Chapter 101. Facing the Winds
Twilight was falling on Privet Drive. In the Dursley house, there was a tense atmosphere of anticipation. Harry anxiously glanced at the clock — the time was approaching the set time. Sitting next to him was Ellen, calm and focused. Despite her apparent composure, Harry could see the tension in her shoulders. He gently covered her hand with his as a sign of support. She gratefully smiled at him.
Downstairs, members of the Order of the Phoenix, led by Mad-Eye, were discussing the final details of the plan. Despite all their efforts, the risk remained high. But there was no other way — they needed to escape from this house and join the fight against the Death Eaters. Harry understood that the lives of many people depended on him now. And for them, he was willing to do anything.
Twilight enveloped the street — that beautiful time of sunset when the world seems to pause in anticipation of a miracle. The setting sun's rays gilded Ellen's hair, and in their light, they shone like a dazzling halo around her concentrated, dignified face. Harry couldn't take his eyes off her, captivated by her beauty.
Downstairs, Moody, Lupin, and Hagrid were quietly discussing, with Hagrid having arrived at Lupin's insistence — after all, it was he who had brought a young Harry to Privet Drive to the Dursleys many years ago and now wanted to escort him on his final journey out of this house.
Finally, the long-awaited signal sounded. Harry and Ellen descended and exited through the back way. Moody, Lupin, and several members of the Order were already waiting on brooms. Hagrid got the largest transport — Sirius Black's enormous flying motorcycle.
They soared into the air, and the cool wind tousled Ellen's hair, revealing to Harry her ancient profile, full of calm dignity.
The air whistled in their ears, but Harry felt completely calm and protected in Ellen's strong embrace. He confidently steered his broomstick, following the Order of the Phoenix. Hagrid on his massive motorcycle towered above them like a kind giant protector. Hedwig excitedly hooted in the sidecar of his motorcycle.
The flight didn't go as smoothly as they would have liked. Several times Grimm sharply changed direction, searching for winding routes to confuse potential pursuers.
A deep fog engulfed everything as they found themselves in the center of a circle of Dementors, who cackled malevolently and snapped their black cloaks, as if hunting their prey. Harry and Cedric exchanged fearful glances, realizing they were trapped. Heart-wrenching cries and moans filled their ears, resounding loudly in their chests.
But the boys didn't give up; they refused to become prey to the Dementors. They fought, wielding their wands with all their might and shouting incantations. From the shimmering flashes of light and energy, the Dementors began to retreat, feeling fear and horror in the face of the power of the young wizards.
Harry raised his wand and focused, his eyes full of determination and anger. Cedric did the same, not giving in to fear and threat. They were willing to do whatever it took to survive and triumph.
And then, at the most critical moment, a bright light burst forth. Together Harry, Cedric, and the accompanying wizards defeated the Dementors, scattering them in all directions. The boys continued to fly, still trembling with tension and exhaustion, but their victory enveloped them in happiness and satisfaction. They refused to let fear overtake them and chose the path of courage and determination.
Two brooms slipped out from behind gloomy clouds, carrying merciless Death Eaters. The air immediately filled with ominous cries and spell hisses as a fierce battle began. Lightning flashes and fire crossed the sky, making the hearts of the battle participants beat stronger with tension.
Harry and the Order fought bravely, but suddenly one of the Death Eaters broke through their defense and charged straight at Harry. His broom sliced through the air, leaving a trail of fire behind. But at the last moment Ellen reached out and struck the enemy with force, knocking him to the side. Immediately, powerful spells from Moody, Cedric, and the other dark wizards rained down on him. He fell unconscious to the ground, and his broom shattered into pieces.
Harry couldn't believe his eyes. Ellen showed incredible strength and skill, saving him from danger. But the Death Eaters didn't give up. They tried to retreat, but Mad-Eye didn't give them a chance. He cast spells so quickly, it was as if he was not a man, but a living machine gun shooting spells, and they couldn't respond. One of them tried to call for reinforcements, throwing a burst of sparks into the air, but to no avail. Moody and his team were too strong. The other Death Eaters, realizing they had no chance, backed away and disappeared into the clouds, leaving only a cry of despair behind.
Harry and Ellen remained on the broomstick, confused by what was happening. Their hearts beat in unison, filled with horror and fear. But they knew this was only the beginning and that they would have many more battles with the Death Eaters ahead. Their resolve only strengthened, knowing that no one could stop them as long as they were breathing.
The appearance of the ominous Hanging Gardens caught the heroes off guard. A massive shadow momentarily blocked out the sun, and Harry recognized the gigantic structure with horror.
"Fire at will!" Mad-Eye shouted, giving the command.
A powerful beam, focused by thousands of mirrors from the Gardens, struck the ground like a huge meteorite. The deafening roar and explosion pierced the night's peace, making the ground tremble beneath their feet. Harry couldn't tear his eyes away from the spectacle, as if frozen in place by shock.
Moments later, a huge fireball erupted upwards, illuminating the sky with bright lights and casting shadowy figures on the ground. Amidst the noise and chaos, cars and parts of highways scattered in all directions, like toys in the hands of an enraged child. Harry tried to shield his face from the raging wind, carrying the smell of smoke and burnt metal.
But the horror show didn't stop there. A powerful wave struck random bystanders like a giant fist, causing them to fly back and fall to the ground. Some felt sharp metal shards in their hands and backs, heard the cries of people trying to escape this hellish catastrophe.
But the worst part wasn't just witnessing all of this horror. Harry knew he had to move and save himself if he wanted to survive. He glanced at the wrecked cars and debris of the highway blocking the survivors' path. Harry's heart beat furiously, and the desire to run and hide from this disaster overwhelmed him.
But Harry couldn't stop. He had to keep flying forward, through this hell where it seemed that if you stopped, you would immediately fall into the hands of death.
"No!" Ellen's cry was full of anger and desperation.
Harry also felt anger filling him to the brim. Shouting a spell, he unleashed it on the Gardens - but to no avail. The colossus was invulnerable.
Meanwhile, the Gardens repositioned the mirrors for another attack. At Mad-Eye's command, the heroes scattered, barely avoiding another deadly beam.
Harry looked back at the cries - several muggles had been hit. Their charred bodies fell to the ground. Harry felt nauseous at the sight.
But now he understood that there was no place for the weak and indecisive here.
Harry sped over the streets, constantly focusing on the destroyed homes and stores, hearing the cries and groans of the dying. His heart pounded harder, and his hands shook with tension. He didn't know where to go, but he felt he had to keep moving until he found a way out of this nightmarish reality.
The mist around continued to fall under the blows of monstrous rays, and Harry knew that every second could be his last. He suddenly felt the gaze of ominous creatures hiding in the darkness, and knew that they could attack him at any moment.
But Harry couldn't stop, he was too scared and at the same time too focused on his goal. He knew that Voldemort and his followers wouldn't stop looking for him until they destroy him. And he needed to find a solution quickly, before it was too late.
Harry made a few sharp turns and slowed down for a moment to catch his breath. In the darkness, he saw fire flickering in the distance, realizing it was the epicenter of another strike, where the most brutal events of the battle were taking place. He clenched his fists and ran forward again, not stopping for a moment.
When he finally reached the place, he felt sick to his stomach. Around him was a scene of horror and destruction. People were screaming and running in different directions, trying to take cover from the deadly rays and flames engulfing everything around them. Harry saw people falling under the blows, their bodies being torn apart and scorched by flames.
He froze in place, paralyzed with fear, but then heard a familiar voice - it was Mad-Eye, shouting at him to keep flying and not to stop. Harry clenched his fists again and decided he couldn't give up. He had to do everything possible to stop this nightmare and save whoever he could. But challenging the Seven with their Gardens would be certain death. He now saw with his own eyes what Dumbledore's funeral could have turned into if Voldemort hadn't changed his mind that day. But what made him abandon his plans? Harry didn't know.
Taking advantage of being hidden under the invisibility cloak with Harry, he quickly directed the broom away from the dangerous area. Pursuing them was pointless - the Gardens couldn't detect an invisible target.
However, the Gardens continued to follow the Dark Wizards. A chase ensued, with the Dark Wizards maneuvering sharply to avoid the attacks. But the rays emitted by the Gardens kept missing until the colossal fortress finally fell behind.
Arriving at Tonks' cozy cottage, the travelers finally felt relieved after the turmoil they had just experienced. Hagrid carefully placed the huge motorcycle loaded with Harry's things in a large trunk on the ground. Nearby landed Harry with Ellen, Cedric Diggory, and several other members of the Order, led by vigilant Mad-Eye.
At the porch, they were greeted by the hostess herself with a warm smile. Her bright hair shimmered in the sun with all the colors of the rainbow. Ellen warmly shook her hand - they were clearly familiar.
Harry looked at this peaceful scene with tenderness. Soon they would have to discuss what had happened and outline further plans to fight the Dark Lord. But for now, they could enjoy a moment of peace and security - what they were fighting for.
"Phew, barely escaped those damned Gardens!" Cedric wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Just a little more and we would've been fried."
"The main thing is, everyone is okay," Harry reassured, although his eyes still glowed with rage from the destruction and deaths he had seen. He couldn't believe that such devastation and death could be caused by that fragile noble girl he had seen in the Astronomy Tower.
"Come inside, friends," Tonks called. "You deserve a hot tea and a rest before your further journey."
Ellen nodded gratefully. Mad-Eye only looked around warily, staying alert.
"Thank you for your hospitality, but sorry, Tonks. We're short on time. Soon the Burrow will have protective charms put on it, and getting in will be impossible. The Weasleys are already waiting for you. We'll have tea at their place."
Harry and Ellen exchanged smiles.
After saying goodbye to Tonks over a cup of invigorating tea, the travelers returned to their brooms and motorcycle. Moody carefully inspected the sky before giving the signal to take off.
They flew over fields and forests, painted by the setting sun in shades of gold and bitter chocolate. It seemed as if nature itself was blessing their flight into a new, bright life full of hope and freedom.
Finally, the familiar silhouette of the Burrow – the Weasley family's ancestral home came into view. Its crooked shape was the most beautiful sight to Harry. For behind those walls awaited warmth, understanding, and care – things he had been missing all these years on Privet Drive. Harry's heart beat faster at the sight of this familiar home and the red-haired figures waving to him from the ground.
Upon landing, Harry and Ellen were immediately enveloped in Mrs. Weasley's strong embrace. Her kind face radiated joy and relief.
"Praise Merlin, you're all safe! We were so worried! Quick, sit down, dinner is ready, and then you can tell us everything properly."
As soon as Mrs. Weasley released Harry from her embrace, Ron and Hermione rushed to him.
"Harry, you're alive!" Ron exclaimed happily, patting his friend on the shoulder.
"We were afraid those Order bastards would lose you on the way!" Hermione couldn't hide her tears of relief.
Spotting Rituka and Mash nearby, Harry waved to them with joy. And Jeanne, standing off to the side, illuminated him with a warm smile.
Next to the broadly smiling Ron stood the slender Nikola Tesla, thoughtfully stroking his neat beard and gazing somewhere through the crowd. Robin Hood and the twins were eagerly whispering to each other in a corner, and Harry didn't even get a chance to greet them.
Suddenly, there was a patter of light footsteps, and the red-haired Ginny, shining with a joyful smile, rushed to Harry, hugging him so tightly that he could barely stand. For a moment, Harry glanced over to where the silent Jeanne stood in her armor and thought he saw a spark of jealousy flash in her deep amber eyes. But perhaps it was just a trick of the light...
Ellen turned to Lupin with a question about the Death Eaters, to which he sighed and answered, while Mr. Weasley checked the condition of the protective charms around the house.
Mrs. Weasley released Harry and looked at Ellen. For a few moments, she silently studied the features of this unfamiliar face, illuminated by a mysterious light from within. There was something in it that made Mrs. Weasley pause in astonishment and awe for a moment.
But Ellen simply smiled faintly and the charm of the moment dissipated. Mrs. Weasley warmly shook her hand.
"We're happy to welcome any guest and friend of Harry's to the Burrow. I'm sure you'll be able to tell us everything over dinner."
After the excitement of the journey, Harry happily breathed in the familiar scent of home at the Burrow. A festive dinner was already set at the long table in the kitchen in their honor.
Mr. Weasley warmly shook hands with the guests. Ginny, Fred, and George seated everyone at the table. Ron and Hermione walked alongside Harry, making sure he was okay.
Soon the whole noisy company gathered to celebrate this long-awaited reunion. Laughter, joy, and warmth filled the table. Harry felt that after all the dangers, his heart was filled with peace and confidence – these people were his real home, his strength in the upcoming battles with darkness.
When Ellen entered the room, Rituka's lips merely twitched ever so slightly:
"Lady Ellen, it is a pleasure to meet you. Welcome to the Burrow."
His gaze lingered on her face for a moment with an unreadable expression. Beside him, Mash warmly smiled and shook the guest's hand:
"We are happy to welcome Harry's friend."
A mysterious spark flickered in Mash's eyes.
And here Jeanne couldn't contain her reaction - her eyes widened as soon as she saw the person who had entered. She froze for a moment, her lips whispering soundlessly:
"So who...?" But then Jeanne quickly composed herself and hurried to embrace Helen, greeting her with a slightly trembling voice. "Sweet Ellen! What a joy to see you safe!"
Ellen, furrowing her brows, turned to Lupin, who was standing next to the gaunt and exhausted Sirius.
"It's strange that only a handful of Death Eaters attacked our group with Harry. Wasn't capturing the Boy Who Lived a priority for He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?"
Lupin sighed wearily, exchanging a glance with Moody, whose magical eye was constantly scanning the surroundings.
"He has other priorities now," Lupin said grimly. "His army has grown significantly in these months, but even so, the Death Eaters' resources are not limitless. They are currently focused on taking over the Muggle government, the Ministry of Magic, and other key targets."
Mr. Weasley, frowning, murmured a few spells, strengthening the defenses around the burrow.
"Harry is no longer the main target," Lupin concluded. "At least for now."
Ellen nodded thoughtfully, considering Lupin's words.
"So, Harry is no longer the main target... Then who is? Who is He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named focused on now?"
Lupin and Sirius exchanged grim looks.
"I'm afraid it's Jeanne d'Arc," Lupin said quietly. "For many months now, the Dark Lord has been hunting her specifically. After she injured him in the chest at the Triwizard Tournament, he's obsessed with revenge."
Jeanne, standing a little apart in her armor, pale and silent, shuddered at these words, and her hand involuntarily reached for the hilt of her sword.
Raising her chin, Joan's eyes flared with an unwavering fire. She was like a mythical fairy in mortal form - fragile but unbroken, beautiful yet stern. Eternal wisdom shone in her gaze, full of determination and courage.
It seemed as though time itself had stopped in anticipation of her words. And when Joan spoke, echoes of ancient battles and unwavering faith resounded in her voice:
"Let him come with his hordes. My sword will fearlessly meet any darkness."
She turned to the window, and the rays of the setting sun enveloped her in a radiant halo, reflecting off her armor. It was as if this fragile maiden herself was the embodiment of knightly valor and honor.