into the courtyard out of curiosity. It wasn't until a few minutes later a figure pushed through the crowd and ran towards them. Josh jumped up and ran towards the figure, knowing exactly who it was. He grabbed onto Harry's arms, stopping him from moving closer.
"Let me go," Harry said quietly and stiffly. "I want to see him. I need to." Josh nodded and let go of Harry. stepping to the side. Harry slowly walked over to the dead body of his mentor and knelt next to him. Tears began to stream down the boy's face. He reached over and grabbed something that Dumbledore had been wearing. A locket of some kind. Harry quicky put it into his pocket, grabbing Dumbledore's hand began to sob. Hermione quickly knelt next to Harry and hugged him as the crowd solemnly watched. Josh too watched, suddenly feeling Daphne's hand wrap around his.
And as soon as the Battle of Hogwarts had started, it was over. The death eaters were eventually overwhelmed by the help brought by Sirius and Daphne and retreated. Some death eaters were captured, including Mandy, Ernie, Donovan Gideon, And Auror Craven. Most of the other death eaters had escaped. Among those enemies who were not found were Avery, McGlaggen, or even McNair, who Tracey swore she had killed him with the wound she had given him. A few students were also missing, mostly Slytherin students. It was suspected they either ran away or were kidnapped. Hogwarts had a handful of casualties as well. They had lost their Healer who was killed by Biff Parkinson, who was captured. Many students were injured, Dean was paralyzed, Neville was in a coma as was William, Draco, and Ron. Flitwick assured that they were going to be okay, and that Healers were sent for from St. Mungo's. Other students were only bruised or scratched, having fought against the death eaters. The reinforcements had no casualties or injuries at all. They did well and had saved the school as well as the children in it. This would no doubt boost their spirits from this win.
Though most important of all, they had lost a most beloved man of all, Albus Dumbledore.
Josh entered through the destroyed doors of the Hospital Wing that was filled with students and adults alike. Daphne had been next to him, holding his hand, but left instantly she laid her eyes on her sister. She was sitting up in pajamas, twiddling her fingers, looking as if she had failed a test. Josh glanced around, seeing the sleeping faces of his friends, wrapped in bandages. Tracey was sitting next to Ron's bed, a huge bandage around his wand hand. His brother Bill laid next to him with bandages around his neck, with Fleur by his side. Pansy, bandaged herself, sat next to William's bed. His face was severely bruised. Neville had many bloodied bandages all over his body which shocked Josh, wondering how the boy survived so much. Josh looked around, curiously wondering where his uncle or his father were. They were probably still helping the students. Josh turned and began to make his way over to Draco's bed when he heard a gasp.
"Oh, my boy!" Josh thought it was Narcissa, but he was shocked when he turned to see his mother staring right at him. Sandra looked like she hadn't slept in days. Her eyes were dark and sunken, her hair disheveled.
"Mum - "
"Where is he!?" came the shouting voice of Sirius. "Excuse me, coming through, I have to see my son!" A second later, Sirius walked through a few people and stood next to his mother, his eyes widened in shock as his son stood before him. Regulus stood behind his older brother, nodding at Josh.
Josh gulped and took a step forward, but it was Sirius who ran up to his son and hugged him tightly. Josh's eyes glistened as he looked over to his mother who was trying to hold back her tears. "Mum," Josh croaked. Sandra let out a sob and ran over to hug her son and her husband. Josh hugged both of his parents, feeling a lot of guilt for what he had done to them. "I'm sorry," Josh spoke, "I am so sorry, but I had to."
Sirius sniffed and released his son. Sandra still held on to her son, not wanting to let him go. "I think I understand," he said, glancing over at his brother who was helping a young student that was crying from a cut on his leg. "We are just happy you're still alive."
"I am," Josh said, but then looked down. "But there's something you should know. It's about Dumbledore." Sandra released her son and both parents looked at him questioningly.
The next morning, a meeting was held in the Great Hall. All of the Professors were in attendance, along with the Order, Some Aurors like Eric Everheart, Isaac Underhill, Arlo Cortez, Regulus, Josh, Harry, Hermione, and Daphne. Josh looked around at all the faces in attendance. Everyone was still disheveled from the battle. Most had scratches over their faces and still wore their torn clothing. Josh wondered who called this meeting. Dumbledore would have been the one to call this meeting if he was still around, but with him gone. Who will lead the battle?
"Will someone tell me what the hell is going on here?" An auror spoke, "Why was this meeting called? Who even called it?"
"I did." Everyone's head turned to see Sirius walking down from the Great Hall entrance, straightening his wand holster. He stopped in front of the small crowd. "First things first. I'm sure all of you know by now, Professor Dumbledore has been killed." There were a few people who gasped, unsure if that rumor was to be true.
"How did he die?" whispered Tonks. "How did it happen?"
"Snape killed him," said Harry. "I was there, I saw it. We arrived back on the Astronomy Tower because that's where the Mark was. . .. Dumbledore was ill, he was weak, but I think he realized it was a trap when we heard footsteps running up the stairs. He immobilized me, I couldn't do anything, I was under the Invisibility Cloak — and then Cormac McGlaggen came through the door and disarmed him —" Hermione clapped her hands to her mouth and Charlie Weasley groaned. Daphne's mouth trembled. "— more Death Eaters arrived — and then Snape — and Snape did it. The Avada Kedavra." Harry swallowed and stopped talking.
Josh furrowed his brow. His theory was that McGlaggen was going to attempt an assassination on the headmaster and actually do the deed himself. Snape doing the murder was something he wasn't expecting, though Josh knew the man was capable of killing a man. "You were right, Josh." someone said. Josh curiously looked up when he heard his name. Harry was looking straight at him. "McGlaggen was the spy."
Josh didn't know how to feel when he was told that he was right. Shouldn't it have been a cocky feeling as he jumped up and down, yelling 'I told you so!'? Yet he didn't feel that way at all. He felt more like a failure if anything. If he had caught Mcglaggen in time with proper evidence, then this battle would never have happened. Right?
"So, it was this boy's doing that led to this battle," Eric spoke, hand on his chin. "In turn losing a few that were close and one of the most important and powerful wizards of our time."
"What are we to do with Dumbledore..." Sprout sniffed, "Dumbledore gone."
"This definitely puts things in a...in a difficult position," Moody gruffly spoke.
"Dumbledore is the one who led us and kept the light in our hearts," Hestia Jones, a member of the Order, said, "With him gone, what will happen to us now? All hope feels lost now."
"How can you say that?" Tonks growled, standing to her feet. "Dumbledore did all those things so we could keep hope in our hearts regardless of if he were still alive!"
"Dumbledore was a powerful wizard!" An Auror named Perry Merriadoc said, "He defeated Grindelwald, and you-know-who was afraid of him. No offense to little Potter here, but with Albus gone, you-know-who will no longer hold back. You've seen what that dark lord is capable of and he's not even the one doing all the dirty work!"
"You're not wrong about that," Eric Everheart said, "But what is eating at me, is why did Dumbledore show up towards the end of the battle. Where was he when it all started?" Everyone murmured amongst themselves. Josh could feel Harry tense and hoped that no one was looking at him. He and his friends knew that Harry and Dumbledore were traveling together last night while a battle raged on. Josh only found out moments after Dumbledore's death when he spoke to Hermione.
"Potter!" Moody barked, causing a few people to jump in fright. Harry jumped and looked over at the old paranoid wizard as everyone else stared at Harry. All the sixteen-year-old could do was gulp.
"Harry," McGonagall spoke calmly and sincerely, "Do you know something?"
"Oh, come on!" Perry chided in, "Of course he knows something. He was there when the headmaster died, remember? He was the witness to the old man's death. They were together for some reason!" All eyes were still on Harry and only his friends knew he couldn't speak of the real reason he and Dumbledore were together that night. "Come on Potter, tell us what you two were doing?"
"Leave him alone!" Hermione shrieked, jumping to her feet. "What went on with Harry and Dumbledore last night is between them two!"
"But why so secretive?" McGonagall curiously asked. "I'm sure whatever it is Harry, we can help." Harry looked down and shook his head.
Perry scooted out of his stool, wand in hand. "I'm sure a little Legilimency will tell us what he is hiding!" he growled.
"Don't you dare!" Hermione hissed, standing in front of Harry.
"I'm not afraid of going through you, girlie!" the Auror said.
"You won't just be going through her!" Josh said, moving next to Harry. "Mind you, I came back from the dead. I don't think going through me will be so easy." The Auror glared at Josh and Hermione, his nostrils flaring.
"This isn't what we should be doing," Sirius spoke up, standing between them and everyone else. "We shouldn't be fighting with one another. We're all on the same side here. I'm sure what Harry and Dumbledore did, they had their reasons for not telling us. Whatever it is. We have more important things to focus on." The Auror sighed heavily and sat back down in annoyance. Sirius looked around at everyone in the Great Hall. "We may have won the castle, but it wasn't an overall victory." There were murmurs among the crowd. "We've lost a lot last night and i think it's time we prepare. This castle was targeted for a reason. Now, we have a lot of injured that needs taking care of. If you have any kind of Healing capabilities, we would love it if you could help out. Remaining Aurors should patrol the castle in turns, Professors, gather and maintain your students. We should allow all and any parents to come to their children - " Moody cleared his throat. " - Ah, well most parents. I will speak with the Slytherins about their parents and if any of them would like to leave, we should respect their wishes."
"Is that a good idea?" Tonks curiously asked. "I mean, we could keep them safe here - "
" - Or they could just be more spies waiting to pounce or let in more death eaters," the Angry Auror, Perry, from earlier grumbled.
"Which is why I will give the Slytherins a choice," Sirius continued, "And don't forget that nearly most of the spies were from the other houses. It seems my cousin has had an impact on his fellow classmates." Perry scoffed and rolled his eyes, angering Josh.
"You are also welcome to leave too, sir," Josh put in, staring down the angry Perry who shuffled uncomfortably at his gaze.
"I-I don't think," He stuttered, "I think my skills are better well spent here." Josh rolled his eyes.
"Alright, alright," Sirius said, "Let's get to work and help out our injured. Meeting adjourned." There where murmurs of conversation as people began to leave the Great Hall. Some of the Order Members walked over to Sirius as Josh, Harry, and Hermione lingered by the door with Regulus.
"You sure took the lead on that meeting, cousin," Tonks smirked, patting Sirius on the back.
Sirius shrugged, "I had to stopped them from attacking Harry and changed the subject."
"And yet everyone listened to you," Moody said with a small smile. "Maybe you should take after Dumbledore."
Sirius shook his head. "No, I don't think I'm the right guy, Alastor," he said, "You should do it. You're very well at leading missions."
"Aye, that's missions," Moody nodded, "Not making all the decisions. I can lead others into battle, but being a leader is more than that. Think about it." Moody turned to Tonks. "You're with me! We're going to shut out all the secret passages and take care of that bleeding cabinet." Tonks nodded and the two were off.
Josh watched as his father spoke to more of the members of the Order. Sirius waved over the man he met in Spain, Arlo Cortez, as well as Eric Everheart and Isaac Underhill. Sirius was most likely introducing them to the Order and probably inducting them in as well. Josh couldn't help but admire his father, and how much he seemed to change during this second war.
"Sirius sure has changed a lot since our school days," Regulus spoke, too admiring his brother. "I say James Potter really rubbed off on him." Harry looked up at the mention of his father. Regulus looked over at Harry and smiled. "I am grateful for you father and his family. After our parents kicked him out. You father's family were more than happy to take him in. I'm glad you were all able to finally come together, as it should be."
Josh smiled, glancing down at his uncle's arm, realizing that his was clenching his fist very tightly. And then it hit him. Regulus was once a death eater, which meant he still had the dark mark. It was possible that it was burning at the moment. Maybe there was something Josh could do to help his uncle. Maybe Daphne could help him. Speaking of Daphne, Josh glanced around, realizing that Daphne hadn't stuck around. He wasn't all that surprised since she was most likely still angry at him. Josh didn't blame her, no, not at all. He guessed she left to the Hospital Wing, where her sister was.
Daphne reached up and tied her hair into a bun, making her way into the Hospital Wing. She was going to visit her sister and check on her before lending a hand with all of the injured people. She entered the Hospital Wing that was packed with many injured people, most of her friends and some of the reinforcements that had come to help. Daphne walked down the Wing and stopped at her sister's bed. Astoria was awake, picking at her breakfast with a fork. "How are you feeling?" Daphne asked, walking up and fluffing up Astoria's pillow.
"My stomach is sore," Astoria replied, flicking a piece of egg. "Otherwise, I'm fine."
"Eat your food, it'll make you feel better," Daphne told her sister, and then placed a small bottle of potion on her tray. "And then take that after, it will help with the soreness." She then sat at the end of the bed and began massaging Astoria's feet.
Astoria looked up at her sister. "He saved me, you know." She spoke. Daphne glanced up. "You know who I'm talking about. If it wasn't for him, I probably wouldn't be here."
Daphne sighed. "What are you doing?" she asked, putting her sister's feet under the blanket.
Astoria innocently shrugged. "I'm sure he had his reasons for what he did."
"I'm sure but that still doesn't change my feelings," Daphne replied as she stood up. "I'm going to check on the others."
"How long will you be angry?" Astoria asked.
Daphne sighed. "As long as it takes," she answered, "Excuse me, I have to check on the injured." Astoria rolled her eyes as Daphne walked over to Dean's bed. he was wide awake, staring into the ceiling. "Dean, are you okay?"
"I can't feel my legs," Dean answered and then looked at Daphne. "Will I ever walk again?"
Daphne pursed her lips. She wasn't sure what to tell him. She had spoken with Flitwick who assumed that it was possible that Dean would never walk again. "I don't want to get your hopes up, Dean," She told them, "Because it is a possibility you may never walk again, but let's not give up on a chance, okay?" Dean nodded and returned to look up at the ceiling, lost in his thoughts. Daphne's next patient was Ron. She walked to his bed and waved her wand over his body.
"How is he?" Daphne looked up from Ron to see Tracey in her bed across from Ron's bed, looking worried.
"He's recovering nicely," Daphne answered, and then lifted up his bandaged hand, around the wrist. It was the hand that had been severed, but Flitwick had done his best to re-attach the hand to the wrist. "His body does need a lot of healing still since he's lost a lot of blood. He will need to hand therapy when he wakes up, other than that, he should wake up soon, hopefully." Daphne turned to Tracey. "How are you?"
"I'm okay," Tracey answered, hugging her knees.
"Are you sure?" Daphne replied. Tracey nodded; Daphne knew her best friend was not okay. Tracey faced down her family's killer, but he was nowhere to be found after the battle. His body was gone which had to mean he was still alive. Daphne was sure this was going to haunt Tracey for a while.
Daphne continued to look over other patients of the Hospital Wing with the help of others who had some abilities in healing. Only one Healer had been spared from St. Mungo's since the place was overrun with injured from battles over the months. The Healer who was sent was a short red-haired man named Thackery Bickles. Daphne continued to look over her friends. Pansy and William seemed to be recovering nicely. As she was tending to her classmates, she overheard a French woman insisting on still getting married to the eldest Weasley boy to his mother because she was in love and that it wasn't about looks.
After the meeting, a smaller meeting was held. Harry, led Josh, Hermione, Sirius, and Regulus into a small room so they could talk in private. Everyone stood in half a circle as Harry stood in front of them, contemplating his thoughts for a moment. He looked up at the group. "What I'm about to tell you, does not leave this room," Harry started looking at each one of his loved ones and Regulus separately. He swallowed. "There was a reason Voldemort survive that night he tried to kill me. How it wasn't killed by his own killing curse." Harry took a deep breath. "It was because of his - "
" - His horcruxes," Regulus finished calmly. All eyes turned to him, all surprised, especially Harry who wondered how he knew this.
"How did you know?" Hermione asked.
Regulus pointed at the locket in Harry's hand. "Why don't you open it," Sirius's younger brother suggested.
Harry clicked open the locked as everyone watched. Harry looked confused as a small note stuck out of it. He picked it up and unfolded the note and read:
'To the Dark Lord,
I know I may be dead before you read this,
but I want to know that it was I who discovered your secret.
I have stolen the real horcrux and intend to destroy it as soon as I can.
I face death in the hope that when you meet your match,
you will be mortal once more,
RAB.'
Harry looked up in confusion. "It's a fake," he said as Regulus nodded.
Sirius grabbed the note from Harry. "Aren't those your initials?" he said, looking over to his younger brother as he, Harry, and Hermione looked utterly confused.
Regulus grabbed the note from his brother and crumbled it up. "I didn't think anyone else would have figure it out back then," he began. "The only way I figured it out was because of our house elf. The Dark Lord wanted to borrow an elf and I volunteered ours. I scarred that elf, but he told me everything that happened in that cave - "
" - By the sea," Harry finished, "A few hours from his orphanage."
Regulus nodded. "I am ashamed that he, my dear friend Freddie, and I went back to the cave to retrieve the real locket." He continued, but what I didn't know, was when I was going to get our house elf some water - "
" - You were attacked by the inferi," Harry said, causing a cold shiver to run up Josh's spine. "How did you get out?"
"Freddie sacrificed herself to save me and Kreacher," Regulus spoke solemnly. "She was dragged into the water as I helped Kreacher back out of the cave. It must have been a few numb days before I did something. I decided to leave and run away. I packed up my stuff, obliviated Kreacher and left the country. I didn't care anymore about anything. The person I loved was dead and there was nothing more for me to do."
"What about the real horcrux?" Harry desperately asked. "What happened to it?"
"I left it at home," Regulus simply answered, and looked at his brother. "In our family home."
Harry turned to his godfather. "We need to get there! Right now!"
Sirius nodded, "I understand your urgency, but it's okay," he said, "No one can get in."
"Except Snape," Josh reminded, "He has access."
Sirius gave a nod. "Alright," he said, "Regulus and I will head to our family home to see if the locket is still there, but after we care of a few things here. First of all, is that the only horcrux that Voldemort made or had in his possession?"
Harry shook his head and placed a bag on the table. He reached into it and pulled out two things. Josh raised a curious brow when the first thing Harry pulled out was a black diary, with a huge hole right in the center. "Riddle's Diary," Harry said, "There was also a ring that belonged to Slytherin. Dumbledore said he destroyed it, but he didn't say what he did with it."
"That's three," Josh said. "He torn his soul three times?"
"Six," Harry said instantly, shocking the entire group. "I only know of two possible items Riddle put his soul into. Helga Hufflepuff's Cup that had been passed down for generations. Riddle killed the last owner."
"And the second item?" Regulus curiously asked.
"The Snake," Harry answered, "Dumbledore also theorized that the other horcrux had to have belonged to either Gryffindor or Ravenclaw because of how he cherished his time here at Hogwarts. He put his soul into very valuable items, or items he thought were valuable to him, like his diary or his snake.
"I need to go," Harry said instantly. "Dumbledore entrusted this to me and I have to see this through. No matter what!"
Sirius gave a nod and turned to his son. "What about you? Did you want to go?" he asked.
Josh shook his head. "No, I have some damage control to take care of here," he informed, thinking about all his friends he left behind.
After the meeting, Josh was heading back towards the Hospital Wing when he heard arguing. As he got closer, he could understand what was being argued about. "I don't care!" A female shouted, "I don't care, I don't care!" Josh peaked around the corner to see Tonks seizing the front of Lupin's robes and shaking them. "I've told you a million times. . . ."
"And I've told you a million times," said Lupin, refusing to meet her eyes, staring at the floor, "that I am too old for you, too poor . . . too dangerous. . . ."
Josh walked around the corner. "Your being ridiculous, Lupin." He said, "It's obvious this woman cares a lot about you."
"I am not being ridiculous," said Lupin steadily. "Tonks deserves somebody young and whole."
"But she wants you," said Josh, with a small smile. "And after all, Lupin, young and whole men do not necessarily remain so."
"This is . . . not the moment to discuss it," said Lupin, avoiding everybody's eyes as he looked around distractedly. "Dumbledore is dead. . . ."
"Dumbledore would have been happier than anybody to think that there was a little more love in the world," said Josh curtly, and moved past the couple. "Think about it."
Josh turned into another corridor and made his way into the busy Hospital Wing filled with injured and relatives of those injured. One by one, Josh check on his friends, making sure they were okay. Ron was still unconscious, Tracey was silent as was Dean, Pansy was sitting next to a sleeping William, his parents weren't here. He hoped William's parents were okay. Rina was in a bed next to Astoria, with Shaun sitting in between the two, talking with Astoria. She and Rina seemed to be recovering nicely. Most of everyone seemed to be doing great, all except one person. Josh walked over to his bed. Draco's mother was sitting next to his bed looking exhausted. Daphne was there too with the Healer, looking over Draco who was in a coma.
"How's he doing?" Josh asked. Daphne glanced at him and looked away. Josh's heart panged in guilt.
"Well," Healer Bickles began, standing straight up. "He's definitely in a coma. It's obvious he was obliviated but when he was struck with the curse directly at his head, well, that certainly changed things."
"Changes things how?" Josh curiously asked.
"His mind is worse off," Bickles explained, "The curse collided with the charm, and it seems to have broken his mind."
"Well, can it be fixed?"
Bickles sighed, "Suffice to say, no. I don't think it can be fixed. It's impossible right now, and I don't know if he will even waked up from this. If he does, he'll probably be confused, scared, won't be able to make sense of things.
Sirius, Harry, and Regulus entered Number twelve Grimmauld place. It was dusty and dirtier than usual as the trio entered the place. It definitely still had its dark feel around it. "Wow, what happened to this place?" Regulus asked, looking at a dusty table. "Did you not use it at all?"
"We did a year ago," Sirius answered nonchalantly, "We used it for headquarters for the Order but then abandoned it when I was set free, and Voldemort was announced back."
"Where should we look?" Harry curiously asked, opening a side table drawer seeing old mail letters.
"Possibly - "
"Accio Horcrux," Sirius said, jabbing out his wand.
"That won't work," Regulus replied, "It's very powerful dark magic. Let's check my room first." The trio of men made their way up the stairs and to Regulus's old room which had been turned over. "Did you have to leave my room like this?" Regulus's bed was overturned, one of the cupboard doors was hanging on one hinge. Sheets, pillows, and papers had been lying around the room as a table was overturned.
"It wasn't like this the last time I saw it," Harry answered, remembering how this room was shared by the Weasley Twins. Surely, they didn't leave it like this, "Mrs. Weasley had us constantly cleaning this place. It was straightened up the last time we were here." Sirius nodded in agreement as the trio looked throughout the entire room, but the horcrux was nowhere to be seen. "Where now?" Harry asked.
"I guess we should start at the attic and make our way down," Regulus suggested.
"Why don't we just ask Kreacher?" Sirius asked, "He probably had to have found it at some point."
"He's still alive?" Regulus asked.
"Unfortunately." Harry murmured with his arms crossed.
"Kreacher!" Sirius bellowed. There was a pop and the old angry looking house elf popped into existence in front of the three men.
Kreacher's eyes lit up once he saw Regulus. "Master Regulus has returned!" he exclaimed, running over to hug Regulus's leg. "Kreacher has been waiting for the young master's return for many years."
"You knew he was alive?" Sirius growled. Kreacher nodded. "And you didn't tell me?"
"Master did not ask Kreacher about Master Regulus's well-being," Kreacher replied. Sirius sighed in exasperation.
"Where is the locket Kreacher?" Regulus asked, "I know you kept it safe somewhere."
Kreacher hunched over and bowed his head. "Kreacher cannot find the locket," he answered. Sirius threw his hands up in frustration and Harry threw his head back and exhaled through his teeth. "Someone came in and ransacked the Black Family home."
"Who?" Regulus asked, "Tell me Kreacher, who was it?"
"It was a short man with no hair," Kreacher began to answer, "He wore leather clothes and stunk of puking human cologne."
Harry and Sirius looked at one another. "Mundungus," they said in unison.
All lessons were suspended, all examinations postponed. Only the fifth to seventh year Slytherin Students had decided to stay in Hogwarts. Only a few random students were pulled from the school who wanted to stay safe in their homes. After Sirius spoke with the Minister, the Order, and the Professors of Hogwarts, it was decided that Hogwarts would become a safe haven for all those who've lost everything or felt it would be safer here in the castle. Parents of students have already begun to move into the castle with their things as teachers and Aurors help transfigure unused closets or classrooms into living quarters. Another Hall was created as well for other people to eat as well. It was also decided that classes would resume normally next term with a new headmaster.
Other than that, a memorial was going to be held for Dumbledore. Wizards and witches were pouring into the village from all over, preparing to pay their last respects to Dumbledore. Some excitement was caused among the younger students, who had never seen it before, when a powder-blue carriage the size of a house, pulled by a dozen giant winged palominos, came soaring out of the sky in the late afternoon before the funeral and landed on the edge of the forest. Meanwhile a delegation of Ministry officials, including the Minister of Magic himself, was being accommodated within the castle.
Things really seemed calm for a moment. Josh spent a lot of time with his friends and catching up with him. He never had to have apologized so much in his life. Most of his friends seemed to understand. Hermione and Tracey understood, but it didn't mean they were not going to be angry. As for Daphne, he tried every chance he got to talk to her, but she wouldn't give him time. She would always tell Josh she was busy or that she had to do something. Whenever Josh asked when they could talk, Daphne would just tell him to give her time. That she would speak to him when she was ready. Josh had no choice but to wait. Josh, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny spent a lot of time together in the Hospital Wing where their friends were recovering. Ron's mother, as most mothers, hadn't left her son's side, doting over him and Bill while they were recovering.
Neville was the first of their unconscious friends were to wake up followed by William, whose parents hadn't come back yet. Neville's Grandmother was in the castle and had coming running to his side once she learned he had woken up. She doted over him and praised him for fighting against the one who shattered her son and daughter in law's minds and coming out of it alive. Everyone, besides Josh, were surprised that Neville had been secretly training to be an Animagus. It was Josh's idea to keep Neville from training in Dark Magic. As for William, even those his parents weren't there, he was surprised to see Pansy was sitting next to his bed along with his good friend Luna. Both had been deep in conversation of the weird when he woke up. Pansy had informed him that his parents, more his father, was trying to convince the Denmark Ministry of Magic to help and aid in Britain's Wizarding World war.
Ron was the next to finally wake up. Tracey yelled out his name and was the first to his side followed my Molly and the rest of the Weasley clan. "You're all smothering me," Ron groaned out from being hugged by Tracye, Ginny, and Molly. The trio of women released him. He smiled tiredly, feeling the lover from his family. Josh, Harry, and Hermione waved from the front of his bed, glad to see he was awake.
"How are you feeling, dear?" Molly asked, touching her son's forehead.
"I think I'd feel better if I had some of your cooking, mum," Ron answered truthfully.
"Well, then my cooking you shall have," Molly smiled, standing up and deciding to go to the kitchens to cook some food for her youngest son.
Ron looked at his friends. "Did I miss anything?" He asked. Everyone took turns telling everything to Ron during the time he had been unconscious for, including the death of their Headmaster. "I can't believe it," Ron said when he heard about Dumbledore. "And it really was Snape?"
Harry nodded. "Right before my eyes," he said. "I thought we had a reading on Snape, but I guess we were wrong."
"We also lost Madam Pomfrey," Hermione informed, "A memorial was held yesterday for her and others, but Dumbledore's will be held soon. The minister is here to attend it as well."
"I expect the memorial attendance to be very high," Josh said, "Dumbledore was a prominent name, made a name for himself, and changed a lot of people lives."
Ron nodded and looked over at his brother Bill who was being watched of by Fleur Delacour. Ginny told him they were still getting married after everything and that even their mother approved of it. Ron smiled, admiring them, when a figure at the doors of the Hospital Wing caught his eye. "Percy?"
Everyone's heads turned towards the entrance of the room. There he was, the third eldest son of the Weasley Clan, Percy, holding his hands together, twiddling his thumbs. He looked nervous and uncomfortable as if he was in a place he was supposed to be. Slowly, Percy made his way over to Ron's and Bill's beds. His gaze was towards the floor, unable to look at his brothers or sister in the eye. Though it was the Twins, Ginny, and Charlie who were glaring at him. Bill looked too tired to glare and just stared normally at his younger brother. The silence was deafening and uncomfortable, but it was Ron who said the first word.
"Hey there, Perce," He said, "I was wondering when you were going to show up."
Percy looked up and gave a nervous smiled. "Hello, Ronald," he said, and then looked at his siblings. "Bill, Fred, George, Charlie, Ginny."
"What are you doing here, dunderhead?" Charlie asked with his arms crossed.
Percy winced at the name but swallowed. "I c-came to see my brothers," he answered, "I heard they were hurt and could have nearly d-died. I wanted to make sure they were okay."
"Is that all?" Ginny sneered, looking at Percy.
Percy shook his head. "No, it's not," he replied.
"Well, what is it then?" George asked. Percy opened his mouth but couldn't bring himself to speak.
"Go on, Spit it out." Fred added.
"I was a fool!" Percy roared, so loudly causing Josh, Harry, and Hermione to jump, and for others in the Hospital Wing to look his head. "I was a pompous prat, I was a- a-"
"Ministry loving, family-disowning, power-hungry moron," said Fred.
Percy swallowed and nodded. "Yes, I was!"
"Well, you can't say fairer than that," said Fred, holding out his hand to Percy.
Percy smiled and shook Fred's hand. Ginny ran over and hugged her brother as Charlie patted him on the shoulder. Percy looked over at Bill who gave him a nod of forgiveness. Ron smiled widely since it was nice to have his brother back no matter how much of a prat he could be.
There was a gasp. Percy turned to see his mother holding a tray of food looking straight at her third son. She burst into tears, dropped the tray of food ("My food!" Ron screeched.), ran forwards, pushed Charlie aside and pulled Percy into a strangling hug, while he patted her on the back, his eyes on his father. who had been behind her.
"I'm sorry, Dad," Percy said. Mr. Weasley blinked rather rapidly, then he, too, hurried to hug his son.
"What made you see sense, Perce?" inquired George.
"It's been coming on for a while," said Percy, mopping his eyes under his glasses with a corner of his travelling cloak. "But things just got worse and worse with this war, and all I could think about was my family. I came to realize that I needed to be by their side during these times. And I know you probably don't need me, but I am the one who needed you." Molly sniffed through her tears. It was comforting to see her family that was now whole once more.
Josh smiled at the reunion and couldn't be any more happier for the family. He watched as Percy apologized to Harry for his stupidity and apologized to him as well. Percy was making amends and fixing things he had messed up.
Though, not all families were together and happy. Draco was the one who didn't seem to be waking up. The news of what happened to him broke so many hearts, afraid he may not recover his mind. Narcissa never left her son's side. She didn't eat and she barely slept. Her son was her life, and if something worse would happen, there could be no stopping that women. A friend of Draco's had appeared a couple of days after the Battle of Hogwarts. It was Sophia. She had come as soon as she heard about Draco being hurt in the battle. She was shocked to learn of his condition and even cried with his mother. Josh walked over to his cousin's bed. Narcissa was sitting by his side, looking extremely exhausted. Sophia was on the other side, reading a book about obliviation and occlumency magic. She looked up to see Josh approaching.
"Wotcher, Black," She greeted solemnly.
"Roper," Josh greeted back, "No changes?"
Sophia shook her head. "None," she answered, "Bickles thinks Draco will be out for a little while and once he wakes up, things may be chaotic."
"How's she doing?" Josh nodded towards Narcissa.
"She hasn't moved at all today," Sophia answered, "Not even to go to the bathroom. She may still be in shock." Josh nodded. He stared at his cousin, wondering if there was a way to fix him and his mind. Maybe he could speak to his mother about it since she was an Obliviator and an expert in Occlumency and Legilimency. Maybe she had some theories? "He spoke highly of you, you know." Josh was shaken from his thoughts turning to Sophia. "Wanted to live up to you, do right by you. He said you changed him?"
Narcissa blinked.
"I changed him?" Josh repeated.
Sophia nodded. "He said it was you who showed him the true meaning of a pure-blooded wizard. Because of you, he wanted to show the people that the Malfoys could be a great wizarding family without having to use fear or dark magic to influence others."
Josh looked down at his cousin and couldn't help but admire him. Draco Malfoy had indeed come a long way from that pompous little ferret boy from fourth year. "I think he's already done that," Josh replied, "I may have showed him the way, but he has definitely shown others that the Malfoys can be good natured and good hearted." He turned to Sophia. "Nearly most of Slytherin house decided to stay here, most likely because of him. I may be an Heir of Slytherin, but I think Draco has shown what it really means to be a Slytherin, even more than Salazar Slytherin himself. I am proud to call him my family. Both of you," he said, glancing at Narcissa who had been looking right back at Josh with tears in her eyes. "We will find a way to heal him. Whatever it takes."
Narcissa nodded. "I know you will," she spoke hoarsely. "I have faith in you. Bring my son back."
Josh rose early the next day. Downstairs he found the mood in the Great Hall subdued. Everybody was wearing their dress robes, and no one seemed very hungry. Professor McGonagall had left the thronelike chair in the middle of the staff table empty. Hagrid's chair was deserted too: Harry thought that perhaps he had not been able to face breakfast; but Snape's place had been unceremoniously filled by Rufus Scrimgeour. It was mostly quiet, but the great hall was still filled with some mutters and murmurs. Josh sat with his family, Harry, Hermion, and the Weasleys. The sky was grey and cloud, matching the mood in the castle.
After a while, Professor McGonagall had risen to her feet and the mournful hum in the Hall died away at once. 'It is nearly time,' she said. 'Please follow the Heads of House out into the grounds. Gryffindors and their families, after me.' They filed out from behind their benches in near silence.
Josh glimpsed Slughorn at the head of the Slytherin column, wearing magnificent long emerald-green robes embroidered with silver. His crowd mostly consisted as students seeing as their parents were followers of the Dark Lord or more shared his views. Josh had never seen Professor Sprout, Head of the Hufflepuffs, looking so clean; there was not a single patch on her hat, and when they reached the Entrance Hall, they found Madam Pince standing beside Filch, she in a thick black veil that fell to her knees, he in an ancient black suit and tie reeking of mothballs.
They were heading, as Josh saw when he stepped out on to the stone steps from the front doors, towards the lake. The coolness of the pre-rain breeze caressed his face as they followed Professor McGonagall in silence to the place where hundreds of hundreds of chairs had been set out in rows. An aisle ran down the center of them: there was a marble table standing at the front, all chairs facing it.
An extraordinary assortment of people had already settled into half of the chairs: shabby and smart, old and young. Most Josh did not recognize, but there were a few that he did, including members of the Order of the Phoenix: Mad-Eye Moody, Tonks, her hair miraculously returned to vividest pink, Remus Lupin, with whom she seemed to be holding hands, Arlo Cortez, Isaac Underhill, and Eric Everheart, each wearing respective black suits. Then there was Madame Maxime, who took up two-and-a-half chairs on her own, Tom, the landlord of the Leaky Cauldron, Arabella Figg, Harry's Squib neighbor, the hairy bass player from the wizarding group the Weird Sisters, Ernie Prang, driver of the Knight Bus, Madam Malkin, of the robe shop in Diagon Alley, and some people whom Josh merely knew by sight like the witch the witch who pushed the trolley on the Hogwarts Express or Madam Rosmerta from the Three Broomsticks. Josh's eyes landed on the bartender of Hog's Head. He never really looked at the tall man with long gray-haired, and black and grey beard. Josh thought he resembled Dumbledore a little. The castle ghosts were there too, barely visible in the bright sunlight, discernible only when they moved, shimmering insubstantially in the gleaming air.
Josh, Harry, Hermione, Sirius, Sandra (While holding Artie), Rina, and Regulus sat at the end of the row beside the lake. The Weasley's sat behind them. Someone sat next to Josh. He turned to see it was Daphne, followed by Tracey, Astoria, and their father. People were whispering to each other; it sounded like a breeze in the grass, but the birdsong was louder by far. The crowd continued to swell; with a great rush of affection for both of them, Josh saw Neville being helped by Luna, helping him into a seat next to his Gran. She and her father sat next to them. Pansy and William sat together. Dean was there as well, sitting next to Ginny in a wheelchair.
Cornelius Fudge walked past them towards the front rows, his expression miserable, twirling his green bowler hat as usual; Josh next recognized Rita Skeeter, who had a notebook clutched in her red-taloned hand; and then, with a worse jolt of fury, Dolores Umbridge, an unconvincing expression of grief upon her toadlike face, a black velvet bow set atop her iron-colored curls. At the sight of the centaur Firenze, who was standing like a sentinel near the water's edge, she gave a start and scurried hastily into a seat a good distance away. The staff were seated at last. Josh could see Scrimgeour looking grave and dignified in the front row with Professor McGonagall. He wondered whether Scrimgeour or any of these important people were really sorry that Dumbledore was dead.
Voices began to quiet down. Josh turned to see Hagrid was walking slowly up the aisle between the chairs. He was crying quite silently, his face gleaming with tears, and in his arms, wrapped in purple velvet spangled with golden stars, was what Josh knew to be Dumbledore's body. Josh looked solemn, knowing with the passing of Dumbledore in these times, some hope was going to be lost in others. Harry was shaking, trying to hold in his feeling for having lost a mentor, a friend, and an once grandfather figure. Ron looked white and shocked. Tears were falling thick and fast into both Daphne's and Hermione's laps. A hand reached over and grabbed Josh's hand. He knew it was Daphne's and gripped it back. Right now, she wasn't mad, but terribly sad and need the comfort of the one she loved. They could not see clearly what was happening at the front. Hagrid seemed to have placed the body carefully upon the table and then retreated down the aisle.
A minute later, a little tufty-haired man in plain black robes had got to his feet and stood now in front of Dumbledore's body. Josh could not hear what he was saying. Odd words floated back to them over the hundreds of heads. 'Nobility of spirit' … 'intellectual contribution' … 'greatness of heart' … it did not mean very much. Josh looked at the lake to see the merpeople had come to listen as well. They weren't the only ones. Centaurs were at the edge of the forest to pay their respects, standing silently, half-hidden in shadow. There was a muffle sob. Josh turned to Harry who had finally let his feelings go and began to cry on Hermione's shoulder.
The little man in black had stopped speaking at last and resumed his seat. Josh waited for somebody else to get to their feet; he expected speeches, probably from the Minister, but nobody moved. Then several people screamed. Bright, white flames had erupted around Dumbledore's body and the table upon which it lay: higher and higher they rose, obscuring the body. White smoke spiraled into the air and made strange shapes: Josh thought, for one heart-stopping moment, that he saw a phoenix fly joyfully into the blue, but next second the fire had vanished. In its place was a white marble tomb, encasing Dumbledore's body and the table on which he had rested. There were a few more cries of shock as a shower of arrows soared through the air, but they fell far short of the crowd. It was, Josh knew, the centaurs' tribute: he saw them turn tail and disappear back into the cool trees. Likewise, the merpeople sank slowly back into the green water and were lost from view. Sunlight burst through the clouds, shining onto the white tomb, as if the heavens were blessing it or picking up Dumbledore's soul and leading him into greatness and finally peace.
And then, it was over. People began to disperse, to either leave or head into the castle. Many of the adults were the ones leaving as most of the students had stayed seated. Daphne wrapped her arm around Josh's arm and scooted closer, leaning her head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry," Josh whispered, a tear rolling down his cheek as the weight of his feelings began to overwhelm him. "I'm so sorry."
Daphne nodded. "I forgive you," she whispered back.
Harry stood up, looking at his classmates that stayed behind. Mostly fifth to seventh years and all of the remaining DA. Harry smiled at all of them. "Unity," he said, "I think that's one of Dumbledore's greatest ideas. Through him, me, and the DA; as I look at every one of you, the Gryffindors, the Hufflepuffs, the Ravenclaws, and yes, even the Slytherins. All of us together."
"Hear, hear!" a random Gryffindor shouted. Other shouts followed after.
"All of you have done well," Harry continued, "But I think it's time to for you to let the adults handle things." Everyone looked confused. "You're young. You should go to class and live your lives."
"What about you?" Someone shouted.
"I don't have that luxury," Harry replied, "So, I won't be returning for my seventh year. I am enemy number one, and I have things that I have to do, on my own."
"It doesn't matter if you come back or not, Potter," Goyle shouted from the crowd. "Because we'll always be on your side!" There were many shouts of agreement and nods.
A minute later, many of the students left back to the castle. Harry, Josh, Ron, Hermione, Daphne, and Tracey all walked over to the edge of the lake. Hermione took a hold of Harry's hand, "I knew you weren't going to finish your seventh year," she said, "But then what will you do?"
'I'm going back to the Dursleys' once more, because Dumbledore wanted me to,' said Harry. 'But it'll be a short visit, and then I'll be gone for good.'
"Will you be coming back to the Castle with us?" Josh curiously asked. Josh and Sirius had already discussed this and decided it was best for the whole family to remain at Hogwarts. To keep everyone safe.
Harry shook his head. "No, I thought I might go back to Godric's Hollow,' he muttered. "For me, it started there, all of it. I've just got a feeling I need to go there. And I can visit my parents' graves, I'd like that.'
'And then what?' said Ron.
'Then I've got to track down the rest of the Horcruxes, haven't I?' said Harry, his eyes upon Dumbledore's white tomb, reflected in the water on the other side of the lake. "That's what he wanted me to do, that's why he told me all about them. If Dumbledore was right – and I'm sure he was – there are still four of them out there. I've got to find them and destroy them and then I've got to go after the seventh bit of Voldemort's soul, the bit that's still in his body, and I'm the one who's going to kill him. And if I meet Severus Snape along the way,' he added, 'so much the better for me, so much the worse for him.
There was a long silence. The crowd had almost dispersed now, the stragglers giving the monumental figure of Grawp a wide berth as he cuddled Hagrid, whose howls of grief were still echoing across the water.
'We'll be there, Harry,' said Ron.
'What?' Harry said.
"After your aunt and uncle's house,' said Ron. "We'll go with you, wherever you're going." Tracey nodded in agreement.
'No –' said Harry quickly.
'You said to us once before,' said Hermione quietly, 'that there was time to turn back if we wanted to. We've had time, haven't we?'
'We're with you whatever happens,' said Ron. 'But, mate, you're going to have to come round my mum and dad's house before we do anything else, even Godric's Hollow.'
'Why?' 'Bill and Fleur's wedding, remember?'
Harry looked at him, startled; the idea that anything as normal as a wedding could still exist seemed incredible and yet wonderful. 'Yeah, we shouldn't miss that,' he said finally. Harry then turned to Josh and Daphne. "What about you two?"
Daphne and Josh shared a glance. "I think by skills are better off with Healing and taking care of the injured," she said, and then looked into Tracey's eyes. "But I will be there for whenever you need me." Tracey's eyes shimmered with tears and nodded.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione turned to Josh. "And you?" Ron asked, "Our fourth musketeer? You've always been there for all our adventures."
Josh smiled, "I would love to help you," he started, "But this is Harry's journey, his adventure, his task. I have my own in this war." His eyes landed on Rina who was at another part of the lake, staring ahead. He then turned to Harry and smiled. "But if you ever need my help?" Josh reached into his pocket and pulled out his DA coin. The same coin Harry had sent him a message over to inform him that Sirius was in trouble back in fifth year. "I'm always one message away."
After their little talk, castle grounds were still filled with small grounds. Josh was walking around looking for his father. "Josh!" Josh turned to see his father near the front doors of the castle waving him over. Josh ran over.
"Hey, I wanted to ask you something," Josh said.
"Of course," Sirius nodded, "But first, I'd like to introduce you to some people." Sirius led his son into the Entrance Hall where Regulus was standing with a few people. His mother, Artie, and the Tonks were there as well.
Regulus smiled once he saw his nephew. "Joshua!" He exclaimed. "Come, meet my wife." Josh's eyes widened when Regulus stepped aside.
A slender woman as tall as him came into view with a wide polite smile. She bowed. "It's nice to meet you, Joshua," she spoke in a thick Japanese accent. "I am Keiko. These are our children." Two children came into view. Teenagers, but younger than Josh. "Hoshi," Keiko pointed to a skinny black-haired boy with grey eyes. "And Seina." She waved over to a short curly haired girl with blue eyes. Josh looked astonished. When this whole thing started, it was just him and his mother, but now his family seemed to keep growing.
The door of a prison cell squawked and squealed as it was opened. A body of a sixteen-year-old was thrown into the cell, groaning in pain as he hit the cell floor. A death eater laughed. "Enjoy your new home, Nott junior!" He shut the cell door.
Theodore Nott growled in anger as he jumped up and ran over to the door, grabbing onto the bars. "If I had my wand," he said through his teeth, "I'd wipe the stone floor with you!"
The death eater glared at the young boy and moved closer to the door. "The only reason you're alive is because of your father!" he spat. "Otherwise, I'd rip you in half, you blood traitor." The death eater spat at Nott and left. Nott angrily wiped his face and turned away from the door. He growled in anger, kicking a nearby bucket and mentally kicking himself for getting caught. But what else could he do? He had to save Tracey.
"Yous should save your strength." Nott heard a feminine voice speak. "You may need it in the coming months." Nott looked around, wondering where he was hearing the voice. "Over here, child." Nott looked over to see a softball sized hole in the wall. He walked over to the hole and looked into it, seeing someone familiar. It was a woman with red hair.
"Aren't you..." Nott said, squinting his eyes. "Amelia Bones?" The woman gave an affirming nod. "I thought you were dead?"
"They're going to wish they had killed me." Ameila said, "Because once we get out of here, I'm going to burn every one of them to a crisp."
A couple of days had passed. Josh was packing up the attic of his grandfather's home, gathering anything they could to move to their new home at Hogwarts in case everything gets destroyed. Josh rummaged through boxes, finding clothes, paintings, old furniture, and other trinkets of sorts. Josh picked up a box, accidentally knocking over a small skinny cabinet. It was a loud boom, but also, something seemed to fall out of it.
"Everything alright up there?" Josh heard his mom shout from the second floor.
"Yeah, I'm alright," Josh replied, looking at a small, wrapped package that had fell out of the cabinet. Josh walked over and picked up the package. There was a small note attached to it. Josh recognized his grandfather's handwriting. The note read: FOR JOSH ON HIS SEVENTEENTH BIRTHDAY. "What?" he breathed out, looking around. This package was for him. He was meant to get it from his grandfather on his seventeenth birthday, which could have happened if he were still alive. Josh opened the box, reaching in and pulling out a beautiful object. It fit on the palm of his hand, almost as big. It was pyramid-shaped, silver and emerald lining. But what was the most beautiful of wall, was that Josh could see inside the pyramid. Inside was lights and stars as if it were a small universe inside this pyramid. Josh smiled at the gift and looked up. "Thanks, Grandpa."
"Ahem."
Josh turned to see Daphne at the entrance of the attic looking stoic. "Daphne," He said, "What are you doing here?"
"I came to talk to you," Daphne said, "Do you have a moment?"
Josh nodded, pocketing the pyramid and leading Daphne down and into his old bedroom. Josh turned to curiously look at Daphne. "What did you want to talk about?"
Daphne looked down and then up at Josh. "Josh," she began, "These past few weeks have been rough and difficult, for the both of us." Josh nodded in agreement. "And we both now have a lot going on right now, with my newfound Healing activities and you with your fighting."
Josh raised an eyebrow. "We have been busier than usual."
"And then you're about to start going on secret missions with Harry and your uncle or whoever needs your help," Daphne continued.
Josh looked into Daphne's eyes which were brimming with tears. "Daphne? What's wrong? What's going on?" he asked.
"I think we should take a break," Daphne in one breath. "At least until the war is over."
Josh looked taken aback. "What?!" He exclaimed. "Daphne - "
" - Josh," Daphne interrupted. "Don't try. I think this is best. Plus, who knows how often we will see each other."
"I understand that" Josh said, "But that doesn't warrant a break from our relationship."
Daphne walked up to Josh, grabbing his hands. "Josh," she started and looked up at him. "Right now, our relationship is a distraction from what's most important which is ending this war. We have other responsibilities right now. I know it and so do you."
Josh closed his eyes and sighed in defeat. He knew Daphne was right. This war, Voldemort's horcruxes, and defeating his cousin were going to be his main focus. There wasn't going to be a lot of time for Daphne or their relationship. "You're right," he relented, opening his eyes and looking at Daphne. Josh nodded. "Okay, but I want to hear from you any chance you get which means letters. During your free time."
Daphne smiled. "I think that should go both ways." Josh returned her smile and hugged her tightly.
Minutes later, Daphne left the residence. Josh sighed a reached into his pocket. He pulled out the item that was in his pocket. He stared at the pyramid shaped item in his hand, thinking it now useless and tossed it aside. He sighed and looked out the window as it began to rain in the area.
"You shouldn't toss items aside so easily; they may actually be important.'
Josh blinked and slowly turned around. Someone was in his room. He was tall, blonde, with glazed over eyes. He seemed to be a man in his early 20's. "Who are you? How'd you get in here?" He asked, reaching into his pocket.
"You brought me here," The man smiled as if it was obvious and then pointed at the silver pyramid. Josh furrowed his brow, looking at the pyramid and then back at the man. "I called it a tri-moria. I created it and put my memory into it."
"Tri-moria?" Josh repeated. "Sounds a lot like a horcrux."
The man shook his head. "That's dark magic," he replied, "What I did, was an amazing kind of magic, pursued and created with knowledge and a great deal of research. A way to put my memory into an important object without having to tear apart my soul. Similar to a painting, but more extraordinary."
"Who are you?" Josh asked.
The man smiled. "First, I must say, the only for me to be out here is for a relative of mine to let me out just by a simple touch and a simple need." Josh tilted his head. What the man had said meant that he was Josh's ancestor, but which one? At first, He suspected it to be a younger version of his grandfather, but he didn't have blond hair.
"My name is Ominus," the man said. "Ominus Gaunt."
And there you have it! The ending of this sixth book and I would like to apologize for how long it took to finish this. And I don't know how long it will take me to finish the next one. But I do plan on finishing it. Joshua Black and the Fate of the Wizarding World. I will keep a lot of similar things like the Seven Potters but different and I will have josh doing a bunch of other stuff, and maybe see other things from different perspectives, like how did the Ministry fall? Stay Tuned.
