AN: Okay, here it is, the battle. Hold on tight.

Chapter 18: The Hallowed End

River's POV

I cast a Tempus with my wand. 5:44 a.m. Sixteen minutes until we move.

The chill of morning creeps around us, mist hanging low over the fields beyond the gates. Between us and Hogwarts lay 3.2 kilometers of uncertainty—3.2 kilometers of frost, fog, and whatever dangers might be lurking in the shadows. The youngest students had been evacuated under the cover of night, along with most of the Slytherins who couldn't—or wouldn't—choose between their family or friends.

The rest of us were ready to make our stand. The Great Hall would be barricaded, defenses set from strategic points around the castle. Kreacher and Dobby told us to expect over a hundred Death Eaters. We are outnumbered at least two to one.

Draco and I will lead from the main gate. Sirius and Lupin will take the secret path through the Shrieking Shack. Tonks and Mad-Eye will bring the Aurors through the Forbidden Forest. We'll all move on my signal—the signal I'd promised they would recognize when the time came.

Now, we're just waiting for the first rays of dawn to hit in approximately 12 minutes. Draco and I have five Aurors that will join us in our approach.

"Darling, your knights in shining armor have arrived!" Theo's voice carries through the mist, and I snap my head toward the sound. There they are—Theo, Pansy, and Blaise—hurrying toward us. My heart stutters.

I whip my head to Draco, barely managing a shocked laugh. "How?"

He shrugs, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You're not the only one with secret plans, love."

Before I can respond, Pansy barrels into me, throwing her arms around my neck. She pulls back just far enough to give me a withering glare.

"I could kill you, you know. You look dreadful in this outfit."

Tears sting my eyes as I pull her back in. "I missed you too, Pans."

"So," Blaise says, bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet, nervous energy crackling off him. "We're really doing this?"

"Did Draco brief you on the plan?" I ask, still half in disbelief that they're here at all.

"Very thoroughly," Theo says as he slings an arm around my shoulders. His touch is grounding, steadying. "We're with you through this, Black."

I nod, casting another Tempus. Five minutes.

River had been right. The explosion of the Covered Bridge, followed by a towering fireball that transformed into a phoenix lit up the sky, left no room for doubt. Fred and George had outdone themselves.

The Battle had begun.

As most of the enemy forces woke up with the sounds of destruction, they were met with more than they expected. Ghosts swept through the corridors, house-elves darted in and out of shadowy corners, traps sprung into action, and enchanted statues—animated by McGonagall's spellwork before she sealed the Great Hall until the resistance could make its way to it—joined the fray. The Death Eaters floundered, unable to make sense of who or what was attacking from within.

Outside, the real assault began. The Order advanced with relentless purpose.

Sirius and Lupin led the charge, flanking the castle grounds, while River and Draco carved a path through the chaos. The confusion split their enemies' focus, leaving them scrambling to counter each strike.

By the time all three groups converged at the main entrance of Hogwarts, a dozen Death Eaters had been disarmed and detained. But none of the key players were among them.

Pucey, Rodolphus, Nott Sr., Dolohov, Yaxley, Greyback, Lucius, Bellatrix… and Voldemort.

They were all still out there.

The pieces were in motion, and—for now—the board tilted in the resistance's favor.

River's POV

The air was thick with smoke and the electric scent of spells. My heart pounds in time with the distant, pulsing beats of war—like drums reverberating through my bones. My back presses against the crumbling stone wall just outside the main entrance to Hogwarts Castle. Draco is beside me, Pansy, Theo, and Blaise on the other side of the door.

While we had the element of surprise on our side, that advantage was slowly disintegrating. The castle was screaming—stone groaning, windows shattering, the very walls keening in agony as curses and counter-curses raged through its halls.

"We need to clear the hall!" I shout over the din of shattering glass and groaning stone. "Blaise, you and I shield, the others cast at whomever you can!"

"On my count!" Blaise shouts over the hexes and curses whizzing past the door.

"One… two… three!" We yell together, pushing forward with our shields raised.

The sheer force of the curses that hit the Protego that Blaise and I cast makes my feet skid, but I hold it from falling.

Together, we make our way into the entry hall, where at least 3 sets of Death Eaters are engaging with students who are losing steam.

"Divide and conquer! We need this area clear!"

The tide begins to turn. Draco, Theo, and Pansy move to support the struggling groups while Blaise and I hold the shields steady.

Hex after hex hits its mark. One by one, the Death Eaters fall, collapsing to the floor until only silence remains. We bind them quickly—no time to waste. There's always more coming. We need to clear the staircase so that the Golden Trio can get to the Great Hall from the Third Floor.

We'll never get free
Lamb to the slaughter

"Alright, you lot try and keep this area clear as we push up the stairs!" I say to the students still able to fight. "You," I single out one of the students who is stable but worse for wear. "get those three to the Great Hall for medical attention. Snakes, let's clear the path."

"You know what's funny?" Pansy mutters as we press forward, another Death Eater charging toward us. "I didn't hate this place until now."

Theo slashes his wand, dropping the Death Eater with a slicing hex. "That might be the most unhinged thing you've ever said, Pans." He gives the fallen man a lazy kick. "Oops. Did I do that? Sorry about that, dear."

I laugh, the sound sharp and absurd in the chaos. "I thought I was the Queen of unhinged?"

Theo smirks. "Oh, darling, you most certainly are. You put up with him." He jerks his head toward Draco.

"Less talking, more hexing," Draco mutters, not breaking his stride.

"See what I mean?" Theo grins as another Death Eater falls at his feet. "Brooding and bossy. You've got your hands full, River."

By the time we make it to the second floor, we finally see Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and they all look a little worse for wear.

Look me in my eyes
Tell me everything's not fine
Oh, the people ain't happy
And the river has run dry

"Potter, you alive?" Draco calls as we drag them behind our shields.

"Yaxley," Ron spits, panting. "Caught us coming from the passage. Hermione took a Cruris Muto aimed for Harry."

Theo steps in, slipping an arm around Hermione. "And you hit him with…?"

"Confundo Maxima." Ron's voice is grim, hard.

Hermione tries to straighten. "Just—get me to Pomfrey. I can still—"

"Not happening," Harry cuts her off.

"We don't have time," I say firmly, eyeing the stairs ahead. "Ron, take her to the Great Hall. The path should be clear."

"But…."

"We don't have time." I say as I take in her state. I quickly do calculations on what pairing would be less likely to cost more time.

"Okay, Pansy, with Harry in case we need another way to the Chamber of Secrets. Ron, we need you and Hermione on the map after she sees Pomfrey. Message us if any major players are…"

Bombarda slams into my shield with bone-shattering force. The impact cracks through the air, sending shards of stone flying as we're all thrown back, skidding across the floor. Dust chokes the air, thick and suffocating.

I cough, scrambling to my feet. My shield flickers, barely holding. "Get down!"

You thought you could go free
But the system is done for
If you listen real closely
There's a knock at your front door

"Come out, come out, little blood traitors." The voice slithers through the dust, low and venomous, each word laced with cruel amusement. Rodolphus Lestrange.

My grip tightens on my wand as the dust clears just enough to reveal two figures in the stairwell—Rodolphus, his wand lazily twirling between his fingers, and Dolohov, stone-faced and deadly.

"Fuck…" Theo whispers beside me.

"Time's up," I say, my voice hoarse. "Ron, go. Now. Pans, I need you to get Harry…"

"I know, I know." She waves me off, grabbing Harry by the arm. Her voice is steady, even as her eyes dart toward the advancing Death Eaters. "Keep the boy who lived alive. Come on, boy hero."

Harry stumbles slightly as she pulls him back down the stairway, taking an alternate route. "Pansy, really?"

"You're lucky I don't hex you myself," she mutters. "Let's go."

"You look a little worn down since I last saw you, little Black," Rodolphus sneered, his eyes locking on me. "Though I suppose you're not the only Black disappointment, are you?"

Draco stiffened beside me. I glanced at him, seeing the flicker of tension in his jaw.

"You don't scare us," I said, my voice steady.

Rodolphus chuckled. "Don't I? Well, perhaps not you, River. But I wonder… does Draco wonder what's happened to his dear mother?"

Draco's wand twitched, but he kept his aim steady. "Shut your mouth."

"Oh, she was such a loyal mother," Rodolphus continued, stepping forward. "Always protecting her son. But that didn't save her in the end, did it?"

I saw Draco's hand tremble slightly. His face was pale, but his gaze was locked on Rodolphus, cold and furious.

"What did you do to her?" Draco's voice was low, dangerous.

Rodolphus grinned. "Not me. No, not me. But I know what the Dark Lord expects from her now. And trust me—he doesn't tolerate failure. Tell me, Draco, what do you think happens when she's outlived her usefulness?"

The price of your greed is your son and your daughter

Draco's composure cracked. "You bastard," he hissed, raising his wand and the fight began anew.

Blaise and Theo took on Dolohov, while Draco and I took on Rodolphus, who continued with his taunting.

"Incarcerous!" The ropes shot from my wand, aiming for his chest.

Rodolphus spun aside, flicking his wand to send the ropes slithering to the floor. "Pathetic."

He raised his wand. "Crucio!"

I dove behind the shattered railing as the curse ripped through the air.

Rodolphus points his wand toward Draco. "How do you think Narcissa will feel when her only son is buried in the rubble of this castle?"

Draco took a step forward, fury etched into every line of his face. He doesn't hesitate before casting "Diffindo!" The slicing hex tore through his wand hand. Blood sprayed across the stone, and Rodolphus hissed in pain, clutching his wrist.

I quickly follow it up with a "Bombarda Maxima!" The curse hit him square in the chest, sending him crashing back into the wall. He coughed, blood trickling from his mouth, but he still tries to rise.

I am already there, standing over him, my wand aimed at his throat. "You don't get to talk about my family," I said coldly.

Rodolphus laughed weakly, his grin twisted with blood. "And you think killing me will change anything? The Dark Lord will—"

"Fuck the Dark Lord," I said, cutting him off before a final flick of my wand, I sent him crashing down the stairs behind us, his body hitting the stone steps with a sickening thud.

Beg me for mercy
Admit you were toxic
You poisoned me just for
Another dollar in your pocket

"River!" Draco's voice rang out, sharp and urgent.

I turned to see him standing by the stairwell, his wand glowing faintly from a Shield Charm.

"We need to get to the Room of Requirement," he said, his voice tight.

I nodded, sparing glance at where Blaise and Theo were still battling Dolohov.

As if sensing my conflict, Theo calls out to me, "Go! We've got this."

I know we can't spare a single moment, and I see Dolohov's gaze flicking between them, his wand raised. "You think you can take me?"

Theo smirked. "Oh, we know we can."

Dolohov lunged, sending a jet of purple flame toward Theo. Theo ducked smoothly, his wand flicking upward.

"Come on!" Draco says as he drags me away from the fight behind us.

As we sprinted up the stairs, the castle groaned around us. Dust and debris rained down, mingling with the smoke and blood in the air. Each new corridor brought more challenges, but we keep pushing forward. By the time we make it to the corridor of our destination, we have narrowly avoided explosions and Death Eaters.

Now I am the violence
I am the sickness
Won't accept your silence
Beg me for forgiveness

But they don't send the same chill down my back as seeing the door to the Room of Requirement already open… as if waiting for us. Draco and I share a glance before mentally stealing ourselves for whomever waits inside.

As we step inside, the air feels suffocating, charged with tension and magic, the door sealing behind us with a soft thud. The flickering torchlight casts twisted shadows along the stone walls. We creep further into the room… watching, waiting, listening. After a few minutes, we finally see them, the torches illuminating four figures.

Adrian Pucey stands at the center, flanked by Millicent Bulstrode, Gregory Goyle, and Vincent Crabbe. They're tense, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. Pucey's smirk widens when he sees us, but there's no humor in it—only malice.

"Well, well," Pucey drawls, stepping forward with deliberate slowness, like a snake toying with its prey. "I wondered who would show up. Imagine my surprise when it wasn't the Golden Trio. Guess I overestimated their bravery."

Draco steps forward, his posture tense but composed, his wand steady at his side. "You don't want to try us, Pucey."

Pucey laughs, a low, mocking sound. "Not a chance, Malfoy. The Dark Lord asked me personally to make sure no one used this back way in. He thought Potter and his lot would take the coward's route." He sneers at me. "But here you are. Funny how the world works."

Millicent shifts beside him, her gaze cold and calculating. "Bet you thought you'd sneak in and be the heroes. Save the day. Typical."

I glance at Draco, feeling the weight of their eyes on us. I can sense his mind brimming with suppressed rage, but he doesn't let it slip. We've both learned to mask our emotions.

I am the people
I am the storm
I am the riot
I am the swarm

"We don't have time for this," I say, stepping forward. My voice is low but steady. I feel the music humming in my ears and my magic pulsing beneath my skin, waiting for release. "Leave or don't, but you aren't stopping us."

Pucey tilts his head, amused by the threat. "I can't wait to make you beg for death, Black!"

Draco's grip tightens on his wand. "I warned you once before, Pucey."

The smile on Pucey's face fades, replaced by something colder, more sinister. "You think you're getting out of this alive Malfoy? You're already a dead man walking. You and your little whore."

I meet Draco's gaze again. No words pass between us, but the meaning is clear.

I take a step forward, my wand at the ready. "Fuck you Pucey." I spit venom before my magic erupts around us.

What you gon' do when there's blood in the, blood in the water?

Great Hall

The path had been clear enough that Ron had been able to get Hermione into the Great Hall without any major confrontations. As McGonagall, Pomfrey, and Molly Weasley see them stagger inside the blockade, they immediately rush towards them.

"Ronald! What happened? Where is Harry?" Molly asks frantically as she takes in the state of her son.

"Change of plan. Mione took a Cruris Muto for him." He says as he hands Hermione off to Pomfrey and catches his breath. "Pansy Parkinson is taking Harry to the Chamber of Secrets. The main way wasn't viable."

"Ms. Parkinson?" McGonagall asks skeptically.

"She…" Ron takes another breath. "She, Nott, and Zabini were with River and Malfoy."

"I hope Ms. Black knows what she is doing." McGonagall says as she hurries over to another set of students being brought in.

"Ronald…" Molly tries to start, but a voice calling for her help draws her away.

Ron quickly moves over to one of the tables, taking the Marauders Map out of his pocket.

"Ron!"

He looks up to see Ginny and Luna, both relatively unscathed running towards him.

"How are we doing?" Ron asks before he turns his attention back to the map.

Ginny leans over his shoulder, her breath coming in quick bursts. "It's chaos out there. Neville's holding the West Tower with Seamus and Dean. Fred and George are doing their best to reset traps with Peeves..."

Luna tilts her head, her dreamy expression unwavering despite the grim surroundings. "The Room of Requirement is sealed," Luna says softly, her gaze distant. "They're inside. I saw it."

Ron doesn't look up from the Marauder's Map, his finger tracing the lines and pathways of Hogwarts. "They're still moving. Harry, Pansy… They are heading toward the Chamber."

"Parkinson?" Ginny frowns. "What happened to Hermione?"

"The castle's a war zone. She took a curse for Harry." Ron's voice is tight, focused. His eyes scan the map, locking onto familiar dots moving through the castle. He mutters under his breath, frustration etched into his face. "Come on… Come on…"

Suddenly, he freezes.

His finger hovers over a name that seems to pulse with dread.

Tom Riddle.

The dot stands unmoving, side by side with Severus Snape, deep within the castle. Ron's stomach drops. There's only one place they could be.

"The Chamber…" he whispers, his voice hoarse.

And then, louder—"Fuck."

The Chamber of Secrets

The passage was narrow, damp, and twisted like a snake's burrow through the dungeons. Each step echoed in the confined space, the musty air pressing in from all sides.

"This way," Pansy whispered, her voice sharp. She led him with surprising confidence, her wand casting a faint glow against the slick stone walls.

Harry followed, his grip tightening on his wand. "Are you sure this leads to the Chamber?"

Pansy shot him a glare over her shoulder. "Do you have a better idea, Potter? Or are you just going to question me the whole way?"

Harry bristled but kept his mouth shut. They didn't have time for this.

The passage dipped, the floor slick with water that had seeped in over the years. Pansy didn't falter, moving with practiced ease.

"So," Harry muttered, unable to stop himself, "when exactly did you decide to add 'Chamber tour guide' to your résumé?"

"Funny," Pansy deadpanned. "I learned about this passage from Theo. Apparently, his father found it ages ago. Never thought I'd have to use it."

They fell into silence as they moved deeper, the faint sound of dripping water growing louder.

Then, they heard it—a voice, low and venomous, echoing from ahead.

Both of them froze.

Harry pressed against the wall, Pansy mirroring him. Her eyes were wide now, her usual haughty expression replaced by something far more serious.

"Stay quiet," she mouthed, her breath barely audible.

Together, they crept forward until the passage opened into a familiar chamber.

Harry's heart clenched. The towering stone serpents loomed, their cold eyes watching as Voldemort stood at the center of the room, Nagini coiled beside him. Facing him was Snape.

"Severus," Voldemort's voice hissed, curling through the chamber like smoke. "It seems you've served me well… until now."

Harry's blood turned cold as he watched the scene unfold.

"I have only ever served you, my Lord," Snape said, his voice steady, but there was a tension there—a resignation.

Voldemort's lipless mouth twisted into a cruel smile. "Yet you hold back from me? Why is that?"

Snape's expression didn't falter. "My Lord, I don't know what…"

Voldemort's gaze darkened. "I think you do."

Nagini shifted, her massive body coiling tighter, her eyes gleaming with hunger.

"We have to—" Harry tried to move, but Pansy's arm shot out and held him firm.

"No." Pansy's grip tightened. "Not yet."

Voldemort raised his wand. His voice was soft, almost tender. "Nagini."

The air seemed to hold its breath. The snake slithered forward, her massive body dragging across the damp stone, scales scraping like sandpaper. Her eyes locked on Snape's, unblinking. Then she struck.

Harry lunged forward, his instincts overriding logic—but Pansy's arm shot out, slamming against his chest like a steel bar. "No," she hissed, her voice low and fierce. Her other hand clamped over his mouth. "Not yet. You'll ruin everything."

Snape crumpled to the floor, blood pooling beneath him as Voldemort bent to retrieve his wand.

"Farewell, Severus," Voldemort murmured, before turning on his heel and sweeping out of the chamber, Nagini slithering at his side.

The moment the chamber fell silent, Harry broke free of Pansy's grip and rushed to Snape's side.

"Snape!" Harry knelt, pulling the bezoar from his pocket and pressing it into Snape's mouth. "Come on… come on…" He says as he also casts the only rudimentary healing charms he knows on the wound.

Snape's breath rattled in his chest. But after a minute, his eyes fluttered open. His gaze, hazy with pain, met Harry's. "You… have her eyes," Snape whispered, his voice breaking.

Harry's throat tightened. "Tell me about her… when we get out of here. Please."

Snape's lips curved into the faintest smile. "I… will."

"Alright, chop, chop." Pansy clapped her hands, breaking the silence. "We don't have time for your tragic farewell scene."

Harry shot her a look, but she rolled her eyes.

"What? I'm just saying—he's not dying today. Now, where's that cursed thing we came to destroy?"

Harry fumbled with his bag, retrieving the locket. Pansy snatched it from him with a grimace.

"God, this thing is hideous. No taste." She marched to the nearest basilisk fang, picked it up, and drove it into the locket without hesitation.

The Horcrux screamed, a piercing wail that echoed through the chamber.

Pansy wiped her hands on her robes, utterly unfazed while she set out carefully using her wand to levitate a few fangs into the bag she held. "You Gryffindors always overcomplicate things."

Harry stared, his mind reeling. Beside him, Snape blinked, blood still trickling down his neck, his expression equally incredulous.

"Did she just…?" Harry muttered.

Snape gave a slow nod.

"How?" Harry asked, his voice hushed.

Pansy shrugged. "Seen one cursed object, seen them all." Her gaze darkened for a moment. "The Parkinson vaults are full of dark artifacts. Family heirlooms with curses, spells, enchantments meant to bind loyalty or destroy enemies. I grew up knowing they could turn on you if you weren't careful. You don't give them power, and they can't hurt you."

She flashed a smirk. "Now, can we please get out of this godforsaken snake pit before my hair completely frizzes?"

River's POV

The dam of magic I had been holding back—the raw energy, the madness of my bloodline—I let it flow like a raging river through me.

The air sizzles and cracks, sparks dancing around me as my wand slices through the air. The curse falls from my lips with a quiet, deadly finality.

"Fiendfyre."

The searing flame explodes from my wand, roaring to life as it snakes its way across the room. It moves like a living beast, its tendrils coiling and twisting into monstrous form—a Chimera—with eyes of flame, devouring everything in its path.

It takes almost everything I have not to crumble under the sheer power of it. The fire pulls at me, wild and hungry, but I do not let my control slip. My grip tightens on my wand, my mind focused.

I bend it to my will. The flames obey—mostly.

Millicent, Crabbe, and Goyle stand frozen, their bravado burned away by the sheer horror of what they're seeing. This isn't what they signed up for. Fear flickers in their eyes, reflected in the flames.

"Go," I say through gritted teeth, my voice low and strained as I maneuver the flames away from them, carving a path to the door.

Crabbe and Goyle don't wait to be told twice. They stumble over each other in their rush to escape, their footsteps echoing down the hall.

Millicent hesitates. She takes a few shaky steps toward the door, then stops and turns back. Her eyes lock on mine, wide and haunted.

"Black… I'm sorry," she whispers. Her voice trembles, barely audible over the roar of the flames.

For a moment, I see the girl she could have been—the person she might have become, in a different world. Then she's gone, running for her life.

"Come back here!" Pucey screams with barely contained rage before setting his sights on me and Draco. "You!" Pucey's wand snapped up before the last word had left his mouth. A curse blasted toward us—a streak of sickly green light, fast and lethal.

"Protego!" Draco was faster, his shield shimmering into existence just in time. The curse collided with it, sending a shockwave through the room and ricocheting back on Pucey.

"You think you've won?" Pucey spat, blood dripping from a gash on his cheek. His eyes gleamed with something wild and broken. "All you've done is prove you're weak. You're no different from your father—pathetic, spineless."

Draco's jaw tightened, his gaze cold and steady. "You don't know anything about me."

Pucey sneered, stepping forward. "I know you. You'll never be more than a servant. You've spent your whole life hiding behind someone else—first your father, now her." His eyes flicked toward me, a cruel grin twisting his lips. "You're nothing… she's nothing."

The Fiendfyre roared behind me, the Chimera snapping its jaws in the air. My grip on my wand faltered for a moment as I fought to keep the flames under control. The fire would consume us all if I let go.

Draco took a step closer to Pucey, his wand never wavering. "You don't get to talk about her."

Pucey's grin widened. "Touched a nerve, did I? So you do care for her after all."

Draco's hand trembled, but he didn't lower his wand. His voice was cold, emotionless. "I've warned you once, Adrian. Let. it. go."

Pucey laughed, a hollow, bitter sound. "You think this is over?" He spat blood onto the floor, his eyes gleaming with hatred. "I'll keep coming. I'll tear her down. I'll make sure she suffers before the end."

Draco's expression didn't change. "Not anymore."

His wand slashed through the air. "Avada Kedavra."

The green light shot from Draco's wand, hitting Pucey square in the chest.

For a moment, there was no roar of the flames, there was only silence.

Pucey's eyes went wide with shock, his mouth opening as if to speak—but no words came. His body crumpled to the ground, lifeless, the sound of his fall echoing through the chamber.

The flames hissed and crackled behind me, the Chimera coiling in on itself as I fought to pull it back under control. My heart pounded, my breath ragged, we needed to finish this soon before I lost control.

He stood over Pucey's body, his wand still raised, his expression unreadable.

"Draco…" I called out to him, my voice weak.

He didn't respond. His gaze remained locked on Pucey's corpse, his knuckles white around his wand. Finally, he spoke, his voice quiet, distant.

"He would have kept coming."

He was right. I knew it in my bones. Pucey was just another sad little king on a sad little hill who would never let it go. I gave him a small nod. "I know."

"Let's finish it."

Draco knelt, pulling the Horcruxes from his bag. They hissed and emitted a dark smoke, as if they sensed their imminent destruction. He didn't wait any longer. With a flick of his wand, he chucked them into the fire.

The Chimera lunged for the Horcruxes, jaws snapping greedily as it devoured them whole.

I released a shuddering breath, summoning the last of my magic to call the flames back to me. The Chimera twisted, its fiery form stalking toward me like a predator.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice breaking. The Chimera's blazing eyes locked on mine for a heartbeat before it flickered—and bowed.

With a final, whispered incantation, I extinguished the flames.

The room plunged into silence. My knees hit the stone floor, my wand slipping from my hand. Empty. I was empty. I couldn't summon even a spark of magic now.

Draco came to my side, his hand resting lightly on my shoulder. "Can you stand?"

I nodded, though my body screamed with exhaustion. "Barely."

"Stay behind me, we need to get you to the Great Hall."

Still, he didn't move, watching me carefully as I pushed myself to my feet. My eyes scanned the room, taking in what hadn't been melted or destroyed by the fire. The flames had licked the walls, blackening the stone, but the suits of armor along the far wall remained untouched.

I moved quickly, pulling the arming swords from two of the suits. They were solid, well-balanced—simple, but deadly. The hilts felt cool in my hands, grounding me in reality. They'll do.

I turned to Draco, my grip tightening on the swords. "Let's finish what we started."

His gaze lingered on me for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a nod, he raised his wand. "Let's go."

With as much speed as I could manage, we left the Room of Requirement behind us and raced into the corridor. The castle shuddered around us, the walls and floor trembling with the force of the battle raging within its ancient stone. The distant clash of spells echoed through the air, mingled with screams and the crash of falling rubble.

We were nearly to the main staircase when it hit me— A chill ran down my spine. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. I knew that presence— Greyback.

Instead of heading down the stairs to the Great Hall, my eyes darted frantically across the merging corridors. Then I saw him, further down one to the left—a hulking figure stalking forward with deadly intent. And in his path, a lone Gryffindor girl, barely holding him off, her wand shaking in her hand.

I didn't think. My feet were moving before I even realized it, swords in hand, my heart pounding.

"River!" Draco's voice rang out behind me, sharp with urgency. "Wait!"

But I couldn't stop. Not now. All I saw were the claws of that beast, reaching for the girl.

I threw myself in front of her, bringing my blade up just in time— The sword sliced through what remained of his mangled right arm.

Greyback howled, a raw, feral sound that echoed through the corridor. His wild eyes locked on me, filled with madness and bloodlust.

"YOU!" he spat, venom dripping from every syllable. His lips curled into a snarl. He lunged.

I barely had time to lift my sword again before he swung wildly, the force of it knocking me backwards. I hit the ground hard, the air rushing from my lungs. My sword clattered from my hand.

"I SHOULD HAVE KILLED YOU WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE!" he roared, stalking toward me.

I scrambled to push myself up, but he was already closing in.

Then—a blur. Greyback staggered as a body slammed into him, throwing him back. Lupin.

The two of them crashed to the ground in a tangle of limbs, claws, and teeth. My relief was fleeting—Greyback still had too much fight in him, his strength fueled by rage and bloodlust.

I grabbed for my sword, but before I could move, four hands gripped me, pulling me back. I twisted around to see Draco and the Gryffindor girl hauling me away with everything they had.

"No!" I screamed, thrashing against them, desperate to help. My vision blurred with exhaustion. I could barely hold myself up, let alone fight. "I have to help him!"

"He's got him!" Draco barked, his voice sharp and commanding. "We need to find the others!"

His words cut through the haze of panic, but my heart still twisted in my chest as I watched Lupin and Greyback locked in a brutal struggle. I could only hope he was right.

Battle in the Great Hall

Their worst case scenario had arrived. The Great Hall was breached.

Tables lay shattered, their splintered remains strewn across the stone floor. The enchanted ceiling flickered erratically, showing glimpses of both stormy skies and falling debris from the castle above. Bodies—both alive and dead—littered the hall, the injured crawling toward whatever cover they could find.

Death Eaters swarmed the space, their robes billowing like shadows, hexes and curses flying in every direction. The defenders—students, professors, Aurors, and Order members—were pushed to their limits, their ranks thinning as the battle dragged on.

At the center of it all stood Bellatrix Lestrange, her laughter echoing through the hall as she dueled three students, including Ginny. Bellatrix's wand flicked effortlessly, sending Ginny sprawling to the floor with a scream.

"Oh, little Weasley," Bellatrix purred, stalking toward her. "You mustn't give up now. We're just getting started."

Ginny grit her teeth and raised herself up. "Come and try me, you hag."

Bellatrix's grin widened. "Gladly."

Harry, Snape, and Pansy raced to the Hall, wands raised, deflecting curses as they moved inside the battle and deeper into the chaos.

As Harry's eyes scanned the room, searching for familiar faces in the fray, his gaze caught on Ginny—and Bellatrix advancing on her.

"No," he breathed, his heart seizing. "Ginny!"

He bolted forward, but Snape's hand shot out, grabbing his arm.

"Focus, Potter. She's not alone." And the arriving trio plunged into the fight.

Ginny couldn't help but watch as Bellatrix raised her wand, her eyes alight with madness. "Crucio—"

"NO!"

Molly Weasley appeared out of nowhere, throwing herself between Ginny and Bellatrix. The red light of the curse streaked toward her, but Molly managed to deflect it at the last second, the force of the spell knocking her backward.

She hit the ground with a thud, her wand skittering out of reach.

"MUM!" Ginny screamed, dropping to her knees beside her.

Bellatrix's laughter rang out, high and wild. "Look at you, always so willing to die for your children. How sweet." She leveled her wand at Ginny again. "Shall we see if your daughter is as lucky?"

But before she can raise her wand again, a Protego is thrown around Ginny and Molly, knocking Bellatrix back several feet. Sirius Black surged through the crowd, his wand slashing through the air.

"Bellatrix!" Sirius calls her. "Care to have another go?" His voice boomed across the hall, filled with fury and grief.

The room seemed to freeze for a heartbeat as Bellatrix turned to face him.

"Well, well, cousin," she sneered. "Come to finish what we started in the Department of Mysteries?"

Sirius didn't waste words. He lunged, his curses relentless, forcing her back. Their wands clashed, sparks flying, their duel turning brutal and personal.

As they fought, Luna Lovegood appeared at Ginny's side.

"You're okay," Luna whispered, she said as she hugged Ginny fiercely.

"I'm fine," Ginny panted. "We need to help."

"Wait." Luna's voice was firm, her usually dreamy expression replaced with more clarity than Ginny had ever seen. "I need to tell you something."

Ginny blinked, confused. "What?"

"I love you," Luna said, her voice soft but unwavering. "I've always loved you."

Ginny stared, her heart pounding.

Before she could respond, a jet of green light shot past them, narrowly missing both girls. They turned to see the battle between Sirius and Bellatrix drawing to its end. Sirius does not hesitate when the Bombarda Maxima leaves his lips, the spell hitting Bellatrix square in her chest, her body disintegrating into nothing.

Back near the entrance to the Great Hall, Blaise Zabini fought with cool precision, dodging hexes with effortless grace. His gaze locked on Theodore Nott Sr., who was dueling two Aurors at once.

"Nott!" Blaise called, his voice cutting through the din.

The elder Nott turned, sneering. "If it isn't one of my son's delinquents. Finally decided to pick a side, have you?"

Blaise's wand flicked, sending a Blasting Curse that shattered the ground at Nott's feet. The man stumbled. As Harry finished with a nearby Death Eater, he turned and seized the opening, hitting Nott Senior with a Stunning Spell. The man crumpled to the floor.

Blaise stepped over his body, exchanging a nod with Harry. "About time. Where are Draco and River?"

"Oh you know, Zabini, this one has to make a dramatic entrance." Draco says as he runs into the hall.

The two other boys turn to see River, charging into the battle, two blades held in her hands.

They didn't have time to reflect on the scene any further when a Bombarda erupts to their left, sending them seeking cover. As Draco peeks out from behind the rubble he had thrown himself behind, he sees him.

Lucius Malfoy moved through the hall like a ghost, his expression cold and detached, his wand slicing through the air.

Draco's grip on his wand tightened. His heart pounded in his chest, not from fear—but from resolve.

"Draco."

Lucius's voice carried across the hall, sharp and commanding.

Draco stepped forward, his wand raised. "It ends here."

Lucius sneered. "You sound just like her."

Draco's jaw clenched. "Don't."

"Your mother ruined you. You could have been strong. You could have been great." Lucius's eyes narrowed, filled with disdain. "I should have ended her before she turned you into this."

Draco's wand slashed through the air. "Sectumsempra!"

Lucius deflected the curse, stumbling back.

"You're weak," Lucius hissed. "Too soft to do what must be done."

Draco advanced. "No. I'm not."

But before any other spell could be cast, the hall shook with a deafening crack.

The impact of the apparition alone sent everyone standing in the Great Hall faltering or falling. The battle halted instantly.

There, amidst the dust, debris, and bloodshed, stood Lord Voldemort… and the crumpled form of Narcissa Malfoy with Nagini coiled around her.

"Enough," Voldemort's voice boomed through the wreckage. His gaze swept the room, locking first on Harry, then on River.

"You," he said, his red eyes gleaming. "Come forward."

Neither of them moved.

Voldemort's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Or I will kill every last one of them… starting with her." He said as he motioned towards Narcissa at his feet.

River's POV

The battle had paused. Death Eaters and defenders alike stood frozen, watching as Harry and I walked forward. The shattered remains of the castle loomed around us, dust swirling in the air.

I feel them…all of them… saying nothing and everything. Wanting nothing more to end this deadly cycle. But would they be so quick if they knew what I did? Would they be able to twist their soul into this darkness and not hesitate?

I tried it once before but I didn't get too far
I felt a lot of pain but it didn't stop my heart

"Harry…" I say as I look towards him across the physical and mental battlefield in front of us.

Harry closes his eyes and takes a breath. "I know." He says solemnly when he opens them. "It's time."

Time slows down, like the end of a film coming into focus. Harry and I walk forward, walking towards where this was always meant to end.

I could feel Harry's thoughts intertwining with mine, a steady rhythm of acceptance and resolve. He wasn't afraid. Neither of us were.

Voldemort's gaze flicks between us, his lips curling into a cold smile.

"Harry Potter… and River Black. Together at last." His voice was soft, snake-like, but there was a strange warmth to it, as if he were welcoming long-lost friends. "How marvelous that it should end here."

We stop a few feet away from him, standing side by side. I dropped one of the swords I carried and palm the wand in my pocket, but Voldemort's stance remained eerily calm.

"Tutt, tutt, pet. We all know that won't do any good." Voldemort says as I finally draw my wand. "You may have succeeded in destroying some, but not all of my horcruxes."

"Let them go," Harry said quietly, his voice steady. "This is between us."

Voldemort chuckled, a rich, low sound that reverberated through the hall, far more charming than it should have been. "Ah, Harry… always the hero." He tilted his head toward me, his gaze softening. "But this isn't about you, is it? It never was."

His eyes locked onto mine. "This is about her."

And all I really wanted was someone to give a little fuck
But I waited there forever and nobody even looked up

"River," Voldemort said gently, almost fondly. "You've come so far. Survived so much. And yet…" He took a step forward, his gaze never leaving mine. "You're still fighting a battle you cannot win."

I don't move.

"You don't belong here, among them," he continued, gesturing to the defenders around us. "They will never understand you. They will never see the truth of what you are."

My grip tightened on my wand, but I said nothing.

"You feel it, don't you?" Voldemort's voice was soft, coaxing. "That pull. The madness in your blood. The hunger for more."

I swallowed hard, the voices in my mind—the echoes of the past, the weight of my name—pressing against my skull.

"You've spent your life trying to control it," Voldemort whispered. "But why? Why deny who you are? You were born for this. Born to lead. Born to command."

Harry stepped forward, his voice sharp. "She's nothing like you."

Voldemort's gaze flicked to him, amused. "Isn't she? Tell me, Harry… do you know what she hears? Do you know the weight she carries?" He turned back to me, his expression softening once more. "Oh, you poor thing, no one understands you like I do."

My chest tightened. This is what he does. I remind myself. Let his arrogance blind him.

"You think you can save them?" Voldemort asked, his voice gentle. "You think you can protect them from me? From themselves?" He smiled faintly. "They will turn on you, eventually. They always do."

But maybe I'm alive because I didn't really wanna die
But nothing very special ever happens in my life

Voldemort tilted his head, his expression almost pitying. I could feel him trying to worm his way into my mind. It was taking everything left of me not to fall to pieces. "Aren't you tired of pretending? Tired of fighting to fit into a world that fears you?"

The weight of his words continue pressing down on me.

"I could give you peace," he whispered. "I could give you everything."

"She doesn't want that," Harry said. "And she doesn't need it."

Voldemort's gaze darkened, the warmth slipping away like a mask falling. He turned to Harry, his voice cold. "You're always so sure of yourself, aren't you?" He took a step toward Harry. "So willing to throw your life away for others. But what if it's not your life at stake?"

He turned back to me, his expression softening once more. The warmth returned, but now it felt like a trap. "River," he said gently. "Kill him. End this war. Be free."

I thought about my friends and the way I didn't give enough

Harry met my gaze, his green eyes calm, steady. "It's okay."

"No," I whispered. My hands trembled. "No, it's not."

"You've always known how this ends," Harry said softly. "It has to be you."

With a steady breath, I met Harry's gaze. "You're right," I said quietly. "It is the only way."

Without hesitation, I turn and draw my wand to Harry's forehead—his scar…right where the Horcrux lived. Harry's face with relief.

"Avada Kedavra." I say as tears fall from my eyes and a bolt of blue green light hits its mark.

Time slows again as I watch Harry fall to the floor. I would have thought the sight would numb me more… leave me cleaved in two. Drive me to the depth of my madness like Lady Macbeth as she commits herself to her plots. But no… no, all I feel is the empty void I so often chased.

I drop the wand in my hand, and it clatters to the floor next to Harry.

There is a maniacal laughter taking over my ears, and I am not sure if it is my own or Voldemort's laugh that burrows into my brain.

"Please… take the opening." I push at Harry's mind, unsure if he can hear me. "Please, take it."

As I look up from where Harry lays, I turn and face Voldemort. He holds his arms out open to me, as if welcoming a child home.

"Come."

I walk towards him, the void of my emotions burning away at its edges.

"Ah. Well done, River." Voldemort says when I am two paces in front of him. "Well done." He awkwardly tries to embrace me.

I tried it once again and I think I might black out
I shoulda left a letter but I had nothing to write about

As I take a step away, the void gives way to the fury. The injustice of it all. The unmitigated absurdity of this life. Was this how it was meant to be? In every life, in every timeline, in every story? Was my life meant to bring ruination to anyone who even dared to care?

No.

No. No. No. Not in this life, not this time.

As I move past Voldemort to where Nagini still slithers around Narcissa, the cold fury of my hatred burns bright in me.

I hold out my palm, and use the last of the magical strength I still have for one more command.

"Accio."

It isn't what I expect to reach me. The feeling of its soft, worn leather hits my hand with the softest thud. But as I look to see it is indeed the Sorting Hat, its voice creeps back into my mind.

"Something brave, something bold," the Hat whispers in my mind. "A lion's heart beats within you, River Black… Take it."

I reach into the hat, my fingers expecting more leather but instead being met with icy steel. As my hand wraps around a pommel, the weight of history in my hand—all the lives shattered, all the choices stolen, I turn back towards Voldemort.

"Tom Riddle." I say with barely contained rage.

I watch as Voldemort turns. I meet Voldemort's gaze, my voice steady and cold.

"My turn."

Take the blade away from me
I am a freak, I am afraid that
All the blood escaping me won't end the pain
And I'll be haunting all the lives that cared for me

With one swift motion, I bring the sword down, severing Nagini's head. The snake's death scream echoes through the Great Hall, shattering the silence.

As the sword drops from my hand, I give him one last sickly sweet smile. "See you in Hell." I say as I kick Nagini's severed head towards him.

The head rolls to a stop near his feet, and for the first time, I see it—fear. The cold calculation in Voldemort's red eyes has been replaced with something raw, something primal. His immortality is unraveling before him.

"You," he hissed, his voice a venomous snarl as he turned to me. His wand snapped up, the tip glowing with a sickly green light. "You insolent little—"

"Avada Kedavra!"

I didn't even have time to move. The words tore from his lips, and the curse streaked toward me—a blazing, unforgiving arc of death.

I died to be the white ghost
Of the man that I was meant to be

The green light burns through my closed lids, and yet, I smile—content with my choice. I hope they can understand, I hope Snape and Harry can help them make sense of it all.

But the burn of the curse doesn't come.

Instead, my body lurches, jerked away by unseen hands. My feet stumble over the stone, but I don't feel the impact. The world around me blurs into fractured pieces—shouts, the clash of magic, the rush of air.

I don't understand, I don't comprehend. I try to open my eyes, but everything is wrong. The Great Hall is there, and yet it isn't. The faces, the walls, the light—they smear together, flickering like shadows on water. Something grabs at me, pulling me further away. I try to resist, but I can't. My limbs feel weightless, disconnected, as if I'm no longer part of myself.

Memories press against me—images, voices, fragments of who I am…who I was before, who I am now. Draco's voice. Harry's face. Sirius… Narcissa… everyone. They flicker like dying embers, just out of reach.

"RIVER!"

The sound is muffled, like someone calling to me from the bottom of a well.

I reach out, but my hands grasp nothing.

Am I still here? Or have I already slipped away? My eyelids grow heavy, my body trembling with exhaustion. The pull stops.

For a moment, there's peace. The chaos of the battle, Voldemort's rage, the weight of my choices—all of it fades.

The last thought I have as everything fades into the inky void is that "This life is overwhelming and I'm ready for the next one."

AN: Still with me? Two chapters left.