"Do not say a word. Quietly follow me, and no matter what you see or what you hear stay quiet and look away." Vernon looked ready to protest but stopped at the sign of Harry's wand. The three nodded and they entered a rustic looking tavern.
Harry lifted his hair lightly enough so that the keeper would see it, said keeper cursed under his breath. " Do I look like a railway station to you? You lot coming and going through my tavern. It's like you're trying to get me killed!"
Harry gave a worried glance. "What do you mean?" The man sighed, "Your friends have been coming and going through here, bringing people back and forth. Don't worry he'll be coming soon."
Harry looked confused, and it was then that ron spotted the painting. "Hey, it looks like its getting closer." the portrait swung open, "Neville!" the man smiled.
Dirt stained his face, but a smile evident. "Come on, we got to move." Harry hoped that Uncle Vernon wouldn't put up a fuss.
"Guys I have a surprise!" As soon as he stepped out of the way cheers erupted.
"Harry!"
It seemed all houses, with the exception of slytherin had gathered in the ROR. "Good to have you back Harry!" Seamus stepped up. "Who do you have with you?" One asked
Harry sighed. "These are my relatives. My Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon and Cousin Duddley." The three were given a warm welcome despite the look of disgust on their faces. "Harry!" in came Ginny.
fuck.
They locked gazes longingly before looking away. "We're looking for something. something that could help stop you know who, and its hidden here in the castle."
One of the ravenclaws perked up, "What is it?"
"We dont know."
Another questioned, "What does it look like."
"We don't know that either."
"Well that's bloody helpful." It was then that luna spoke up. "What about the lost diadem of ravenclaw?" They all looked at her. "Nobody?"
After a short discussion they had dispersed. Harry turned to Ron and Hermione. "Now that we don't have the sword we need something else that will destroy it. Hermione took a minute to think before gasping. "Basilisk Venom." Harry nodded. "Me and Ron will go get it, you find the diadem."
"Wait boy! What about us?" Harry sent a glare. "You are to stay here. This is the only place left that is safe. Please don't try to pick fights with anyone here. We don't need that in the middle of the war. " Vernon quieted down, hesitantly nodding. At that Harry ran out of the ROR.
The family quietly sat in a corner ignoring everyone else until one of them approached. "Hello, Sir, Ma'am. I just wanted to thank you for taking care of Harry. I know it probably wasn't easy with the chance of dying high, but you were brave. I and everyone else wants to thank you for caring for him so he could become the hero that he is today."
Vernon looked somewhat furious and Petunia looked shocked. "There's no need to thank us. It was our duty." Petunia answered before Vernon could create a commotion.
A loud crack was heard and then crowd gathered at the center of the room, curious, Dudley went to check it out. At the center were two tall redheaded men, identical. He realized that he knew these men, and hurried back to their corner, his mind plagued with the memories of candy and abnormally long tongues.
"How is everyone?" Loud cheers erupted. "Where is Harry, Hermione and Ron?"
Luna spoke, "They went to go find the lost diadem of ravenclaw." Sharing a look the two nodded before putting their bags down. Harry, carrying draco malfoy, and Ron carrying Blaise Zabini followed by Hermione entered. Cries of outrage came at the sight of the two slytherins.
"Quiet! They are on our side. They were injured in our search for the diadem. One of the slytherins cast fiendfyre, Draco and Blaise almost got caught." Hesitantly they made way so Harry and Ron could lay the two unconcious men down. "War is coming. those who are under the age of 17 will leave for hiding, those who are of age and wish to fight may stay. "
Many of the underclassmen protested, wanting to stay and fight. "You are all minors. This war is dangerous, and as much as it pains me to say this, not everyone will survive. We will loose friends and family. You must leave for your saftey and for your families."
Dejected they nodded and evacuation began. Small groups of 5 were being led out by other adults present. Others saying tearful goodbyes and plotting strategies.
"Right. Those who plan to fight please gather." quite a large group of people he grew up with came closer.
"Thank you for choosing to fight. This war wont be easy. I couldn't have asked for a more amazing team to lead into battle. The order will be fighting along side us. That is our only advantage i'm afraid. It has been an honor to grow up and learn with you all, and I hope we will all see each other after this war. As of now all of you are granted Dumbledores Army honorary first class members." They cheered and Harry nodded.
"We must head out now, Voldemort and his death eaters are right outside the wards, we must go and position." Harry then turned to his family.
"You must stay here. I beg of you. No matter what you hear, you must stay here. This is the only safe place left in Hogwarts. I know you don't like it here, and you don't like magic, but please listen otherwise you will die. As much as I dislike you I would never wish death upon you, not if I could stop it." Vernon huffed and looked away, Petunia gazed up at her nephew, he was a completely different person right now, she nodded along with Duddley who looked determined. With that Harry turned back to his classmates and nodded, at the signal they flooded to the doors, running to stand at defense.
They watched as Harry ran through the doors, and suddenly they were alone. It was quiet, eerily quiet, and Petunia Dursley was scared. It was while before chaos broke out. Sounds of things being blasted and broken, people screaming and yelling words they didn't understand. It was an hour, maybe two before a loud banging on the door startled the huddled family. They didn't dare get up to answer it.
Suddenly the door was blasted open, and in walked a woman, her hair was an unruly curly black, contrasting with her pale complexion. An insanity seemed to lurk in her eyes, a wide grin spreading over her face as she came closer.
"Muggles. I'll have pleasure in killing you." The woman raised her wand when Duddley yelled, "Please. My cousin wouldn't spare you if you killed us. Go ahead and try, you'll die." Petunia looked shocked at her son, tears welling in her eyes. "Oh? And who might this cousin of yours be?" Her curiosity peaked, "Harry Potter." A loud cackled left her lips as she bound them. "Oh how great! Little Potter's family all nicely packaged and presented for us. The fool, was stupid enough to bring you here. Don't worry I wont kill you, my master has use of you yet." With that she imperioused them and led them to their awaiting death.
In the middle of the battle field the death eaters had retreated. Something was most certainly wrong.
"Harry Potter, if you wish to save your friends, and family give yourself up. We will be awaiting you in the forbidden forest. Your dear aunt, uncle and cousin are waiting for you." Harry cursed underneath his breath.
"Ron, go check the ROR, check if they really are gone. Send a patronus back asap." Ron nodded and ran off. "Harry! You can't actually be contemplating to give yourself up do you?!" Harry sighed, he needed to strategize. A sudden idea swam to his mind. He pulled Hermione to the side.
" 'Mione, You know that I am a horcrux right?" She slowly nodded. "Then don't worry. He'll kill me, and the horcrux will die. After that he is mortal. You can kill him. Anyone is fair game now. You won't need me after that."
Tears flowed freely down her cheeks at the thought of loosing her best friend. She nodded and then Ron's patronus galloped through."Harry, They're gone." Nodding, Harry pulled away and went to greet his team.
"Thank you for trusting me, and fighting bravely alongside me. Your support and love is what kept me going, and now it is time for me to end this. If I die, once I die, You all will have to carry on fighting. Defeat Voldemort. You don't need me for that. You are all strong, brave warriors, and I will forever be in your gratitude."
Harry tuned out the protests as he turned towards Ron. "Thank you for being my first friend. Thank you for sticking by me. I will never forget how you've changed me. " The two nodded at each other, Ron reluctantly looked away as his best friend walked into the path of the forbidden forest.
--
"Time's up. Looks like Potter doesn't care after all." Bellatrix moved her wand when a voice shouted.
"Wait! I'm here. Let them go." Hagrid was locked in chains, along with the Dursleys. "Drop your wand boy." Voldemort sneered, Harry sent a glare his way before slowly dropping his wand. "Did you really think you could defeat me, halfblood?!" He let a bark of laughter.
"You're pathetic and weak. You cannot defeat me." Quickly, he pointed his wand and an instant killing curse was sent his way. Tearfully, Harry accepted it, falling to the ground.
"Is he dead?"
Narcissa Malfoy leaned down to inspect the boy and to her surprise his eyes opened. Her hair hid the expression as she whispered, "Is draco safe?" harry smiled in affirmative. With that The Lady Malfoy stood up and announced The Boy Who Lived, dead. Cheers errupted through out the death eaters, meanwhile tears wet the cheeks of they boy's dear friend, and unloving family.
"You!" The mad man pointed to Hagrid, "Pick him up and follow. We shall show the defiers that their precious leader is dead." The Dursleys were forced to walk behind them, tears streaming down their faces.
Petunia never imagined anything would happen like this, to her nephew nonetheless. Only now was the weight of her actions falling down on her. She treated him so badly, and he? He had been nothing, but kind, and patient. He had chosen to protect them and died trying. It was all her fault. Her, and her stupid, reckless jealousy.
"Behold!" Voldemort's voice echoed, "Your precious Hero is dead!" Many of them stood strong, pain glimmering in their eyes, but determination following after.
A few other collapsed to the ground tears streaming down their faces. "I will be merciful. Those of you who choose to give up this meaningless fight and join my death eaters will be allowed to."
No one stepped forward a smirk fell over Voldemort's face, not to be misjudged with the anger in his eyes.
"Draco. Come join your parents." reluctantly Draco accepted and walked to wards him. Quickly rushing to his parents who apparated out that second. Neville stepped forward a frown set upon his face.
"Ah, I'm sure we can find a place for you too." Neville disregarded the dark lords hand,
"I'm not going to join you." Surprise flashed across Voldemort's face. "Just because Harry is gone doesn't mean we'll stop fighting. He wanted us to fight, and win. He died trying to protect us. He is our savior. We will not give up."
Voldemort readily raised his want to curse the boy when an unexpected voice yelled, "Wait." The Boy Who Lived tumbled out of Hagrid's hold. "Guess you messed up Voldie. Still can't kill me huh?"
Enraged war broke out once again. Fearfully the Dursleys were stuck in the middle of it all unable to move. "Finite Incantem." Suddenly they could move.
"Follow me." A flash of red blazed past them and they hurried to follow. They reached a small nook inside the castle, they could see the battle, but they were hidden from sight. They turned to see it was a red haired woman who saved them.
"You're one of those weasels aren't you?" The woman sighed. "Weasley. I'm Ginny. You should be safe here. You're lucky to have a nephew like Harry. Who despite hating you for making him suffer, cared enough to keep you safe." with that she left.
They watched the second battle unfold. children dropping to the floor and not getting back up.
For a second it seemed like the dark were winning when Harry blasted Voldemort several feet away. Almost undettered he got up fully facing back, both sent out curses at the same time, their magic colliding together. Neither letting up on their attack pushing and getting pushed back.
Somehow Voldemort was disarmed and a wand went flying towards Harry. "You we're wrong on the owner of the wand. It wasn't Snape. It was Me."
The dark lord got up once more casting curses with all his might. It was obvious that Harry wasn't unscathed. He was getting hit, but never let up.
In a midst of light Voldemort lost and this time he withered away. Harry's breath was labored it took a second before people started cheering.
The remaining death eaters disapparated. The war was over. People immediately rushed to pick up the fallen. Many people breaking into tears. Ginny came back a wide grin on her face.
"It is safe now. Come, we'll get you patched up." the family of three hurried behind the fiery haired female.
They entered - what was left of the castle. Cots were lined up the sides of the walls, many were covered with white sheets, people who didn't survive. The family of red heads were gathered around one cot, gasping Ginny ran to them.
Collapsing when she saw who was laying there. The whole family in tears. Harry dreadingly walked over to them. Gasping at his maurauder companion. The Dursleys watched the saddening scene.
After a while the family dispersed going off to help restore the damage. Harry approached them.
"Why haven't you guys gotten healed yet?" They stood there awkwardly sighing. "Follow me." Harry was surprised none of them said anything, they quietly followed him. They must be traumatized.
"Did they do anything to you?" Duddley piped up then, "They did some sort of magic and I couldn't move or say anything ." Harry nodded, "Is that all?" They nodded.
Harry let out a breath of relief. "Thank Merlin." Petunia was shocked at her nephews honest display of relief, as was her husband and son.
"You all havd mostly bruising, you all will be fine." He cast a simple healing charm on the three and smiled. "You don't have to worry about me coming back. I wont. I'm of age now and Voldemort is dead. You three can enjoy a magic free life."
Harry tried not to let it show, but it hurt him to say it. Yes, he hated going back there every summer. He had hated them, but they were still his family; the only blood family he had left. for the first time since they got here Petunia spoke, "Where will you go?"
They just kept surprising him today. Did his aunt actually sound like she cared? "I'll stay at Grimmauld, I inherited Sirius' house after he died. So it's technically mine now." At that moment one of the DA came running towards him.
"Harry, Professor McGonagall is asking to see you and your family. They're at the front of the school." Harry nodded and got up, "You guys good to get up?" They silently nodded and got up to follow.
As soon as they entered loud cheers erupted. Harry smiled, still slightly shy. "We want to thank you for your services. Our honored Savior." Harry gladly accepted hugs, and shyly nodded when asked for an autograph.
By now the Dursleys had somewhat of an idea that their nephew was known, but this, this was worshiped.
After the small celebration the crowd dispersed and people went back to helping repair the ruined school, including Harry who was levitating pieces of rocks and placing them back while another recited a spell that fixed the rest of that column. At their first sight of non- threatening magic the Dursleys were amazed. Children younger than their dear Duddley were doing amazing things.
Harry found a place to stop and returned to the Dursleys. "I'm sorry, I got caught in repairs and I forgot about sending you home." Petunia shook her head.
"Don't. You're needed here." Harry smiled a little shocked. "Right. iy can get you home, if that's alright with you." They nodded, and he turned and called over Hermione.
"Hey, I need your help to apparate them back home." She nodded and held Petunia's hand while Harry grabbed onto Vernon and Duddley. "It's best if you bend your knees slightly and hold your breath."
Confused; They did as told and in the next second they appeared in their familiar living room. Harry led them to the couches
"Sit, apparating isn't very nice to first timers. I'll just go get my things and then you'll never see me again." Harry turned towards the staircase when he heard his aunt.
"You're welcome back anytime, Harry." It was soft, but he heard it, giving a slight nod he walked upstairs.
He gathered his things and quickly left a note to his aunt and uncle. "If you would ever like to visit, No. 12 Grimmauld Place. memorize, Harry Potter lives at No. 12 Grimmauld Place." With one lat glance he turned and apparated back to Hogwarts.