Disclaimer: All charcters and world concepts are property of J.K. Rowling
Disclaimer: This is not the work of CNG25 but that of Lilausty, originally published on harrypotterfanfiction-dot-com.
Chapter 29: Hogsmeade Horror
Several weeks passed and the DA progressed quickly, lapping up the knowledge that the founders presented. Due to Harry's teaching, they were already quite advanced, but now they were becoming a force to be reckoned with. The only thing that worried Harry was the fact that they were so few.
Any attack of significant size would completely overwhelm them and many would die. He hoped that such an eventuality would not occur for a long time.
Of course reality resembles wishes little.
The Valentine's weekend had arrived and everyone was looking forward to a lovely day in Hogsmede. Harry had promised Ginny that their day would not include any talk of war or general unhappiness. It was to be just about them.
In fact she was so adamant about the fact that she had extracted a promise from Ron and Hermione to leave them alone as well. Ron was happy to oblige, since he too wanted to spend the day with his girlfriend, but Hermione seemed a little put out that she wouldn't be able to spend any time with Harry and Ginny.
They had all walked together to the edge of town, Neville and Luna joining them briefly before all saying their farewells and splitting up.
Harry immediately took Ginny's hand and led her to the town's park. Snow crunched under their boots as they made their way to a bench. Ginny took out her wand and cast a warming and drying spell on herself, Harry and the seat before plopping herself down.
Harry grinned, "Oh I love having such a talented woman by my side. It means I never have to do anything for myself."
She gave him a light slap on the arm, grinning in spite of herself, "Prat!" She cuddled up to him and sighed, "I could stay like this forever you know. No war, no pain, just warmth, happiness and the knowledge that someone loves me."
Harry smiled leaning his head on hers, "You are not alone in your wish Gin, for I could not think of anything more perfect then the scenario you describe. Still, we must take what time we can, for all too soon reality will come crashing down.
There was a snort, "What a way to ruin the mood Harry."
He grinned sheepishly, "Sorry, you know depression is hardwired into my physic. Makes me wonder why you put up with at times."
Ginny sat up and stared straight into his eyes, "I love you because of it, not in spite of. Hell will have to freeze over before my feelings for you change."
"Well considering how cold it is out here, that isn't saying much Gin." He joked causing her to roll her eyes. They sat in silence for a while longer, simply taking comfort in the company. They saw many couples including Ron and Hermione wander past, each in their own little world filled with love and contentment.
However, as the warming charm started to wear off, Ginny roused herself and stood up, "Come on Harry, we should probably head to Honeydukes if we want to make Three Broomsticks by lunchtime."
He grinned, "Chocolate before food? Isn't that a little unhealthy Gin?"
She shrugged, "What can I say, I have a sweet tooth. Now get your lazy arse up, I am starting to get cold again."
He gave her a mock salute, "yes Ma-am!"
Giggling, she took his hand and led him towards the marvellous sweet store. However, they didn't get more than three steps when multiple cracks filled their air and black cloaked figures appeared around them.
Reacting instantly, Harry dove to the side; Ginny imitating him in the opposite direction, not a moment too soon as several curses flew through the air where they were standing mere moments before. Ginny managed to get behind a tree, but Harry was out in the open, and was quickly beset upon by several of the Death Eaters.
Blocking the curses being fired at him he shouted to Ginny, "DA NOW!"
She nodded and threw up red sparks which emitted an enormous roar. Students were already making their way over, but those that recognised the signal burst into full speed, shouting to others to keep down or to hide. Ginny turned her attention back to Harry, but before she could start to aid him, three more Death Eaters appeared and attacked her, forcing her to dodge away again.
Harry was hard put to block so many curses coming at him from so many sides, so he wasn't even aware of Ginny's own battle. Deciding to even the odds up a little, he started to back up towards one of the cloaked figures. He wasn't able to get any spells off simply because he was too busy blocking, but as soon as he got within arm's reach, he swapped the wand to his left hand and threw his right hand out.
Instantly his sword materialised in his hand and he whirled around with deadly speed and decapitated the hapless Death Eater. The others were so shocked by what they saw that for an instant they stopped attacking him giving him enough time to break out of the circle and run for cover.
Looking around frantically for Ginny he spotted a flash of red hair, moving almost to fast to see. Grinning he rushed over to her just as she finished dispatching the three that had attacked her. She faced him briefly before as one they turned the enemy.
She muttered out of the corner of her mouth, "I see you had the same idea I did." Her hand twitched towards his bloodied sword and he nodded.
They could hear the sounds of battle occurring all around them, signalling that the DA were putting up one heck of a fight. In fact, the Death Eaters that had been approaching Harry and Ginny suddenly veered off to join their fellows in attacking the other members.
"Come on, we need to go help them! They will out flank the others if we don't" Harry said, already moving to follow.
Rushing after the enemy, Harry saw Neville and Ernie trying to distract three Death Eaters that had pinned down Demelza and Colin. Ginny sent a blasting hex at one of them which gave the others enough of a distraction to take out the other two.
All of a sudden the air was filled with cracks and Harry felt his eyes go wide at the reinforcements that the Death Eaters had received. Not even bothering to try and count them, Harry once again found himself diving for cover at the renewed onslaught.
Now outnumbered nearly 5 to 1, the DA was quickly becoming overwhelmed. Harry, not willing to let any of them die shouted, "RETREAT! GET TO COVER! NOW!"
However, many couldn't, as they were locked in furious battles for their lives. Harry and Ginny threw themselves back into the fray, fighting as they had never done before. Death Eaters fell like flies before them, but where one fell another three took their place.
Harry knew that they would not be able to keep up the desperate pace for long and he cried out desperately, "FAWKES!"
The phoenix appeared in a flash of flame, diving at the nearest Death Eater who was attacking Ron. Harry thought desperately, "NO! Get the founders! We need help! NOW!"
Fawkes didn't even bother to reply, merely disappearing once again. However, Harry did her a voice shouting and briefly turned to see that the teachers and several Order members had arrived.
Foremost was Remus, who didn't even pause before taking on several of the enemy who were engaged with the Creevey brothers. Flitwick, McGonagall and Hagrid were not far behind, the latter simply taking swipes at any Death Eater within range of his huge fists.
Harry didn't have time to watch them, as he was once again embroiled in a frantic duel. He noticed vaguely that he and Ginny were slowly becoming separated from each other and from the larger battle but there was nothing he could do against such overwhelming numbers.
Suddenly his scar gave a little niggle and his body jerked of its own volition to the right, his reactions taking over before his mind could register what was going on. Twisting to the side he felt something slam into his arm, the impact sending waves of fire through his nervous system and causing him to gasp with pain.
He felt himself fall towards the ground, and instinctively completed a full roll and was back on his feet, facing the new threat.
Red eyes met green and Harry new he was in trouble.
He was only vaguely aware of the Death Eaters surrounding him moving away and diverting their attention to the other duels around them.
Harry sneered, "Ah Voldemort, so like you isn't it? Taking a cheap shot at your enemy while their back is turned? You so scared that you have got to try and kill me without my knowing it?"
Lord Voldemort's eyes flashed in anger and he hissed, "If I wanted you dead Potter, you would not have even felt it. I want to face you, to see the life go out of your eyes." His wand was raised and pointed directly at Harry who assumed a defensive stance, watching the dark lord warily.
"You know that it was a mistake to try such a large attack so close to the school. The ministry is no doubt on their way right now. You stand to lose a great deal more then you could gain." Harry warned, trying to stall for time.
An eyebrow rose, "Why Potter, I didn't know you cared. I came to kill you today, and nothing is going to save you! No meddling old fool to interrupt us, no self sacrificing fools for you to hide behind."
Harry felt his heart beat quicken slightly, he knew he was not ready to face Voldemort yet, especially by himself. Not even bothering to reply he took the first move, shooting in quick succession three thickening curses at his enemy.
Slightly surprised that Harry had taken the offensive with such violent spells, Voldemort was forced to dodge quickly to avoid them. He snarled, "I find myself impressed Potter, who could have guessed that you knew such evil magic!" he returned with several unforgivable causing Harry to drop and roll.
As he scrambled back to his feet he laughed, "Evil magic? Evil is in the intent not the spell Voldy!"
Forced to block the barrage of spells that were launched at him in fury, Harry winced at the power hammering against his shield. Dimly he was aware of people shouting his name, Ginny's voice easily distinguished, but he was too focussed to even glance at them.
Voldemort whipped his wand in a lasso motion and flicked it towards Harry who was still recovering from the last onslaught. Whatever it was that hit him, he did not know, all he was aware of was sailing backward and landing on his back, completely winded.
He didn't even pause to check if he was wounded, merely rolling to his feet and facing his enemy once more. Looking around desperately for something he could use, he spotted several pieces of debris left over from some of the other duels.
Dodging the cruciatus curse again, he quickly levitated them and transfigured them into long spears, hurling them towards Voldemort who merely sneered. His wand moving too fast to see, he conjured an enormous shield which took the brunt of the attack.
In those precious seconds where Harry was hidden from Voldemort's view, he started to run towards him, his sword held high in an offensive position, ready to attack. However, before he could reach him, Voldemort flicked the shield away and at the same instant summoned a nearby uprooted tree and hurled it back at the rapidly approaching Harry.
Unable to stop his momentum, Harry once again felt the contact with his body and was flung through the air. He dimly felt himself crash into a wall. He tried to get up, but his protesting body was not obeying his commands. He looked up at the Dark Lord who was stalking towards him. He blinked at the double vision and went to raise his wand.
It was then that he realised that he had dropped it when he had landed. Hastily looking around for it, he forced himself to sit up.
"Tsk Tsk Harry, is this what you are looking for?" Voldemort asked, in a patronising voice.
Harry focussed his weary eyes on Voldemort and sure enough, his enemy was holding his wand. Cursing himself for not wearing his spare wand, Harry could do nothing but watch to see what Voldemort would do.
"You have fought admirably Harry, but not even Dumbledore could best me." He knelt down by the black haired teen, "Did you actually think a seventeen year old could defeat me?" he whispered staring into Harry's eyes.
For his part, Harry was grateful that Salazar had disrupted the link, because it was one more thing he didn't have to worry about. He glared "I am not dead yet Tom, and if I remember correctly, Dumbledore caused you to flee the last time you came into contact."
Rage flitted across Voldemort's face and he vowed, "You will regret those words Potter! I was going to give you a quick death, but now you will beg for it before the end." He stood back up and pointed his wand at Harry who struggled to keep his composure, "Crucio!"
The unfortunately familiar feeling of complete agony overtook his senses and he collapsed back to the ground, writhing. Wave after wave of pain wracked his body and he was only partially aware that cries were being torn from his throat.
After an indeterminate amount of time, Voldemort removed the spell, smirking "Did that hurt Harry?"
His arms shaking, Harry pushed himself up into a sitting position, his back leaning against the wall. Not trusting his voice, he settled for glaring daggers at his enemy. Such defiance did not sit well with Voldemort, who growled and flicked his wand.
Harry's body was jerked into the air and an imaginary rope fastened itself around his throat restricting his airway. His fingers went to his neck to try and lessen the pressure as his legs dangled in mid air.
Voldemort gave a chilling laugh, obviously entertained by the distress of his adversary. Incensed by the sound, Harry kicked out, catching the Dark Lord under the chin and snapping his neck back. The charm was broken as Voldemort stumbled backwards, holding his jaw which was bleeding.
Collapsing to the ground, Harry gulped in air greedily trying not to cough at the rapid influx of oxygen. His eyes focussed on the distance where he could see the DA and the Order desperately fighting with Voldemort's forces. A flash of red hair caught his gaze and he locked eyes with Ginny, whose own were filled with terror, anger and pain. Her attacks were violent and wild, complete desperation written in every move as she fought to get to her beloved.
Harry tore his eyes from hers focussing them upon his enemy once more. Voldemort had regained his balance and stalked towards Harry once again. His eyes were glowing red with fury and hatred, his mouth still bleeding making him look vampiric.
"Not many wizards can claim to have drawn my blood Harry. You are now in a very select group." He hissed, "Of course, every single one is now dead and you are soon to join them. I think the last was actually your father, defending you all those years ago. Master dueller he was, one of the best I had ever fought if it makes you feel any better. Of course that doesn't make him any less dead, but I suppose you can still feel proud."
Harry gasped out, "I'll feel even prouder when I have got you six feet under and they are avenged!"
Voldemort eyed him through narrow eyes before he threw his head back and laughed, "Even at the mercy of my wand, defenceless and alone you still believe that you can best me? I think you seriously overestimate your abilities Harry."
Harry didn't bother to respond, merely calling through his bond to Fawkes, begging him to hurry up. He didn't know how long he could get Voldemort to keep him alive, and he needed help NOW!
Voldemort meanwhile was examining the battle still raging around them. Bodies were strewn across the ground like litter, blood mixing with dirt and snow to form a reddish sludge. He smirked, "Your friends' fight is futile Harry, do they not realise that you are already dead? That they cannot help you?"
There was a flash of light behind him and Harry felt himself relax slightly as his gaze settled to something over his enemy's shoulder. Voldemort whirled around his wand already conjuring a shield to protect him from any danger. His eyes widened slightly at the four people that had appeared behind his lines.
All were disguised heavily and he couldn't tell if they were male of female until one spoke, "They may not be able to help him, but we can!"
Harry recognised Godric's voice vaguely as the founders exploded into action, driving Voldemort away from him without mercy. Harry couldn't help but grin as he saw his enemy outmatched and struggling to defend himself. Fawkes landed next to Harry and proceeded to heal his wounds as Voldemort called out for help to his followers.
Those that heard and were able to leave duels immediately turned to assist their master, shouting curses at the founders who formed an impenetrable defence. Rowena and Godric continued to attack Voldemort while Salazar and Helga faced the approaching Death Eaters.
Ginny, who had found a gap in the enemy's lines, dashed through and ran to Harry's side and helped him stand up. She then stood in front of him as if to protect him from any threat that dared present its face. Harry, who still did not have his wand, was not about to act all macho. Even though Fawkes had healed his injuries, the cruciatus curse left him feeling shaky and weak and he was grateful for Ginny's fiery determination as he knew he could not fight in his current condition.
Harry suddenly heard a cackle emanating from one of the Death Eaters fighting with Salazar. He recognised the voice of Bellatrix and evidently so did Helga, whose head snapped around fast enough to give her whiplash.
She snarled "She is mine!"
Salazar, obviously not going to argue, swapped duels with her in a fluid motion and proceeded to blast away several of the Death Eaters with a single reductor spell. Helga took off her mask, revealing her face to Bellatrix, "Remember my face? It is going to be the last thing you ever see!" she vowed.
Bellatrix shook off her own mask and sneered, "I wondered where you had gotten too! I had hoped to see you at the ministry, but I guess you were too much of a coward in the face of such overwhelming odds." Her wand slashed through the air, unforgivables shooting out at an incredible rate.
Helga merely twirled to the side, avoiding them deftly, her own wand returning deadly spells back towards the Death Eater. If Bellatrix was surprised by the onslaught that the founder produced she didn't show it, merely hissing in anger and stepping up her attack.
For his part, Harry was in awe of the woman that had taught him. Her movements were a thing of beauty, fluid and continuous like a powerful waterfall that cannot be stopped. He tore his gaze away from her and focussed himself upon the duel that Godric and Rowena were fighting.
Voldemort had obviously found his feet in fighting them, and was duelling with deadly accuracy. More than once the founders had to conjure something to take a spell because they simply could not get out of the way. Rowena had obviously gotten tired of simply using her wand, because her sword was in her left hand and she was desperately trying to get within arm's reach of the Dark Lord.
Hearing a cry, Harry's head snapped around to Salazar who had staggered to the side, his left arm clutched tightly to his chest and his face a grimace of pain even as he still fought several of the enemy. The Death Eaters were obviously not expecting any violent opposition from the wounded wizard, so they were shocked that he was still on his feet fighting. The teens could see however, that he was in a great deal of pain, and his movements were not as sharp and deadly as before.
"Ginny! Help him now!" Harry ordered. She didn't even bother to answer as she hastened to the snake founder's defence. Reaching him, she pulled out her sword once again and proceeded to reduce the number of enemies attacking him in quick succession.
A roar filled the air and Harry knew that Godric had transformed into his animagus form. Not even bothering to look, he turned back to Helga's duel with Bellatrix. The latter was starting to tire, sweat dripping from her face as she struggled to match the pace of attack of the founder.
Helga too, looked slightly puffed, but she was still methodically and with great accuracy hurling spell after spell at the Death Eater. She sneered, "Scared my dear? Has the understanding that you are going to die reached your brain yet?"
Snarling, Bellatrix hurled the killing curse back in answer. She maintained a furious face, but Harry was startled and satisfied to see that her eyes indeed showed fear. She had obviously never been so outmatched, and with the anti-apparation wards that the founders had set up, she was unable to escape.
Harry scanned the battlefield once more, taking in the duel with Voldemort, Ginny's whirling sword, and the multiple duels still occurring with the DA and Order. His gaze sharpened as he saw four Death Eaters not fighting but frantically waving their wands around and chanting.
Realising that they were trying to take down the anti-apparation ward, Harry looked around for someone to stop them. However, there was no one closer then himself so he forced his hand to grip his sword and he stumbled towards them, determined to prevent their escape.
He felt a weight settle on his shoulder as Fawkes returned, "Be careful Harry, you are outmatched if you attack them, and you are still suffering the effects of the cruciatus curse." He warned.
He nodded, "I know, but I can't just let them all escape!"
The phoenix snorted but didn't say anything else. Harry crept up on them as quietly as possible and hid behind a bush. Passing his sword from hand to hand he considered how he could even the odds up enough to give himself a chance.
"Fawkes, do you think you could flash on top of one of them and set them alight?" he thought to the bird.
"It is hard to flash to an exact spot but I can do it. But bear in mind I have expended a lot of energy today, so if you get into trouble, I won't be able to get you out of it." The caution and apprehension in his voice was evident.
Harry nodded, "I understand, please, go ahead."
Fawkes nuzzled Harry's head and took off, disappearing in a flash of flame. He reappeared instantly on top of the shortest of the wizards. His cloak immediately caught alight, and he screamed in pain, writhing around in an attempt to put the flames out.
His companions turned to him in shock, one of them spraying him with water. However, phoenix fire cannot be extinguished as easily, and the screams continued. Harry, using their distraction to his advantage, snuck forward raised his sword and in a single movement cut the nearest Death Eater from shoulder to hip, felling him instantly.
Aware of their comrades demise, the remaining two Death Eaters whirled around and raised their wands. Harry ducked behind an overturned bench and considered his options. The Death Eaters were much more aware of their surroundings then he had assumed, so he hadn't had a chance to take them out before they saw him.
He heard a voice call out, "It seems that you still rush into a situation without thinking Potter!"
Harry froze, every muscle taunt at the sound of his old Potions Professor's voice. He peeked a look, and sure enough there was the easily recognisable mop of greasy hair that fell like a curtain around cold black eyes. Harry was truly unsure about what to do now, for he couldn't simply walk away but neither could he attack and risk hurting the spy.
Snape hissed to the other Death Eater, "Don't stop! We must break through that ward!" The masked individual nodded and went back to chanting while Snape watched Harry.
There was a scream and both Harry and Snape turned to see Bellatrix lying on the ground, bleeding profusely from a wound to her torso. Helga stalked towards her, sheathing her wand and pulling out her own sword. Bellatrix saw it and started to try and pull herself away. Her effort was futile however, and Helga lowered her sword to the evil woman's neck, "I am not one for gloating over a fallen enemy, so let me say this, all those lives you have ruined over the course of your life are now avenged!"
With that she ran her sword straight through the witch's heart, sending a fountain of blood into the air. Harry's jaw dropped as he saw the most feared Death Eater next to Voldemort's life drain away, her eyes forever reflecting terror and pain.
Whether Voldemort realised that she was dead or not, Harry never could tell, but he heard a yell and saw Godric fly back several metres and collapse. Snape turned to hurry his comrade along and using his moment of inattention, Harry ran towards the founders.
Helga had rejoined Salazar and Ginny who were still fighting a rapidly dwindling number of Death Eaters and the DA and Order had pretty well routed the forces that they had been attacking. As quickly as he could, Harry rushed over to Godric who was starting to stir.
He looked up to see Rowena take a cutting curse to her shoulder, slamming her around in a full circle. Her teeth were bared and she slashed her wand back at Voldemort, breaking his shield and hurling him into the same wall that Harry had crashed into earlier.
In the time it took Voldemort to regain his feet, Rowena had crossed the ground and slashed her sword at him. He managed to pivot away from the worst of the blow, but blade still met skin and he screamed as he felt steel bite into his arm.
Rowena took two steps back and examined her sword. Red blood dripped from its edges and she smiled, "You bleed the same colour as any human. That means you can die the same as any human." Disguised though she was, the unbridled fury in her eyes was enough to make even Harry shiver.
Voldemort was frantically looking around for support from his followers when Snape shouted, "It is done My Lord!"
Not needing any other signal, Voldemort turned once and disappeared before anyone could stop him. Instantly, Rowena conjured a vial and tipped Voldemort's blood into it like it was the most precious substance in the world.
The rest of the Death Eaters had also fled and McGonagall was hastening over, completely amazed at the four people that had caused the Dark Lord to flee. Not wanting to be caught by her, Helga and Salazar hurried over to Godric and hoisted him up onto their shoulders as Rowena joined them. Together they disappeared.
Now that the battle had ended, Harry felt the adrenaline run out of his body and his legs promptly collapsed and he sank to the ground. Ginny hurried over to him, "Harry, how bad are you hurt?" she asked, her hands already moving over him, trying to see if he had any surface wounds.
He shook his head, "I'm alright, just shaken up. The wounds Fawkes has already fixed, but I'll need a specific potion to fix the effects of the cruciatus curse." He focussed his gaze upon his girlfriend and he felt them go wide as he saw a very deep gash along her left leg, "You're hurt!"
She smiled wearily, "I don't think there is a single person on this battlefield that is 100 percent ok Harry. It is not serious, I can heal it."
Sighing in relief he looked around, "Can you please summon my wand, I don't know where Voldemort dropped it."
She nodded, "Accio Harry's wand!"
Instantly it came flying out and settled in her hand. Passing it back to him she looked up to see Ron and Hermione as well as several of the DA rushing over. Hastily healing her cut so that Ron wouldn't panic she stood up.
Hermione barely looked at Ginny, collapsing to her knees in front of Harry she threw her arms around him, sobbing, "I'm so sorry Harry! I tried so hard! But we just couldn't get through their lines. They were so determined to keep us separated and when V-Voldemort showed up and you started to duel – it was so horrible!" she babbled.
Harry patted her on the back smiling slightly, "Herm, its ok. I am alive thanks to our certain friends. I don't blame you, I saw you fighting and I am very proud of you."
She hiccupped as she released him, her hands wiping away the tears and adrenaline that was still obviously coursing through her system. Ron lent down and pulled her to her feet, holding her gently. Harry looked up at Ginny, "Can you help me up please? I don't think I can stand on my own." She nodded and waved her wand, levitating him lightly until he was resting on his feet. She put his arm around her and dropped the spell, supporting his weight herself.
McGonagall arrived, mud and blood splattered, "Mr Potter! How badly are you injured?" genuine concern was written over her face as she looked at the Gryffindor.
Giving a wan smile he replied, "I am not injured, but I will need the potion to negate the effects of the cruciatus curse. And it better be double strength too! As you can imagine, Voldemort puts a bit more power into his spells then his followers."
The Headmistress winced and nodded, "Very well. Before you go, do you know who those four people were that assisted us? I have never seen such a connected magical attack. It was like they all knew what the others were thinking. And their power was certainly impressive, they would make great allies."
Harry shook his head, "They didn't identify themselves. The woman that took out Bellatrix obviously had a personal grudge against her, but other than that nothing was said that could be used to recognize them."
McGonagall looked disappointed but merely nodded and gestured for them to move on up towards the school. As they slowly proceeded, Harry couldn't help but wince at the devastation that surrounded him. What was once a peaceful and beautiful little town was now a desolate battlefield. He didn't know if Hogsmede would ever recover.
Bodies were strewn across the ground, the majority being Death Eaters, but every so often a school cloak caught Harry's eye. Not knowing if they were alive or dead, he refused to examine them. He didn't know if he could maintain his composure if he recognised any of the vacant stares that the dead possessed.