Blaise had been staring into the dying embers of the fireplace that evening. His mind had been too busy to sleep. He had felt anxious all throughout dinner. It seemed as if his body was screaming at him to stay alert. And so he had settled into one of the large leather armchairs in the common room, twirling his wand around and ignoring any attempts at conversation.

The light had grown dim, casting long shadows over the now nearly deserted space. An ember sparked suddenly, drawing Blaise in deep and for some reason his mind automatically went to Luna. It wasn't strange. His mind found her more often than not. Ever since he heard she had escaped Malfoy Manor, both relief and further worry warred in his mind because now he had absolutely no idea how she was doing nor the ability to find out either. He vehemently hoped she was okay and safe. But not even Nott could slip information to him now.

As if summoned by mere thought, Nott suddenly burst rather loudly into the common room. There was a strange look on his face, his hazel eyes growing in size when he spotted Blaise. With quick resolute steps, Nott reached him. Something obviously was wrong, and Blaise didn't know whether to be excited or scared.

"Zabini! Good you're here…!" His friend then wildly looked around. A few random students were around, none seemed interested in them though. Still, Theo lowered his voice and shuffled close. Blaise had to focus hard to hear him.

"Listen… he has been spotted in Hogsmeade and he's sure that… he's here… and he is coming… you…"

"Wait… what? Who's he?"

" He! Potter of course. And he's coming for him…"

"And who is he? Oh! I… so, what…? They are both coming…?"

"Well yes… so you need to get Magdalena and get out."

"What do you mean? And how do you know? Are you sure Nott?"

Theo raised a mocking eyebrow at him.

"Honestly, you should trust my information by now."

"But…?" Blaise's mind was reeling from the sudden information overload. Potter had been seen…. And so now He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was coming… here? To Hogwarts?

Nott could apparently see all of this whirl in his mind and he firmly lifted Blaise out of the armchair and pulled him into their dormitory. No one was there. Still, as had become a custom, Theo cast muffliato at the dorm before turning to Blaise, urgency now in his voice.

"Listen to me Blaise! I know this sounds bloody mental, but I got a warning from my father. I don't even know if he was allowed to say anything. But they've received message from the Carrow's that Potter was here. I don't know why he's here with his friends but they've all been summoned. And we have to get out. You especially. The Lestrange brothers are coming too and if they recognise you… well… you know them. They get high on this stuff."

"This stuff?"

"Fighting of course. Potter and his gang won't be going down without a fight and neither are they. Blaise?"

Blaise's mind had halted on hearing on friends and Potter's gang… because could that mean…? Could Luna be here?

Theo groaned.

And then suddenly, Blaise's head was whipped to one side, his cheek stinging from the impact. He reacted in a flash, grabbed hold of Nott's collar and shoving him against a dorm closet.

"What. The. Hell! Why the FUCK did you hit me?" He yelled. His friend didn't even flinch but stared back at him with blazing hazel eyes.

"I just told you to get out of here. NOW! The Dark Lord and the Death Eaters, including your mother's crazy stalker is coming here to fight and KILL! And you aren't even listening to me!"

"I was listening!"

"Yeah, until your mind went back into the gutter. I don't know if your girlfriends coming, but you and your baby sister need to get out!"

"She's not my…"

"I don't bloody care okay? That's not the point. I've seen her tortured, she'll be fine. But Maggie won't, and neither will you if Lestrange sees you."

"What have you heard about my mother?"

"Nothing, and it has pissed Lestrange off."

"And you're telling me this, NOW?"

"It wasn't necessary before, but it is NOW! So GO Zabini!"

"I can't just Apparate out of here and Maggie…"

Right then the voice of Professor Slughorn boomed through the space.

"We are to evacuate the school immediately! Pack merely the essentials. I expect you all in the Great Hall in 20 minutes! NOW!"

The two friends stared at each other, and Blaise finally let go of Theo, who gave a small sigh of relief.

"I am sorry…" Blaise mumbled checking if he had done any damage.

"Me too… I shouldn't have hit you." Blaise traced his still stinging skin.

"If we get out of this mess and it scars, my mother will kill you." That earned him a grin.

"Can't have that. Come on, we don't have much time." But before Theo could turn away, Blaise grabbed his shoulder and looked down at his friend.

"Thank you Nott… For everything."

"That's what friends are for Zabini. Now get on with it. And if we are all gathering in the Great Hall, Maggie will be there too."

Blaise turned to his belongings in front of him and felt dread and numbness spread through his body. What the hell was going on? And what could or should he bring? He would be fleeing from battle… To where? His estate? Would that be safe? Would his uncle be safe? His mother…

Theo's gathering was loud and brought him out of his thoughts. He needed to be quick and practically. He gathered his sneakers and jeans, dressing quickly while throwing on a shirt and sweater. It was May and had started to warm up, but if it was going to be messy he needed to be covered and his robes would get in the way. He stuffed his spare coins and keys into his pockets and grabbed his wand. The rest of his trunk with spare clothes and books were unnecessary for now. They were all replaceable. His eye fell on his Magical Creatures book and the letter that stuck out from it. It was Luna's first letter to him, that he had hidden in the book. It too he stuck in his pocket and turned to find Nott ready as well, wearing a cloak and bag slung over his shoulder.

"Where will you be going?" Blaise asked him and Nott looked away as if embarrassed.

"Not sure yet. My aunt said…"

"Come with me and Maggie to my family's Estate. For now, until we know… well what happens."

"I am not sure…"

"Please, Nott. You've helped me a lot and I know your home situation is far more complicated then you've ever bothered to explain. Let me do this."

"Alright, if you insist."

"I do. Come on, let's go!"

They joined the rest of their house mates and strode hurriedly to the Great Hall. The school was both calm and yet buzzing with energy. Random wizards and witches, along with guard statues were gathering outside to barricade the school. The Prefects had quite a job getting all the younger students to keep moving. Finally, Theo and Blaise reached the doors off the Great Hall. As they entered, Blaise heard hurried footsteps behind him and turned. He froze.

There, running past him, out towards the courtyard, was a mass of long pale blonde curls. He had barely managed a glimpse of her pale, and terrifyingly gaunt, face. She hadn't seen him, running along behind another tall dark skinned boy, who held her hand and was pulling her along. Both Luna and… Dean Thomas… the missing Gryffindor boy that had fled the Snatchers, had their wands raised as they rushed outside. Holding hands! Neville Longbottom, whom Blaise hadn't seen for weeks, had a bloody face but was grinning ferociously as he followed them. Blaise couldn't really comprehend what he was seeing other than the fact that she, his Luna, was alive and here! Off to fight in whatever battle was going to take place. Blaise had no doubt about that.

It took everything in him, not to immediately turn back around and follow her. Shout her name. Feel her back in his arms. But no, he had another mission. Get Nott and Maggie out of here. And so he sat down with Theo at the Slytherin table, relieved to see Maggie with her friends. She smiled bravely at him, a gleam of excitement in her eyes. She always gave him that look when she wanted to tell him something. Obviously she had witnessed something today. He was sure he would find out soon enough.

He barely listened to Professor McGonagall's evacuation plan, apart from that it would be overseen by Mr Filch and Madam Pomfrey. He could see Harry Potter and several of the Order and his friends sitting at the Gryffindor table. It was odd to see him again after so many months. A Hufflepuff boy cried out.

"And what if we want to stay and fight?"

Applause followed his brazen statement.

"If you are of age, you may stay." Answered Professor McGonagall before a Ravenclaw called out.

"What about our things? Our trunks and owls?" Blaise snickered as he saw Maggie roll her eyes.

"We have no time to collect possessions. The important thing is to get you out of here safely."

"Where's Professor Snape?" Daphne asked from a few places beside him. Blaise had been wondering about that too, but no one had been able to give him an answer until now.

"He has, to use the common phrase, done a bunk." Professor McGonagall said and all the Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students broke out in cheers. Blaise wasn't sure what he thought about this. Professor Snape had, despite being his Head of House, never felt approachable to Blaise. Their relationship was perfectly adequate to get him through his school years. But he had never come across to Blaise as a coward.

It didn't matter now though, as Professor McGonagall explained the extra protection that had been put into place before reiterating the importance of them all evacuating as quickly and calmly as possible. But suddenly she was interrupted by a high, cold and clear voice that seemed to cut straight through him. Blaise felt shivers run along his entire spine. Terrified screams now filled the Hall but were unable to drown out the haunting voice.

"I know you are preparing to fight. Your efforts are futile. You cannot fight me. I do not want to kill you. I have great respect for the teachers of Hogwarts. I do not want to spill magical blood."

There was a brief chilling silence that spread through out. Blaise held Maggie's terrified gaze as he sat in disbelief, having heard his voice. Voldemort's voice.

"Give me Harry Potter, and none shall be harmed. Give me Harry Potter, and I shall leave the school untouched. Give me Harry Potter, and you will be rewarded. You have until midnight."

Once again the following silence was deafening as everyone fixed their gazes on Potter. Then Parkinson rose from Blaise's table and raised a shaking arm towards Potter.

"But he's there! Potter's there! Someone grab him!" Her voice was shrill and pathetic. Blaise himself had no time to react because all the students from the other houses rose and turned to face Parkinson. Even Maggie was among them, glaring daggers at the girl, with like the other students, her wand out. He had to get her out of here.

"Thank you, Miss Parkinson. You will leave the Hall first with Mr Filch. If the rest of your house could follow."

They all rose and started to file out of the room. Blaise called out to Maggie, who gave him a furious look. At first it seemed he would have to drag her out, but thankfully, students from her own house started to leave too. The teachers were firm with younger students, including Maggie. Blaise kept his eyes on his sister as they left the Hall and grabbed her tightly as soon as he could. They were marched towards the Room of Requirement that had become the evacuation point. Maggie complained loudly to him the whole way.

"Blaise, this isn't fair! I saw him! I saw Harry Potter and even Luna! She's back. And she's fighting and I want to fight too!"

"You're too young. You won't last a second."

"But Blaise…!"

"NO! This isn't negotiable Maggie. I promised everyone, including myself that I would keep you safe. You are not going to fight anyone."

"I don't want to be a coward like you and mum."

That made something snap in him and Blaise pulled them both out of the growing line in the evacuation hallway. Theo had noticed and joined them. No one else seemed to pay attention, either desperate to get out, or having similar arguments with family members.

"Don't assume you know everything." He bit out harshly to his sister. She flinched at his cold tone. "Mum has been fleeing to protect us from a lunatic. I have been doing everything here this year to keep you out of harms way. You might not see it or like it, but protecting family is never cowardice."

"But you've never fought them!"

"That's not true Maggie." Nott interjected. "You should have seen his face when he got you and your friends out of trouble."

Her horrified eyes turned back to Blaise.

"W… what is he talking about?"

"It's not important. You know I'd do anything for you Maggie."

"Yes… but not… why didn't you tell me?"

"Because I knew you'd get angry and hurt them back. And that would get us into more trouble."

"We could fight together!"

"Magdalena, please. You can't. Had you been older I have no doubt you'd be great. But you've just started Hogwarts, and had a fucking terrible start too." Theo nodded his agreement.

"It's not the right time." He supplied helpfully.

"But my friends…!" "Most of your friends have to leave too."

"But Luna is fighting, as is Michael and so many others!"

"They are old enough."

"But…!"

"Maggie, I swear on Merlin's balls if you continue, I will carry you away. Do you understand me?"

She glared daggers at him as he stood to prepare himself to swing her over his shoulder and march out of there.

Just then a Lynx patronus flew past them to a group of Order Members. It spoke loud enough for their little group to hear.

"Need back-up by the Astronomy Tower! Dean, Luna and Remus are being cornered!" It was Kingsley Shacklebolt's deep voice and Blaise felt everything drain from him. The desperation of evident in the man's tone. They were in trouble. Deep trouble. His head moved towards the direction of the tower automatically as if there was anything he could see. She was in trouble. She could die. He clutched his wand so tightly he was surprised it didn't break.

Then he looked back at Maggie defiant face. Fuck, what the hell could he do?

Nott seemed to have assessed the situation too and came into action. He quickly gripped Blaise's shoulder.

"Go! Quick! And don't get killed. I'll bring her home."

And then before either Zabini siblings could react, Nott lifted Maggie up, on to his shoulder and marched her resolutely to the exit.

Maggie screamed and shrieked hysterically.

"BLAISE! BLAISE DON'T LEAVE ME! DON'T LET HIM! BLAISE! NOTT PUT ME DOWN! PUT ME…!" and then they both disappeared from his view.

Don't get killed!

Blaise turned and ran as fast as he could to the Astronomy Tower, evading any debris and by now bodies that were now in the way. He tried to block everything out and find her. Luna!

As he entered the mayhem several curses were hurled his way. Now, all the years of aloofness and singleminded focus came in handy. He had only one goal, find her. Everything else be damned and it seemed his body and senses were moving on their own accord. He blocked the spells and kept going, rounding several corners and down flights of stairs before climbing new ones, at least three steps at a time.

As he kept climbing The Astronomy Tower, the battle seemed more intense. More Death Eaters and Aurors were battling, destroying everything around them. He had narrowly slipped into a new corridor when screams entered his consciousness. From afar he saw several Death Eaters as well as two bodies lying prone on the stone floor. But that wasn't relevant to him right now, because there she was. Luna, laying on the ground behind some debris. He was too far away to see her clearly or get her attention but even this glimpse made his heart lurch out of his chest. She was still alive!

He saw the celebrating Death Eaters that were far too close to her. He saw the Dementors that suddenly seemed to crowd the space in droves, straight at her. He screamed but heard someone else, probably Dean Thomas shout at her too, to run! And she did, scrambling to her feet before dashing into another corridor rather unsteadily. The Dementors followed her. Fuck!

He set off into a sprint, blasting away several Death Eaters that has also tried to set in a pursuit. One of them had been in a fight with Dean, who looked up in surprise when his attacker was blasted away and even more so when he saw Blaise.

"Zabini? What are you..?"

"Keep them away, I'll make sure she's safe!" He shouted back no bothering to explain any further. She needed him!

The corridor seemed longer and darker than he remembered it being. He could see the Dementors surrounding her. Her weak puff of a patronus unable to make a difference. He saw the skeletal hands reaching out. No fucking way!

He halted, pointing his wand directly at the mass in front of her. Some of the awful creatures sensed his presence and while his body reacted to the icy cold and dread that hung in the air, he was too angry to care.

No one would hurt his precious Luna Lovegood. He would make sure of that for the rest of his fucking life.

"Luna! Expecto Patronum!"

The force of his spell sent him stumbling several steps backwards as a large magnificent Thestral burst from his wand. It was blinding and he had to squint to see it fly fast and furious straight at the Dementors. They instantly scattered away, fleeing through the broken window at the end of the corridor. The one closest to Luna was flung back by the Thestrals wings and disappeared entirely.

Blaise now focused on her. She was slumped against the wall, looking in utter awe at the patronus. It's light illuminating her face and her moonstone eyes. It highlighted the suffering she had endured on her face, and yet, there she was once again that ethereal being that had captured his heart, body and soul.

Then she turned to him, and for several precious seconds they just stared at each other, emotions rolling over them. And then, she was in his arms! He gripped her tightly to him. Her body, as changed as it now was, felt perfect and safe against his own.

"Blaise! Oh… I…" She looked at him, her eyes filled with tears that were now streaming down her face. Her voice was soft as whispers running down his skin. His mind couldn't even attempt to speak and so he cupped her face and kissed her.

She probably deserved delicacy but there was nothing delicate about his ravenous kiss. Merlin, he wanted her! He needed her! He never wanted to be parted from her.

His hands tangled in her hair and he registered she gripped his shirt and shoulder tightly in response. Fuck. He pushed them both back towards the wall that had merely seconds ago seemed like a prison to her and inhaled her. She did the same. It seemed both longest and the shortest second he had ever experienced.

A bang came from somewhere down the corridor.

He pulled away, his body and mind screaming in protest. He looked at her. Her lips were puffy, her cheeks red and a look of dreamy elation that he wished he could capture. He held on to her, unable to let go, gripping her hands in his. His voice was hoarse as he spoke, delicately pushing a strand of her hair back behind her ear.

"Luna… I can't believe you're here and safe. I was… so… terrified…" he couldn't continue and pulled her closer to him, kissing the top of her head and inhaling her scent.

"Me too Blaise…" she murmured softly against his chest.

"Luna! Are you… um… are you okay?" Dean's voice made them both look up. He was standing several paces away, his face full of weary confusion. His wand was resolutely aimed at Blaise. "Is he hurting you?"

Blaise felt anger flash through him, stiffening instantly into anger and confrontation.

"What the fuck does it look like Thomas?!"

To his credit, Dean didn't even flinch, ignoring Blaise and focusing on Luna.

"Luna?"

"It's alright Dean, Blaise isn't hurting me, he helped me." Luna replied, her soothing dreamy voice seeming to have a calming effect on them both.

"Yeah, I saw him running here. Death Eaters have moved away. I think they've been called back." Dean told hem, taking a step back and lowering his wand slightly. Blaise now too stepped away from Luna, annoyance bubbling up that he had too, but they weren't safe yet. They couldn't stay here. He lowered his wand too and reached out a hand to Luna to help her navigate around the rumble. Seeing their hands together made him think of seeing her hand in Thomas'. He pushed away the thought. He had to be glad there was someone else here that would protect her.

Dean didn't mention it as they stumbled their way back to the hallway, obviously deciding to keep his questions to himself. They now reached Remus and Tonks, laying beside each other as if asleep. Luna crumpled beside him, dropping to her knees and sobbing as she softly brushed pink locks from Tonks' face. Blaise was unsure what to do. How could he comfort her? Could she even grieve here?

"It's not fair…" She mumbled, over and over.

Dean knelt beside her, laying an arm around her shoulders as he took care to straighten the robes of their fallen Professor Defense Against the Dark Arts. He didn't bother hiding his own tears.

"I know Luna."

"He… he was so h… happy…"

"Yeah he was."

"P… poor Teddy… W… why did she come?"

"Look at them, they are always together…"

"Yes…but… why?"

"Death is cruel." Dean's voice was harsh now and Blaise was certain the boy had witnessed enough death. "But I'm sure Ted will be there for them… just like we will be there for Teddy."

Luna looked up at Dean. Seeing the pain in her face, was like a stab in the heart to Blaise. He suddenly felt wholly inadequate and needed to do something.

He took a step back, and Luna instantly looked at him as his hand fell away.

"Take your time. I'll make sure no one disturbs you."

He turned to scan the area. Like Dean a Thomas had said, the Death Eaters had left. There was only one other body lying close by. The one Dean had been fighting and that Blaise had blasted away. He wasn't sure if the man was dead or merely unconscious. He performed a body bind curse just in case.

He then registered that the sounds of battle had dimmed considerably. What was going on? Just then, Lord Voldemort's haunting voice rang through the air. He felt himself flinch and cover his ears on instinct but it was pointless in keeping out the wizard's chilling speech. He mockingly told them they had fought bravely and they had sacrificed much. He would grant them time to gather their dead and if Harry Potter would surrender himself then all would be spared.

Fuck, he didn't know if he believed that, but if it meant getting Luna to safety, Blaise would take it.

He stood, trying to block out the rest of the Dark Lord's words and started to gather two large pieces of debris. They would have to serve as stretchers. He brought them to Luna and Dean.

"Come on, let's get them to the Great Hall where they can lay in peace."

The three of them worked together and Blaise was reminded of his and Luna's trip to the hospital wing with Professor Flitwick as they moved back down the to castle entrance, Remus and Tonks floating ahead of them.

Luna walked ahead of them, nimbly navigating through the debris as he and Dean strode resolutely behind. Blaise could feel the other boy's dark gaze on him. He stared back confidently, for the first time realising the similarities they shared. Of course their dark skin was obvious and a distinction among their peers. But they were both extremely tall and lanky, well build for the Chaser positions they shared on their Quidditch teams. Dean, also was more subdued than the rest of the Gryffindor boys from his year, although he definitely wasn't shy either. Quite a mystery, just how Blaise liked to be.

"What's your deal, Zabini?"

And, obviously direct. Blaise liked that.

"My deal, Thomas?"

"Yeah, what's someone like you still doing here? And what are you doing with Luna?"

"I am here to fight and protect those I love."

"Didn't think you'd fight on our side."

"You don't know anything about me."

"I know you're a Slytherin, a Pureblood and haven't fought on our side before. I think my assumption about you is a logical one."

"Well, obviously, it's wrong."

"Apparently, seeing as Luna likes you. There must be some redeemable quality about you. Although she is too quick to trust."

"You think you know her well then?"

"I do know her well. We've been friends and fighting together for years. Even spend time locked up together. She never mentioned you."

Blaise tried to ignore the sting that his last comment brought him, so he focused on the new information.

"You know where Luna had been kidnapped to?"

"Yeah, I got locked up in Malfoy's Manor too, but months later."

Blaise halted immediately, his blood pounding in his veins. Dean stopped beside him, a curious look on his face.

"Malfoy Manor…?"

"Yeah, didn't you know?"

"What… no! Malfoy… are you sure?"

Dean actually laughed.

"Of course! I'll always remember that depressing place. Thankfully I wasn't there long. But Luna was there for months with Mr Ollivander. They tortured her daily. You might think she looks bad now, but you have no idea how…."

Blaise held out his hand to stop him.

"I understand…" he managed to grind out. Anger seethed through him and he desperately wanted to hit something. If he only caught a glimpse of Draco, he'd kill him on the spot. And he also now realised how Nott had known she was okay. He'd told him that he'd spent Christmas with his father's friends. Obviously, the Malfoy's.

"Blimey, you really didn't know." Dean said casually.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Like I said, thought you were on the other side."

They started to continue walking.

"I was on nobody's side."

"Why?"

"To keep my family safe. You were on the run right?"

"Yeah…"

"My mother is too."

The surprise on Dean's face was almost comical.

"What? I thought you were…"

"Pureblood? Yeah I am and my mother is too. But Lestrange was stalking and threatening her. She fled to protect us, my younger sister and me."

"Ah see, I could tell you had a sister!"

"How?"

"I've got 5 younger sisters."

"Merlin… I thought one was bad."

Dean shrugged, laughing.

"You get used to it. I'd do anything to protect them too. You know, I don't think you're too bad, Zabini. Keep fighting for us and I might start to like you."

"Don't get your hopes up."

"Fine, but if you hurt Luna, I'll kill you. And I have witnessed enough to make sure you suffer immensely."

Dean gave another smile, but his bright teeth looked rather menacing and threatening. Blaise returned his gaze.

"Likewise Thomas."

They reached the Great Hall, where many students, teachers, witches and wizards were gathered. Many bodies had started to be laid out with care, people crowding around in grief and disbelief. The Weasley clan was gathered around one of their own. Blaise didn't see who it was, but let Luna go to them. He positioned himself some distance from the gatherings. He felt awkward and out of place. No one really seemed to pay attention to him. Which was how he had always gone through Hogwarts, aloof and unreachable. Now, he suddenly felt lonely and panicked at the desperation around him. What the hell had he gotten himself into? He hoped Maggie en Nott were home safely. They were probably worried sick…

"Zabini? I thought you had gotten out my boy!" Professor Slughorn's voice wasn't as booming as it always was, rather softer. But Blaise nearly lost his balance when his Potions Professor clapped his shoulder, trying to show some comfort. He looked at Professor Slughorn, who for the first time looked frazzled. His robes were torn. Odd burn marks covered him and part of his mustache was missing. And Blaise had to admit he felt proud of this wizard in front of him.

"I stayed sir."

"Not sure that was the wisest choice you've ever made, but it's a good one. Are you hurt? I'll get Madame Pomfrey here."

"No, I am fine. Just a… taking some rest…"

Another clap on his shoulder. Perhaps now he did need some healing.

"Good lad! Your sister, she's not here too…?"

"No, made sure she left!"

"Good, good! Now I believe there was some mead somewhere. Something to pick you up. It isn't over yet… Ah! Miss Lovegood, 10 steps ahead of me as always. Good to see you again."

Blaise whipped around and saw Luna stand in front of them, two mead goblets floating along her. She gave Slughorn a charming smile as she passed him a goblet.

"It's good to see you again too Professor."

She then turned to Blaise, handing him one. He reached out, letting his fingers brush hers, but he couldn't get anything out, merely nod. Now, in the illuminated Great Hall, he could truly see her again. He was struck by both the obvious torturous months that were still etched into her, as well as her vivacious spirit that always shown through, even among this destruction. She gave him a smile and he felt entranced. He was hardly noticed Slughorn mumbling some excuse to leave.

"Hey Lovegood." His voice was rough and nowhere near as smooth as he had hoped it would be. She giggled.

"Hey Blaise."

"Sit with me?"

And she did. They sat together on one of the benches and silently overlooked the chaos in front of them. It was a sad scene, full of grief. Without a care about who could see, Blaise took her hand in his, hoping to offer some comfort and felt his heart jump when she squeezed back. He wished he could apparate them away from there, right then and there. But there was no way Luna would leave now, still in the midst of battle.

"Do you think he'll do it?" He asked her after a long while.

"Mhmm who?"

"Potter. Will he go to him, to surrender?"

"Harry was just here. He's here to win."

"What does that mean?"

"He will do anything to win, and I know he will succeed. He has a special bond with Voldemort, you know? He knows how to defeat him when it is time."

"I suppose that's… reassuring." He said, unable to stop the sarcastic tone but she merely turned to him with that radiant smile.

"Yes, it is isn't it?" He smiled back, reaching out to push a strand of hair back behind her ear.

"Yeah, it is."

He wished he could have kept it at that, but his conversation with Thomas rang through his mind.

"You were at Malfoy Manor?" He hated seeing the slight flinch as he asked the question.

"Dean told you?"

"So it's true?"

"Yes…" her tone was soft, a shiver running through it.

"I am sorry." She bravely shrugged her shoulders in reply.

"I am alive."

He pulled her into a hug, and held her, everybody else be damned!

He wasn't sure how long they sat together. Minutes… hours? All he knew was that it was past midnight when suddenly their peace was disturbed by Lord Voldemort once again. In a gloating cackle telling them all Harry Potter had surrendered himself in cowardice and was dead. They had to prepare themselves to surrender and he would show mercy to those that had fought against him.

Luna's pale face turned a sickly shade of grey.

"No way. It cannot be! Harry would never…" She never finished that statement before rushing outside with many others to witness what they had just heard. Blaise ran after her, dread roiling in his stomach. And he realised that he was surprised and disappointed. Somehow, somewhere Luna's optimism about them defeating Voldemort and winning the war had taken hold in him. And now that hope was vanquished and he suddenly felt panic. How would he be able to rebuild his life after this, with Voldemort and the Death Eaters truly in charge? What would that mean for him? For his sister? For his mother? For him and Luna? There was no way he would let her go, no matter what.

They gathered into the courtyard and came face to face with the Death Eaters and Lord Voldemort in their midst. Terror trickled along Blaise's back seeing the red reptilian like eyes. Around him people were screaming as they saw Harry Potter laying motionless in Hagrid's arms.

"Silence!" Cried Lord Voldemort followed by a loud bang. The cries stopped and the Dark Lord continued, his high chill voice unnatural. "It is over! Set him down Hagrid, at my feet, where he belongs!"

Blaise looked aghast as he saw his classmate being placed on the ground as the terrifying looking wizard paced by him. "You see? Harry Potter is dead! Do you understand now deluded ones? He was nothing, ever, but a boy who relied on others to sacrifice themselves for him!"

"He beat you!" Yelled Ron Weasley and then there was an eruption of shouts and screaming as Lord Voldemort desperately trying to shout above the noise.

Blaise found Luna's hand and held it tightly as she shouted angrily herself, her wand ready for anything. He was glad he had because suddenly Neville Longbottom broke through and attacked before swiftly being disarmed by the Death Eaters. Luna was itching to join him as Lord Voldemort mocked her friend.

"I'll join you when hell freezes over! Dumbledore's Army!" Longbottom declared bravely and Luna roared in cheer and Blaise could feel the adrenaline pump through her. This could be it. If she joined the fight he'd lose her… but at that moment he knew he'd join her. Because this new world order wasn't one he could be apart of.

Hell seemed to break loose! One second Neville Longbottom stond there in defiance, the second a burning sorting hat sat on his head and amid the screams of his friends to help him, a giant appeared trying to get to Hagrid. And when Blaise finally thought his mind had caught up with everything, Longbottom broke free and decapitated a gigantic snake with the sword of Gryffindor, and suddenly Harry Potter was gone….

"I knew it! I knew he wasn't dead! We're going to win this Blaise. Stay close to me!" Luna shouted in his ear as once again the battle exploded around them, as all sorts of magical creatures joined the fight. Luna grabbed his hand and deftly started to attack and defend, manoeuvring their way back into the castle. It didn't take long for Blaise to find his senses, or rather, they seemed to react on their own. Firing curse after curse and defending Luna's back.

The Great Hall filled up with battles. Voldemort was in the centre with the Death Eaters around him. But unlike the battle before, now it seemed the students, teachers and aurors had the upper hand. Death Eater after Death Eater fell. At one point Blaise and Luna become separated as Blaise fought alongside Dean Thomas bringing down another one. He then turned in horror to see Luna, with Ginny Weasley and Hermione Granger, battle Bellatrix Lestrange. Not even three on one seemed to fase the witch, who kept launching death curse after death curse, cackling through it all. Luna had sprung out of the way of one of them and Blaise desperately tried to get to her. Ginny Weasley missed one by barely an inch. Suddenly there was a roar beside him and Blaise felt himself flung out of the way as Mrs Weasley flew over to the battle, getting three girls out.

"NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!"

A battle ensued unlike Blaise had ever seen. It was obvious Bellatrix had hardened skills and was nimble but Mrs Weasley, who had just lost a son and nearly a daughter, had the motivation of a lioness protecting her remaining cubs. Quite quickly it became obvious that Bellatrix was finally outmatched. People stopped to watch both that battle as the one Voldemort was fighting with Professor McGonagall, Professor Slughorn and Kingsley Shacklebolt, entranced.

Blaise meanwhile managed to reach Luna and clasped her hand tightly as they watched. Bellatrix knew fighting wouldn't be enough and started to taunt Mrs Weasley, but even that was futile. She was determined to end the Death Eater. And right as Bellatrix let out a cackle, Luna gripped his hand tightly. Blaise looked at her face. Trauma playing in her eyes, her sight fixed on the fight. Fury and anger Blaise had never seen on her face before radiated from her.

"Finish her!" She hissed and Blaise whipped his head away from her, to see Mrs' Weasley's curse hint Bellatrix's chest before she toppled to the ground.

The elation in the Hall was cut through by Voldemort's scream and immediate act of revenge to his own duellers. But before he could hurt any of them, a Protego so powerful rang through the hall, which subsequently erupted when suddenly Harry Potter appeared, very much still alive!

And then Blaise, holding Luna tightly, watched as Potter and Voldemort started to circle each other, wands drawn, ready to strike. And yet, they called, about how one couldn't live while the other survived. About love and magic. About Dumbledore and Snape's involvement. And finally about the Elder Wand and whom it belonged to, before Voldemort cast Avada Kedavra and Potter countered with Expelliarmus. A blast lit up the space until Voldemort fell to the floor… now defeated in death.

Everyone erupted in tumultuous cheer and celebration as the realisation hit that they had won. The war was over! Voldemort, the Dark Lord was gone! The celebration that occurred was a blur to Blaise. He drew Luna close for a kiss before hugging students and teachers, some he didn't even know! He just let his feelings of elation move him. He no longer had to pretend to be strong or impassive. He could feel!

Moving through the Hall seemed endless as people crowded around them, especially when they were close to Potter and his friends.

Luna and Harry shared a few whispers at one point.

"I'd want some peace and quiet, if it were me." She told him.

"I'd love some."

"I'll distract them all. Use your cloak." And then she cleared her voice and pointed at the window. "Ohhh look! A Blibbering Humdringer!"

Blaise laughed as the people around them turned around and Potter slipped beneath his invisibility cloak. He himself laced his fingers through hers.

"Shall we take a moment too?" He asked softly and she nodded and they slipped out of the Great Hall together and outside, watching the sunrise light up the school grounds.

There was absolute chaos and debris around them but Blaise could look through it all. It would all be repaired at one point. Instead he felt relieved feeling the soft grass beneath his feet as he and Luna made their way to the Forbidden Forest. They didn't have to speak, both knowing exactly where they wanted and needed to go. Thankfully it didn't take long to find to herd of Thestrals. They had remained close to the castle.

They didn't erupt, but flapped and snorted with excited little spurts as he and Luna entered their space. With her hand tightly in his, Blaise pulled Luna into his arms, holding her close as the Thestrals surrounded them in welcome. He felt her cool hand on his face and realised that tears were streaming down his face, and down hers too. Relief and happiness radiated from them and Blaise had never felt this magical.

"We've done it!" Luna whispered excitedly.

"We did. We're free now."

"We are… Blaise, I am so happy."

"I am so glad you're here with me. I was so afraid I'd lose you. I'll have you know Lovegood, I am never letting you go."

"Never?" She asked with a cheeky grin.

He bent down, his lips inches away from hers.

"Never!" He breathed and sealed that promise with an everlasting kiss.

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