Quidditch League Fanfiction Competition, Season 11, (Round 3)

Team: Falmouth Falcons

Position: Seeker

Prompt: Write about the impact of someone's words to another

Word Count: 1,066

Warnings: AU!Apocalypse; Character Death


In the shattered remains of a once vibrant city, Harry and his small band of survivors huddled together in the ruins of an old library for shelter from the relentless rain of ash that fell from the now darkened sky. The world had ended years ago, consumed by a fire and chaos that left only desolation in its wake.

Harry had stepped up and become the de facto leader of their small group, a role he had reluctantly taken on after the death of their previous leader, Remus Lupin. He had been a calm but fierce back that was willing to do whatever it took to ensure the survival of those closest to them. Even as he was worn down by the constant struggle for food, water, and shelter he never gave up his optimistic hope that one day they would be safe and that the world could be rebuilt.

Now thought, it was up to Harry to lead them, to find a way to survive. But as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months, hope began to fade. They had scavenged was supplies they could form the ruins of the city, but their stores were running low. Without food, they would not last much longer.

Harry knew what he had to do. He called a meeting and they gathered together in the remains of the library's reading room. The faces that looked back at him were weary and gaunt, their eyes filled with a mixture of fear and resignation.

"I have a plan," Harry said, his voice low but steady, "It's risky, but I think it might be our only chance. We need food. The only place left to find it is in the central market-"

"Isn't that place heavily guarded?" Ron interrupted.

"Yes," Harry said with a solemn nod.

The others exchanged nervous glances. The group that guarded the market were well known for their brutality. They took whatever they wanted by force and left death and destruction in their wake. Harry and Remus had both managed to keep the group safe enough, but it seemed their clash was now imminent.

"What's the plan then?" asked Hermione, her voice barely more than a whisper.

"We'll create a distraction," Harry replied, "While they're focused on us, a small team will sneak into the market and gather as much food as they can carry. Then, we'll make our escape before they realize what's happening."

It was a risky plan, but it was their only hope. The group set to work and gathered what supplies they could and prepared for the dangerous mission ahead. AS night fell, they crept out of the library and made their way through the darkened streets towards the center of the city.

The market was well guarded just like they knew it would be, but they looked ready for a fight. But they were prepared as well. Harry, Luna, and Colin split off and moved toward the area they would scale the wall once Ron and Hermione's group started their attack.

While the battle raged on in the streets, the trio climbed the wall and slipped into the market. As they filled their bags with food, Harry heard footsteps echoing in the distance and he realized that escape would not be easy.

Harry's thoughts raced as he tried to make a decision. He knew that if they were caught, the raiders would kill them all without mercy. But if he stayed behind, if he sacrificed himself, the others would have a chance at survival.

As the decision settled over him his mind recalled one of the last conversations that he had with Remus.

"Why would you do this?!" Harry screamed at Remus who lay bloody on the cot.

"Because sometimes, Harry, sacrifice is necessary. I knew that my chances of survival were slim, and I couldn't bear the thought of putting the group at risk because of my own selfish desire to live."

Harry snapped back to the present and finished helping the others prepare to leave. Harry kept looking over his shoulder, he panicked when he heard the footsteps getting closer. Just as Colin and Luna crossed the doorway threshold Harry reached up and pulled the barred door closed.

"Harry!" Luna yelled and slammed back into the door, frantically trying to pull it back open.

"I'll hold them off," Harry said, "Get out of here, and don't look back."

Luna shook her head, "Don't do this. There has to be another way."

"Because, Luna, sometimes sacrifice is necessary."

Colin pulled Luna away from the door and gave Harry a solemn nod as they disappeared into the darkness, their bags full of food and hope for the future.

Alone now, Harry turned to face the oncoming guards. Harry stood firm, his back against a crumbling wall, determination etched on his face. The guards closed in, their weapons raised, ready to strike.

With a roar, he launched himself at them, his axe and machete cut through the air. Despite his skill and determination, Harry was outnumbered and outmatched. The guards were relentless, their attacks came from all sides and Harry could only defend so much. He fought for as long as possible, his body aching and bloodies, every fiber of his being focused on the single goal of buying his friends as much time as they needed to escape.

As the first rays of dawn broke over the horizon and painted the sky with streaks of pink and gold, Harry's strength finally gave out. He collapsed to the ground, his body wracked with pain, his breath came in rapid gasps. He looked around him and saw the bodies of the guards that surrounded him, only a couple were groaning in pain, the others were lifeless.

With a final grunt of effort Harry pushed himself up to rest against a wall and looked out over the ruined city. In the distance, he saw a flare shoot up into the sky and smiled. They had made it to safety. He had bought them enough time.

As his eyes closed for the last time, Harry finally understood what Remus had told him. He had sacrificed himself so that others could live, a worthwhile end. Even though he would never see if a new world would rise from the ashes, he knew that his friends would carry on fighting for a better future.