The Order of the Black Cat

by xWolfx93

During his first year at Hogwarts, Harry befriends Daphne Greengrass and encounters Jingles, a magical cat. Their revelations help Harry see the world isn't just black and white and give him what he always wanted: a family. Together, they form a secret society to better the wizarding world. The OC will be a brotherly figure to Harry. No SI. This is a longfic.

62. The Prophesied Battle

Chapter 62 – The Prophesied Battle

Voldemort stood on the precipice of victory. After a month-long pursuit of the Elder Wand, he had finally pinpointed its last known bearer who was still alive: Gellert Grindelwald. The knowledge had ignited a fierce determination within him, and now he was on his way to Nurmengard Castle, where Grindelwald had been imprisoned for decades.

Nurmengard was a grim fortress, surrounded by jagged mountains and shrouded in perpetual mist. The castle loomed ominously against the darkening sky, its high walls seeming to whisper of the horrors contained within. Voldemort's presence alone sent tremors through the very stone of the castle, and the guards, mere pawns in his path, fell swiftly and silently. His wand moved like a conductor's baton, orchestrating death with a flick of his wrist, leaving a trail of lifeless bodies in his wake.

He reached the cell block where Grindelwald was held, his form dissolving into a wraith-like smoke that seeped through the iron bars. Materialising inside the cell, he found Grindelwald seated on a cold stone bench, his eyes closed as if in deep contemplation. The old wizard opened his eyes slowly, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"I wondered when you would come," Grindelwald said, his voice echoing softly off the damp walls.

Voldemort's lips curled into a dangerous smile. "Then you know why I am here. Tell me, where is the Elder Wand? If you cooperate, I will grant you a swift death."

Grindelwald chuckled, a dry, brittle sound that echoed through the cell. "You think I fear death? How quaint. You know who defeated me, and he took the wand. You're too late."

Anger flared in Voldemort's eyes, and with a swift, furious motion, he slashed his wand through the air. A deep gash appeared across Grindelwald's chest, and the old wizard gasped, blood pouring from the wound. Voldemort's form wavered, turning to smoke as he left the cell, Grindelwald's mocking laughter fading behind him as the dark lord departed.

Voldemort reappeared outside the castle, the cold night air biting at his skin. He clenched his fists in frustration. Of course, it was so obvious now. Dumbledore had the Elder Wand, and it was likely buried with him in a place he could not easily reach: Hogwarts. The castle was heavily guarded, with Aurors patrolling its grounds. Sneaking in was out of the question; he would have to launch a full-scale assault.

As he pondered his next move, a new plan began to take shape. He could combine his quest for the Elder Wand with another of his objectives: the elimination of Harry Potter. Attacking Hogwarts would not only secure the wand but also serve as a powerful message to the wizarding world. Even the most secure places were not safe from him. Once the Boy Who Lived was dead, his dominion would be unchallenged.

With his mind set on the assault, Voldemort disapparated, reappearing at Malfoy Manor. He entered swiftly, his mind already forming strategies and contingencies for the upcoming battle. The time for subtlety was over; soon, the wizarding world would tremble before him.

As Voldemort walked into the grand foyer of Malfoy Manor, the ambient chill seemed to deepen. The intricate chandeliers flickered, casting eerie shadows on the walls. The grand staircase creaked under the weight of anticipation as Lucius Malfoy descended swiftly, his face a pale mask of forced enthusiasm and barely concealed fear.

"My Lord!" Lucius called out, his voice trembling despite his efforts to appear joyous. "We have eagerly awaited your return."

Voldemort's red eyes gleamed with cold amusement as he raised a pale, slender hand, instantly silencing Lucius with a mere flick of his fingers. The Death Eater's words died in his throat, his eyes widening in alarm. Voldemort's thin lips curled into a mocking smile, and Nagini, coiled at his feet, hissed menacingly, her tongue flickering dangerously close to Lucius.

"Silence, Lucius," Voldemort's voice was a soft whisper, dripping with venom. "Your fawning is as worthless as you are. You live by my good graces alone, and only because of Draco's recent... accomplishments."

Lucius flinched visibly, bowing his head in submission. "My Lord, I—"

"Enough!" Voldemort snapped, his patience thinning. "Prepare all available Death Eaters for an assault on Hogwarts. We will strike with precision and overwhelming force. Failure is not an option."

Lucius nodded fervently, his heart pounding in his chest. "It will be done, my Lord."

"And send a message to Severus," Voldemort continued, his tone icy and commanding. "He is to compile all available information about the Auror presence at Hogwarts—their patrols, response times, every detail. Additionally, I want a thorough assessment of any weaknesses in the castle's wards. How long will it take?"

Lucius swallowed nervously. "A couple of weeks, my Lord."

Voldemort's eyes bored into Lucius, the intensity of his gaze almost unbearable. "You have one week," he said firmly. "You had better not fail me, Lucius. The consequences will be... dire."

With that, Voldemort turned, his black robes billowing behind him as he made his way to his chambers. "I will be planning our strategy. No one is to disturb me unless it is absolutely necessary."

Lucius bowed deeply, not daring to look up until Voldemort had disappeared from sight. As the Dark Lord's footsteps faded into the distance, Lucius released a breath he hadn't realised he was holding and hurried off to carry out his orders.

In the seclusion of his chambers, Voldemort paced restlessly, his mind a whirlwind of dark thoughts. Nagini slithered beside him, her presence a comforting constant. He turned to her, his voice a low murmur filled with steely resolve.

"We cannot fail, Nagini. Creating another Horcrux would most certainly destroy me. We will have to make do with what we have." He paused, his eyes narrowing. "Once Potter and his friends are dead, and the Ministry has yielded, I can turn my attention to exploring other methods of ensuring my immortality. We must be certain."

Nagini listened silently, her unblinking eyes fixed on Voldemort. He reached out, a rare moment of tenderness passing between them as he stroked her scales gently.

"Once I have taken my rightful place, you will hunt freely again, my loyal companion. But for now, it is imperative that you stay close to me at all times." His voice hardened, a dangerous edge to his words. "Remember to kill anyone who even attempts to touch you—Death Eaters included. I trust no one but you."

Nagini hissed in agreement, her loyalty absolute. Voldemort's gaze softened momentarily as he looked at her, the weight of his ambition and paranoia pressing down on him. He turned back to his desk, unfurling a map of Hogwarts and began to outline his plans, every detail meticulously considered.

The night deepened around Malfoy Manor, the air thick with an impending sense of doom. As Voldemort plotted his next move, the fate of the wizarding world hung in the balance, teetering on the edge of darkness.

~~~o~~~

The atmosphere in Professor McGonagall's office was charged with tension. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the walls, reflecting the worried faces gathered around the large oak desk. Professor McGonagall sat at its head, her expression stern but troubled. Beside her, Professor Snape's sallow face was set in a grim mask. On the opposite side, Sirius, Remus, Harry, Tracey, Daphne, and Rigel sat or stood in various states of anxiety and anticipation.

McGonagall cleared her throat, breaking the silence. "Thank you all for coming. Professor Snape has brought me the gravest news, and I find myself uncertain how to respond."

Harry leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "What's going on?"

Snape's black eyes glinted with a dangerous light as he began to speak. "The Dark Lord has returned from his search. He is now convinced that the Elder Wand is in Dumbledore's possession. He plans to assault Hogwarts with full force—not only to claim the Wand but to end Potter's life."

A heavy silence followed his words, the weight of the revelation pressing down on everyone. Suddenly, Rigel's eyes lit up with an unsettling enthusiasm. "Perfect," he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

Everyone turned to him in confusion. Sirius, looking both concerned and irritated, demanded, "Explain yourself, Rigel. This situation sounds rather dire."

Rigel straightened, his blue eyes gleaming with determination. "This gives us the perfect opportunity. We can bring the fight to Voldemort while he's preparing his assault. He won't be ready for it."

Snape sneered, his lip curling with disdain. "Are you seriously suggesting we assault Malfoy Manor?"

Rigel nodded firmly. "Exactly. We are no closer to eliminating Nagini, as Voldemort has protected her well. But now, while he is gathering his forces to strike, he is vulnerable. He will not expect us to attack. The plan is simple: we strike first, kill Nagini, and then Voldemort to end this war."

Remus, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, interjected, "I see the merit in your plan, Rigel, but perhaps we should consider an alternative. We could set a trap for Voldemort here at Hogwarts."

Harry shook his head vehemently. "Any fighting here at Hogwarts would endanger the other students."

Sirius leaned forward, his expression earnest. "We could evacuate everyone before the attack."

Daphne, her arms crossed and her gaze intense, spoke up. "That would risk tipping Voldemort off that we know about his attack. It would jeopardise Snape's position as a spy, and if Voldemort is remotely smart, he will smell the trap."

Rigel nodded in agreement, his eyes locked on Daphne's. "I agree with Daphne. It would be much safer to assault Malfoy Manor."

Sirius rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath, "Of course you do."

Ignoring his father's comment, Rigel continued, "We need to act decisively. Voldemort won't expect us to go on the offensive. If we catch him off guard, we can end this once and for all."

The tension in the room hung thickly in the air, each word spoken adding to the palpable sense of urgency. Professor McGonagall's eyes were fixed on Rigel, who stood with an unwavering resolve.

"Rigel," McGonagall asked, her voice steady but curious, "what would you do?"

Before Rigel could respond, Snape interjected, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "And who made him the leader of this operation?"

Sirius's eyes flashed with irritation as he snapped, "He'd make a much better leader than you ever could, Snape."

Remus stepped between them, raising his hands in a calming gesture. "Stop this, both of you. This bickering will get us nowhere."

McGonagall nodded in agreement. "We don't have a leader; we will decide as a group. Rigel seemed to have a plan, and I wanted to hear his opinion."

Rigel inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Professor. I believe the best weapon to destroy Nagini is Gryffindor's Sword, which should still be here in this office."

McGonagall nodded and gestured to a shelf where the sword rested, its ruby-encrusted hilt gleaming in the candlelight.

Rigel continued, "We need to gather all available allies. Anyone willing to fight has to be there; we need the numbers. I propose dividing our forces into groups."

He began pacing, his blue eyes intense. "The main group, composed of the bulk of the Auror and Order forces, will assault Malfoy Manor, drawing the attention of the Death Eaters and engaging them in combat."

His gaze shifted to Harry, who felt the weight of Rigel's plan settling heavily on his shoulders. "Then, a smaller group where Harry is the main focus will slip into the manor during the fighting. This group will search out Voldemort and carry the sword. Our goals are clear: destroy Nagini and get Harry to Voldemort safely so they can duel."

Snape's eyes narrowed as he questioned, "Do you truly believe in the prophecy that Potter has a chance to battle the Dark Lord?"

Rigel's voice was firm as he replied, "Dumbledore believed in it, and that's enough for me. Besides, Harry won't be alone. His friends and family will be at his side."

To emphasise his point, Rigel placed a comforting arm around Harry's shoulder, pulling him close. Harry chuckled nervously, feeling a strange mix of reassurance and anxiety.

McGonagall sighed, her expression conflicted. "I don't like the plan, but it aligns with how Dumbledore envisioned things—or at least, how I'd like to believe he did. He was always so secretive."

Rigel nodded. "I'll need time to gather allies. Professor, could you rally the Order of the Phoenix? I'll handle the Aurors and other potential allies."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and the group began to disperse. Harry, Tracey, Daphne, and Rigel quickly moved to inform the other members of the Order of the Black Cat within the school.

As they walked through the dimly lit corridors of Hogwarts, Harry's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. He had known all along that this day would come, but now that it was so close, a gnawing fear gripped him. He felt unprepared, wishing desperately for more time.

His friends chatted animatedly beside him, their voices a blend of determination and resolve, but Harry felt a creeping doubt. Could he really face Voldemort? The enormity of the task ahead weighed heavily on his heart. He knew he wasn't alone, yet the burden of the prophecy made him feel solitary and exposed.

As they turned a corner, heading towards the Room of Requirement to gather the rest of their group, Harry stole a glance at his friends. Their unwavering support gave him a small measure of comfort, but the fear remained. The confrontation with Voldemort was inevitable, and Harry could only hope he would find the strength to face it when the time came.

~~~o~~~

Over the next few days, Rigel and Daphne worked tirelessly to prepare for the upcoming battle. Their focus was unwavering, their determination evident in every action. They coordinated with allies, mapped out strategies, and ensured everyone knew their roles.

Harry, Tracey, Neville, Hermione, Daphne, and Rigel were the core group that would infiltrate Malfoy Manor. Each knew their goals and what was expected of them. Their mission was clear: find and destroy Nagini, and get Harry to Voldemort for the final confrontation.

The twins, Fred and George, had provided a range of magical items designed to create chaos and confusion. Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder and Decoy Detonators were just a few of the tools they had at their disposal. The hope was that these items would give them the edge they needed to take out Nagini, as fighting Voldemort while she lived was pointless.

The other Order of the Black Cat members at Hogwarts—Ginny, Astoria, Luna, and Ernie—prepared to join the main force outside Malfoy Manor, disguised in their order uniforms. The twins and their recruits would also join the main force, similarly disguised. Rigel understood the risk of revealing the Order's existence, but they needed every wand they could muster.

Through Madam Bones, Rigel had secured the help of the Aurors. Only Madam Bones, Tonks, and Moody knew the full details, ensuring that nothing leaked to Voldemort. They were acutely aware that he had spies within the Ministry.

The remaining Order of the Phoenix members would join the main assault force. Sirius took charge of coordinating them, ensuring everyone was prepared for combat. Even Snape was included, reflecting the all-or-nothing nature of this mission. Success was imperative.

A date was set for the operation. They would strike early in the morning, hoping to catch some Death Eaters off guard. Timing was crucial—they had to act before Voldemort completed his preparations to assault Hogwarts.

In the days leading up to the attack, the air was thick with tension. The weight of the upcoming battle pressed heavily on everyone involved. Harry could see the determination in his friends' eyes, but he couldn't shake the feeling of dread that clung to him. He knew the prophecy, knew what was expected of him, but as the day approached, the enormity of the task ahead felt overwhelming.

Harry and the others made their final preparations, each lost in their own thoughts and fears. The castle seemed to hold its breath, the usual hustle and bustle replaced by a heavy silence.

As the date of the operation dawned, Harry felt the weight of destiny pressing down on him. He had known this day would come, but now that it was here, he couldn't help but wish for more time. The faces of his friends, their unwavering support, gave him strength, but the fear remained. The confrontation with Voldemort was inevitable, and all he could do was hope that they were ready for what lay ahead.

As the first light of dawn filtered through the window, Harry got up and immediately began preparing for the mission. He reached for the gear that Rigel and Daphne had meticulously assembled. The enchanted protective gear included a set of sleek, dark robes that shimmered faintly with magical reinforcement, gloves that were both supple and resilient, and a shirt and pants woven with protective charms. The fabric was light yet incredibly strong, designed to withstand curses and physical attacks alike.

Harry understood the necessity of this gear. While they would reveal the existence of the Order of the Black Cat, they needed to conceal their involvement with it. He couldn't afford to wear his Order robes; maintaining that secrecy was crucial.

He then turned to his trunk and retrieved the Elder Wand. As his fingers closed around it, he felt a familiar surge of power course through him, a potent energy that only he seemed to experience. The others had felt nothing out of the ordinary when they held it, a curious phenomenon that puzzled him. But now wasn't the time to ponder it. He tucked the wand away, safely hidden beneath his cloak. It might prove invaluable today.

Taking a deep breath, Harry tried to stay calm, though it was understandably difficult. The weight of the upcoming battle pressed heavily on his mind. Just as he was about to leave the dormitory, a sudden pop startled him. Kreacher, the old house-elf, appeared on Harry's bed.

"Mistress Daphne thinks Master Harry would need this," Kreacher said, holding out a small vial of potion. "It is a calming draught."

Harry smiled gratefully and took the potion. "Thank you, Kreacher."

He uncorked the vial and drank the potion in one gulp. Almost immediately, a wave of calm washed over him, soothing his nerves and clearing his mind. He felt more collected, ready to face the challenges ahead.

Kreacher bowed low and disappeared with another pop, leaving Harry alone once more. Feeling significantly better, Harry made his way out of the dormitory and headed towards the main courtyard where they were meeting.

Once Harry left the dormitory, he found Hermione and Neville already waiting for him. He nodded to them, and the three made their way to the courtyard, each step filled with the gravity of their mission.

Upon entering the courtyard, Harry was taken aback by the sheer number of Aurors and the remaining members of the Order of the Phoenix. McGonagall was already distributing Portkeys, her face a mask of determination and concern.

Harry spotted Rigel, Daphne, and Tracey waiting for them. They met up, and Rigel immediately put an arm around Harry's shoulder. "Today is the big day, Harry. This is what we've trained for. We will end Voldemort's reign of terror."

Harry smiled, feeling a surge of confidence knowing his friends and family would be at his side. He then asked, "Rigel, do you have the Sword of Gryffindor?"

Rigel smirked and showed Harry a small pouch. He opened it, and Harry peeked inside to see the sword glinting back at him. "The pouch has an undetectable extension charm," Rigel explained. "No one will suspect me drawing a sword from it. Element of surprise and such."

Harry nodded, smiling. "With some well-timed illusions, I'm sure you can reach Nagini."

McGonagall approached them then, handing over a Portkey. "Yours will activate a few minutes after the others. Once it does, try to enter the manor as discreetly as possible. The rest of your mission should be clear."

They all nodded, their determination evident.

"Good luck," McGonagall said, her voice softening. "The wizarding world is praying for your success." She then left to continue preparing the Auror and Order of the Phoenix forces.

Sirius and Remus came over next. Sirius hugged Rigel, then Daphne, and lastly, Harry, tightly. "I'll lead a small force to destroy the wards and do some structural damage on the east side of the manor. That's where your Portkey will take you. I'll open up an entrance for you and make sure no Death Eaters follow you in if you're spotted."

"Thanks, Sirius," Harry said, looking at both him and Remus. "Stay safe."

Remus nodded, while Sirius chuckled nervously. "I can handle a couple of Death Eaters. But you lot, you better stay safe. You're going after the most dangerous Dark Lord of all time."

McGonagall's voice called out, "Portkeys will activate in five minutes. Everyone, get to your groups."

Sirius clapped Harry on the shoulder one last time, wishing them good luck before leaving with Remus.

Five minutes later, the Aurors and Order of the Phoenix members disappeared group by group, leaving only Harry and the others in the courtyard, waiting for their Portkey. The air was thick with tension, each second ticking by with a heightened sense of anticipation.

Harry turned to Rigel, concern etched on his face. "What about the other members of the Order of the Black Cat? How will they get there?"

Rigel explained, "They've already flooed to Diagon Alley. They'll gather at the twins' shop and take a Portkey from there. They should arrive with the Aurors."

Daphne added, "Layla has gotten some Danish... people involved in this too. They're called the Vømlen. I'm not really sure what they are, but I trust Layla enough. Every wand counts. They should already be there, waiting for the battle to start."

Harry nodded, feeling a mix of apprehension and determination. Before he could say more, Tracey got their attention. "The Portkey's glowing."

Instinctively, they all reached out, grabbing the Portkey. A moment later, it pulled them all away.

Their landing this time was far more graceful than their previous experience with a Portkey. They arrived on their feet, at the edge of the gardens of Malfoy Manor. Before them lay the battlefield, a chaotic scene of destruction and combat. The damaged wards and broken-down wall on the east side were clearly visible, just as Sirius had promised.

Spells flew in every direction, casting vivid streaks of light against the dawn sky. The air was filled with the sounds of battle—shouts, explosions, and the hum of magic. The ground was littered with casualties, and while there were losses on both sides, the Death Eaters seemed to have taken the brunt of it.

As they moved to enter the manor, a group of Death Eaters spotted them and launched an attack. Harry, Hermione, Neville, Daphne, and Tracey responded quickly, defending themselves with practised skill. Spells flashed and collided, the air crackling with energy. Despite their proficiency, the skirmish was slowing them down.

Suddenly, Sirius, Remus, and a small contingent of Aurors appeared, engaging the Death Eaters and pushing them back from the broken wall. Sirius shouted over the din of battle, "We'll handle the Death Eaters! Get going!"

Harry nodded, a surge of gratitude and determination flooding him. With their path cleared, the group quickly entered Malfoy Manor, ready to face the next phase of their mission.

As they walked through the dimly lit corridors of Malfoy Manor, the oppressive silence was suddenly broken by a surprised gasp. They turned to see Lucius Malfoy standing at the end of the hallway, his face pale and drawn. His wand was clutched in a trembling hand, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and desperation.

"What are you doing here?" Lucius demanded, his voice shaking despite his attempt at sounding authoritative.

Rigel stepped forward, his voice calm and resolute. "We're here to find Voldemort and end him. Where is he in the manor?"

Lucius's eyes darted nervously around the hallway. "You're mad. The Dark Lord... he is too powerful. Even if I knew, why would I tell you?"

Rigel held his ground, his voice softening to a persuasive tone. "Lucius, remember who saved Draco from the Dementor's kiss. You owe me. You owe us. Help us end this, and you can save yourself and your family."

Lucius hesitated, his grip on his wand tightening. "You don't understand. If I betray him... the consequences..."

"The consequences of doing nothing are far worse," Rigel countered, stepping closer. "The Dark Lord's reign will end, with or without your help. But with your help, you might just survive this. Think of Draco. Think of Narcissa."

Lucius's resolve wavered, his eyes betraying the internal struggle. "He... he has taken the master bedroom as his personal room. Top floor, at the very back of the manor."

"Thank you," Rigel said, his voice steady. "It will all be over soon."

As they turned to leave, heading towards the staircase, Lucius's voice called out again, a note of desperation creeping in. "Wait! I can't let you go. The Dark Lord is far too powerful, and if he ever learns that I did not try to stop you... he will surely kill me."

Rigel turned back, trying to reason with him one last time. "Lucius, you have to understand. We will defeat Voldemort. This is our chance to end his reign. You've done the right thing by telling us. Stand aside, and we will take care of the rest."

Hermione, sensing the urgency, stepped forward. "Stop wasting time, Rigel. Neville and I will handle Lucius. You guys need to press on."

Harry shook his head, concern etched on his face. "No, Hermione. Rigel and I had a hard time against him before. I don't want you to get into danger."

Neville placed a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder. "That was years ago, Harry. Lucius is a shell of his former self. We can handle him. Now go."

Harry hesitated, his eyes flickering between his friends and the path ahead. Finally, he nodded, gratitude and worry mingling in his expression. "Thank you," he said softly.

With that, Harry, Tracey, Daphne, and Rigel moved on, their footsteps echoing in the corridor. The tension was palpable, the air thick with the weight of their mission. They left behind Hermione and Neville, who stood ready to face Lucius, their wands drawn and determination burning in their eyes.

As the group disappeared down the corridor, Lucius's fear gave way to a sudden burst of desperation. He raised his wand, his hand shaking, and cast a deadly spell. "Confringo!"

A jet of fiery light shot from his wand, aiming directly at the retreating group. Neville reacted instantly, stepping forward and casting a shield charm. "Protego!"

The spell collided with Neville's shield, exploding in a shower of sparks and forcing Neville to take a step back from the impact. The corridor shook slightly from the force, dust and debris falling from the ceiling.

"Go!" Neville shouted to Harry and the others, his voice firm. "We've got this!"

Hermione and Neville immediately engaged Lucius in combat. Spells flew back and forth, the corridor lighting up with bursts of magic. Hermione's eyes were sharp with focus as she cast a stunning spell, "Stupefy!" which Lucius barely deflected.

Neville followed with a binding curse, "Incarcerous!" aiming to trap Lucius with conjured ropes. Lucius countered with a slicing hex, "Diffindo!" cutting through the ropes as they lunged at him.

Harry, Tracey, Daphne, and Rigel pressed on, the sounds of the duel echoing behind them as they moved deeper into the manor. The further they went, the more the sounds of battle faded, replaced by an eerie silence that filled the vast hallways.

Harry couldn't help but glance back once, the sight of his friends fighting filling him with a mix of worry and determination. He knew they had to trust Neville and Hermione to handle Lucius. They had to stay focused on their mission.

As they approached the grand staircase, they were met with fierce resistance. Fenrir Greyback, flanked by several Death Eaters who were likely werewolves, stood at the bottom of the stairs. Greyback's eyes gleamed with a predatory light as he spotted them, and without warning, he lunged forward, his followers attacking in unison.

Harry and his group barely had time to react as spells and curses flew towards them. Daphne and Tracey stepped forward, their wands already moving in defensive patterns. "We don't have time for this!" Daphne shouted, deflecting a hex aimed at Harry.

Harry, tense and anxious, quickly assessed the situation. "Tracey, I won't let you fight alone."

Tracey, deflecting another curse, glanced at him. "Harry, you need to go. You're the Chosen One. Get to Voldemort!"

Before Harry could protest further, Rigel grabbed his arm. "We need to move!" Rigel said, and with a quick turn, he side-along apparated Harry to the top of the staircase. The sudden displacement left Harry momentarily disoriented.

Greyback snarled in frustration and turned to give chase, but Daphne was already casting. She waved her wand, and a shower of silver daggers rained down on the staircase, creating an impenetrable barrier.

"If you want to follow them, you'll have to get through us first," Daphne shouted, her voice filled with steely determination.

The werewolves growled and lunged at Daphne and Tracey, who met their attack head-on. Spells and curses filled the air, the corridor echoing with the sounds of their fierce battle.

Harry turned to help them, his heart pounding, but Rigel dragged him along, his grip firm. "We have to get to Voldemort. The sooner we defeat him, the sooner everyone is safe."

Harry didn't like leaving Tracey and Daphne behind, but he realised this was what they wanted. With a reluctant nod, he followed Rigel, hurrying along the corridor towards the master bedroom, the sounds of the battle echoing behind them.

Harry and Rigel reached an ornate door, its intricate carvings and heavy frame marking it as the entrance to the master bedroom. Harry steeled himself, feeling the weight of the moment. Rigel moved to open the door, but a voice from their left caught them off guard.

"When Voldemort offered to pay handsomely for our help in attacking Hogwarts, I jumped at the opportunity," the voice said. "I couldn't pass up another chance to capture the prey that once escaped me."

They turned to find Trevor MacTavish, the leader of the Shadowfang pack. MacTavish was a hulking figure, his eyes glinting with malevolence and his presence exuding raw power. Harry's stomach twisted with the memory of their last encounter, when he had been too weak to protect Tracey from harm.

Rigel immediately stepped forward, his natural charisma on full display. "You're mercenaries," he pointed out smoothly. "Whatever price Voldemort is paying you, I will pay double for you to leave."

MacTavish chuckled darkly, shaking his head. "This isn't just about the money anymore. My pack and I never fail to capture our prey. When we targeted Potter that night and he got away, it hurt my ego. That's a mistake I plan on rectifying now."

MacTavish's gaze shifted to Harry, a dangerous smirk spreading across his face. But Harry was quicker. With a swift motion, he summoned a silver dagger and hurled it at MacTavish.

The werewolf leader's enhanced reflexes saved him from a fatal strike, but the dagger still grazed his cheek, leaving a deep, burning scar. MacTavish screamed in pain, the silver's effect on his werewolf nature causing him immense agony.

Before MacTavish could recover, Harry blasted the floor beneath him with a powerful spell, the wood and stone shattering and sending MacTavish plummeting to the floor below.

Rigel let out an impressed whistle, a grin spreading across his face. "Didn't expect you to be so ruthless, Harry. I like it."

Harry's expression was grim. "MacTavish and his henchmen hurt Tracey. I'll never forgive them for that."

Rigel nodded, a fierce determination in his eyes. "Then let's take care of the bastard behind that door who's also hurt Tracey."

Harry smirked, his resolve hardening. "I agree."

With that, the brothers prepared themselves to face Voldemort, the tension between them palpable as they readied for the confrontation of their lives.

~~~o~~~

Voldemort paced the master bedroom, the luxurious surroundings doing little to calm his turbulent thoughts. Why had they chosen to attack now? Was this a desperate, last-ditch effort to get to Nagini? He considered hiding her, but where? There were no safe places left, except perhaps here. He could go anywhere with her, but if he fled, he would lose the fear and respect he had painstakingly cultivated. His rule would never be complete.

Nagini slithered beside him, her presence both a comfort and a reminder of his vulnerability. The sounds of battle outside the manor raged on, but he noticed skirmishes breaking out inside as well. He knew the prophecy, but he couldn't believe that the boy was truly his equal. Not yet, anyway. Potter had grown considerably as a wizard, but Voldemort was determined to extinguish his life before he could ever become a real threat.

The door burst open, jolting him from his thoughts. Harry Potter and Rigel Black stood there, the two biggest annoyances of his life. They had come for Nagini, of course—it was they who had destroyed his other Horcruxes, save for the ring.

Voldemort smirked confidently. "Ah, Potter and Black. Have you finally realised how futile your struggle is? Have you come to die?"

Potter's eyes blazed with determination. "Quite the opposite. We're here to end your reign of terror and usher in a better world."

Voldemort laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "A better world? The only better world will be brought on by me." He turned his gaze to Rigel. "Tell me, Black, there have been instances attributed to Death Eater attacks, yet I have no knowledge of such. Could it be that someone has been a naughty kitten?"

Rigel spat back, his voice dripping with defiance. "Your deceptions will get you nowhere, Voldemort."

Voldemort laughed again, his eyes gleaming with dark amusement. "That's rich coming from you, both because of your magic and..."

Before he could finish, Potter threw something, and the room was instantly shrouded in darkness. Voldemort quickly realised it was some sort of magical powder. With a wave of his wand, he summoned a mighty wind to blow it away.

As the darkness began to clear, the floor beneath him suddenly gave way. It was as if they were falling into a bottomless pit, the manor's luxurious interior disappearing into a chasm of nothingness. Voldemort and Nagini were plummeting, the unexpected fall disorienting and unnaturally endless.

Voldemort quickly realised that this was Black's doing. He had received reports that the boy's illusion magic had significantly improved, though this level of sophistication was unexpected. He surmised that he must still be standing, that the whole falling sensation wasn't real.

Making a motion with his hand, he signalled Nagini to move closer to him as they "fell." She was the target, after all. He pondered how to dispel the illusion. Normally, being aware of an illusion was enough, but none of the spells he tried were working.

Suddenly, Potter appeared and began attacking Voldemort. They were battling midair, floating in their endless fall. Deadly spells were exchanged with intense ferocity. Voldemort shot a blasting curse at Potter, who countered with a powerful shield charm. Potter then retaliated with a jet of fire, narrowly missing Voldemort.

Yet what struck Voldemort as odd was that Potter was aiming for him, not Nagini. Was this Potter an illusion too? But the clash of their magic felt undeniably real. Then again, illusions were pockets of magic. Still, such intense magic power couldn't be from an illusion.

Abruptly, another Potter appeared from his right side, not armed with a wand but with a sword. Voldemort instantly recognised it as the Sword of Gryffindor. Imbued with basilisk venom after the Chamber of Secrets ordeal, it was capable of destroying Horcruxes.

The sword-wielding Potter dashed towards Nagini, his intentions clear. Voldemort quickly struck him down with a curse, only for the figure to dissipate into smoke. Just an illusion. The other Potter, however, didn't sit idly by. He exploited the opening Voldemort gave him and struck him with a severing charm, the powerful spell slicing deep into Voldemort's side, causing blood to spill and pain to sear through his body.

Voldemort, now bleeding heavily from the deep wound in his side, re-engaged the wand-wielding Potter, pain coursing through him with every movement. He kept his eyes open for more sword-wielding illusions. While these illusions couldn't hurt Nagini with their fake swords, the real Black or Potter certainly could destroy her.

As predicted, multiple more Potters and Blacks appeared, each armed with the Sword of Gryffindor. Every time Voldemort diverted his attention to them, the wand-wielding Potter struck him. Another illusion lunged, and Voldemort obliterated it with a burst of dark energy, but a spell from Potter cut across his cheek, leaving a burning gash.

Realising the fight would eventually wear him out if this continued, Voldemort knew he couldn't be outwitted by two boys. He focused his magic on the bottomless pit below them, determined to dispel it while keeping Potter on the defensive.

The pit around them began to crack and then shattered like glass, revealing the severely destroyed master bedroom around them. Voldemort took a deep breath, the effort having drained some of his energy, but he knew he still had much more than the two boys combined. This fight was only just beginning.

Before Voldemort could resume his offensive, Potter engulfed him in a fiery tornado. He immediately shielded himself and Nagini, but the strength of Potter's fire was impressive. The force of the tornado ripped through the ceiling above them, the fiery vortex spiralling into the sky.

As the tornado roared around them, several more sword-wielding Potters and Blacks struck his shield through the flames. The fire concealed them, making it impossible for Voldemort to counterattack before they struck. Slowly but surely, his shield began to crack under the relentless assault.

Realising he had to act, Voldemort infused his shield with a surge of magic power. The shield burst, shattering and releasing a powerful shockwave that obliterated the fire, the illusions, and even sent Potter flying into the wall.

However, as Voldemort looked around, he was met with a perplexing sight. The room was filled with not only Potters and Blacks but also illusions of himself and, most worryingly, of Nagini. There was no way Black could have moved the real Nagini, right?

Everywhere he looked, illusions battled fiercely. Each Potter and Black was determined to kill the respective Nagini their engaged Voldemort was protecting. Usually, it was multiple sets of Potter and Black against a single Voldemort.

Voldemort tried to remain calm, focusing on himself and his Nagini—the real one, surely. Suddenly, one of his illusions spoke in Parseltongue, commanding Nagini to run and hide.

All the Naginis followed the command without question, scattering and trying to hide. This was their plan. The snakes quickly slithered across the room, intermingling and making it impossible to distinguish the real one. Voldemort hissed in Parseltongue, demanding the real Nagini come back to him, causing all the snakes to momentarily slither toward him.

But another illusion sowed chaos by calling him an illusion in Parseltongue and commanding Nagini to continue fleeing. The room descended into chaos—chaos Voldemort couldn't afford. He had to protect every Nagini he saw, unable to identify the real one.

It was hopeless. The snakes were too spread out, confused by the commands of the illusionary Voldemorts. Then it happened—Black struck the real Nagini with the Sword of Gryffindor, instantly killing her and destroying his last Horcrux.

Voldemort's rage surged to unprecedented levels. Not only had he lost his last Horcrux, but also someone he viewed as a companion—perhaps even a friend. In his fury, he channelled his magic to unleash a massive explosion, intending to reduce Potter, Black, and the manor to dust. He didn't care how many of his own followers perished. "You will pay for this!" he screamed.

He saw Black drop the accursed sword and rush to Potter, taking a defensive stance in front of him. Rigel channelled all his magic into a shield. The insolence of this boy knew no bounds. Did he truly think he could shield both himself and Potter from Voldemort's might?

Just as Voldemort was about to unleash his explosion, a bright light shot through the shattered ceiling, landing directly in front of Potter and Black. It was Sirius Black, taking a protective stance over his son and godson. Voldemort screamed in fury as he unleashed the explosion, decimating the manor and everything around him.

~~~o~~~

Harry came to after the explosion, his vision blurred and his ears ringing. He slowly pushed himself up, the landscape around him a wasteland of charred debris. The entire manor was gone, reduced to smouldering ruins. In the distance, the sounds of battle continued as Aurors and Order forces clashed with Death Eaters.

Nearby, he saw Rigel hunched over a dying Sirius. Rigel's arms and upper body were severely burned, his face etched with pain and desperation. Sirius was in even worse shape, his body covered in burns, his breathing shallow.

"Why did you do that?" Rigel's voice was choked with emotion. "It was unnecessary. I would have been strong enough to protect us."

Sirius chuckled weakly, each breath a struggle. "That isn't true, Rigel. Look at yourself. You're wounded despite my shielding. Without me, you would have been toast... maybe Harry too."

"Stop talking, Dad. Save your strength until we can get you to St. Mungo's."

Sirius shook his head, a faint smile on his lips. "No use, son. I'm happy to have sacrificed my life for both of you."

Harry, racked with grief, watched as his godfather lay dying. He barely registered the movement out of the corner of his eye until it was almost too late. Voldemort was approaching, his eyes fixed on Rigel with deadly intent.

Voldemort raised his wand and sent a killing curse toward Rigel. Harry, reacting on instinct, stepped between them and cast his own killing curse. The two beams of deadly light met in midair, creating a tense, vibrating connection as both wizards poured more magic into their spells, trying to overpower the other.

Sirius, his eyes wide with shock, watched as Harry cast the killing curse. Rigel, offering a weak smile, said, "We had to learn to use them. Fight fire with fire. We need every advantage we can get."

Sirius's trembling hand reached up to touch Rigel's face. "I understand," he said weakly. "You two have made me a proud father and godfather. I know you'll continue to make me proud, even after I'm gone. Using these curses doesn't make you bad people." His hand dropped as he drew his final breath, dying in Rigel's arms.

Rigel stared in shock, grief consuming him. Harry, although he didn't hear everything, realised that Sirius was gone. He channelled his grief into his magic, pouring more power into the spell aimed at Voldemort.

But Voldemort, fuelled by his own anger, overpowered Harry in their magical struggle. The clashing beams of light surged toward Harry, hitting his wand and causing it to explode in his hand. Voldemort laughed, a cruel, mocking sound. "Now you're wandless and helpless, Potter."

Harry's hands throbbed with pain, the remains of his wand still smoking. But the physical pain was nothing compared to the grief and the fierce instinct to protect Rigel, who was now too injured to fight.

Harry's hands trembled as he reached into his cloak and retrieved the Elder Wand. He felt the surge of power course through him, the wand humming with ancient magic. Steeling himself, he raised the wand and launched into the fight, aiming directly at Voldemort.

Voldemort's eyes widened in surprise as he recognised the Elder Wand. Then a twisted smile spread across his face. "So, Potter, you have the Elder Wand. This saves me the trouble of retrieving it myself. Once I kill you, it will be mine."

Harry ignored Voldemort's taunts. The Dark Lord was mortal now, and Harry needed to end this before Voldemort could find a way to make himself immortal again. He unleashed a barrage of fiery spells, conjuring powerful fire golems and tendrils of flame that twisted and writhed through the air.

Voldemort was not easily bested. He deflected Harry's spells with swift, precise movements, countering with curses that crackled with dark energy. "Avada Kedavra!" he hissed, sending a jet of green light towards Harry, who dodged and retaliated with a burst of flames.

The air between them shimmered with heat and magic, the ground around them scorched and blackened. Harry pushed forward, the Elder Wand blazing in his hand, but Voldemort's skill and experience were formidable. He met each of Harry's attacks with equal force, their spells colliding in a brilliant display of power.

Despite his injuries, Rigel struggled to support Harry. With his arms burned and barely able to move, he relied on wandless magic to cast illusions. However, his illusions were weaker and less effective than before. They flickered and wavered, barely holding up under the intensity of the duel.

Voldemort noticed the faltering illusions and pressed his advantage, launching a series of powerful curses that forced Harry to split his focus between attacking and defending Rigel. A slicing curse whizzed past Harry's ear, and he quickly conjured a wall of fire to block another dark spell aimed at Rigel.

Harry retaliated with a ferocious fire spell, sending a fire golem charging at Voldemort. The Dark Lord banished the golem with a wave of his wand, his eyes gleaming with malicious delight. He conjured a storm of serpents made of dark energy, sending them slithering towards Harry and Rigel.

Harry blasted the serpents away with a fiery explosion, but the effort left him winded. Voldemort pressed on, his attacks becoming more relentless. Harry could feel the tide of the battle slowly tipping in Voldemort's favour. Each spell he cast seemed to take more out of him, while Voldemort appeared to grow stronger.

Voldemort's eyes flashed with triumph as he launched another killing curse at Harry. "Avada Kedavra!"

Harry barely managed to dodge it, the green light veering off and striking the ground with a deafening explosion. He was panting, sweat streaming down his face, his grip on the Elder Wand tightening as he struggled to keep up.

Voldemort sneered, sensing his advantage. He cast a series of rapid curses, forcing Harry into a defensive stance. A powerful blasting curse struck Harry's shield, shattering it and sending him stumbling backward. He fell to one knee, the Elder Wand slipping from his grasp for a moment before he grabbed it again, his body aching and exhausted.

With Rigel struggling to maintain his illusions and Harry nearly at his limit, Voldemort prepared to deliver the final blow. His wand aimed directly at Harry, a cold, triumphant smile on his lips. "Avada Kedavra!" he shouted, sending the deadly green light hurtling towards Harry. Realising that if he dodged, the curse might hit Rigel, Harry had no choice but to counter with his own killing curse.

"Avada Kedavra!" Harry yelled, his voice filled with desperation and resolve.

The beams collided, and this time, the struggle was much more one-sided. Harry felt his power draining rapidly while Voldemort still seemed to have reserves. The green light inched closer to Harry, his strength waning under the relentless assault.

As the beams pushed closer to him, Harry thought that this was it. But just then, Tracey, Neville, Hermione, and Daphne appeared, their expressions fierce with determination.

Without hesitation, Tracey, Neville, and Hermione raised their wands, channelling their magic into Harry's beam. The combined power of their spells pushed against Voldemort, causing the dark lord to falter. Daphne rushed to Rigel's side, helping him grasp his wand. She held his hand steady and together they added their power to the struggle.

The combined force of the six of them was immense. Voldemort, sensing the shift, struggled against them with all his might, but his reserves were beginning to dim. Slowly, they overpowered him, pushing the beam back towards Voldemort. The deadly green light reached his wand, causing it to explode with a force that sent all of them flying.

Harry hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the wind out of him. He quickly scrambled to his feet, his heart pounding. Around him, his friends were also getting up, shaken but alive.

Then he saw Voldemort, lying on the ground, clearly defeated. The Dark Lord was out of power, and with his wand destroyed, he didn't stand a chance. His red eyes were wide with shock and anger.

"It's time to end this," Rigel said hoarsely, his voice filled with finality.

Harry nodded, and for a brief moment, he considered using the killing curse on Voldemort. It had a certain poetic justice to it, having Voldemort die by the same curse he had used to take Harry's parents. But it would be too fast, too easy.

A surge of anger welled up inside Harry, and he let his fire affinity flare. Flames erupted from the Elder Wand, engulfing Voldemort in a roaring inferno. The Dark Lord screamed in agony, his body writhing as the flames consumed him. His screams echoed through the ruined landscape, a testament to his suffering.

The fire burned with an intense heat, reducing Voldemort to ashes. When the flames finally died down, nothing remained of him but a pile of dust. The sight brought an overwhelming sense of relief to Harry. They had done it. They had defeated the most powerful Dark Lord in history.

Around him, his friends shared the same sense of relief and exhaustion. They had fought valiantly, and their combined strength had triumphed over the darkness.

All around them, Death Eaters noticed their Dark Marks fading, realising that Voldemort was dead. Panic set in among their ranks, and one by one, they began to disapparate, abandoning the battlefield.

The sudden shift in the battle's atmosphere hit Harry like a wave. Amidst the chaos, he turned to see Tracey, her face lit by the flickering remnants of the flames. She was there with him, unharmed by the explosion that had decimated the manor. Overwhelmed with relief and love, he hugged her tightly and pulled her into a deep kiss.

When they broke apart, Harry asked, "How are you unharmed?"

Tracey smiled, still catching her breath. "Daphne told me to shield, so I did. Hermione and Neville had just arrived, and when Daphne yelled, we all put up shields together. The explosion still broke our combined shield, but none of us were seriously injured."

Harry nodded, realising Daphne must have communicated the warning through her bond with Rigel. He turned to thank her but found her and Rigel hunched over Sirius' lifeless body. Rigel was distraught, and Daphne was gently soothing him.

Harry's heart sank. In the life-or-death struggle against Voldemort, he had momentarily forgotten that Sirius had died. Sirius had died protecting them, just like his parents had. The grief hit him with full force, a heavy weight settling in his chest.

At that moment, McGonagall, Tonks, and Remus approached the group. Tonks called out happily, her voice filled with relief. "We did it! The war is over!" But as she got closer and saw Sirius' lifeless body, her face fell, mirroring the pain and shock Harry felt.

McGonagall covered her mouth in disbelief, while Remus broke down completely. Seeing another one of his best friends dead was too much to bear. He collapsed next to Rigel, tears streaming down his face. Tonks knelt beside them, doing her best to comfort both Remus and Rigel.

Tracey softly squeezed Harry's hand. "How are you holding up, Harry? In regards to Sirius?"

Harry shook his head, his voice choked with emotion. "It doesn't feel real yet. But when the shock wears off, I'm sure I'll be just like them, in tears. My godfather meant everything to me."

Tracey pulled him into a hug, her warmth and presence a small comfort in the midst of his grief. "I'll be here for you, Harry," she whispered, holding him tightly.

---

AN: This concludes the canon storyline, but as I have noted in a prior chapter, this is not the end of the story. We will dive into the adult life of our group and see how they follow their goals of changing the wizarding world - and the challenges they face to achieve their goals. Also will Rigel be able to keep Harry in the dark about all he and Daphne have done? How much further will he go?

I hope you will continue to enjoy the story :) any feedback is welcome!