A/N - right, onto the final stretch now! Thanks again for all your wonderful reviews and am very impressed by those who have read all the chapters in one go to catch up - very cool. Glad you've enjoyed it and hope you continue to do so.
Chapter 20 - Plans
Harry, Ron and Hermione hurried towards McGonagall's office, Ron having joined them soon after Dobby's announcement.
The castle is under attack.
Every now and then, Harry would glance out of one of the many windows they were dashing past and saw nothing but blackness and wondered where and how the attack was taking place. In fact, millions of questions were running through his head causing all thought of love and Hermione far, far away.
They entered the headmistress's office slightly out of breath to find McGonagall in deep conversation with the three head of houses and the school matron.
"…has removed eight of the wards already. She will be unaware of those placed after leaving Hogwarts and since Albus's death."
"How much time Minerva? What's the time frame?" Professor Flitwick asked worriedly.
"They also have Barbarus with them…"
"Barbarus Turner? The Barbarus Turner?" Slughorn nearly shrieked, his chubby face paling considerably.
"Who's Barbarus Turner?" Harry asked, walking further into the room as the adults turned to them.
"Barbarus is an expert in protective wards," McGonagall explained, acknowledging their arrival with a small nod, "and had worked for the Ministry until he was taken by force this morning. His family are also missing."
"They're making him remove the school's wards," Professor Sprout said sadly.
"Can the same be said for Dolores?" Flitwick questioned, not hiding his distaste for the ex-headmistress.
"No," McGonagall replied angrily, "she has joined…"
"Dolores Umbridge?" Ron interrupted, "the toad that tortured Harry?"
"One and the same," McGonagall answered before her attention was drawn to the activity taking place in her fireplace. The loud screaming of a baby was soon heard and in moments Fleur and baby Henry stepped out of the hearth with Molly Weasley right behind them. Fleur was frantically trying to stop her child from crying, and failing miserably.
"'Enry wuz fast asleep," she tried to explain.
"Why don't you go with Poppy to the infirmary and get him resettled," McGonagall suggested kindly, indicating to the matron, "Poppy, get the ward set up for casualties. I will send some students up to help you as soon as possible."
"Will do Minerva," Madam Pomfrey replied before guiding Fleur and Henry out of the office.
"I should go too," Mrs Weasley said, beginning to make her way to the door, "that is where I will be most helpful."
"Before you go, what can you tell us?" McGonagall prompted.
"Arthur was called back to the Ministry around eleven tonight," Mrs Weasley informed them solemnly, "Bill and Charlie went in soon after as word came through that Diagon Alley had been attacked."
"Hogsmeade is also being attacked," Flitwick reported, "Tonks and Remus are there now."
"What I don't understand is, why attack now?" Slughorn questioned the others, "no-one is there but the few shop keepers that live over their shops and the one or two patrons that stay in the pubs. The place would be deserted - why didn't they attack when they could've caused the most deaths?"
"Because of me," Harry said, the words out before he could stop them. Everyone turned to him.
"What do you mean, Harry?" McGonagall asked.
"I was at the Ministry today," Harry carried on, seeing that McGonagall already knew that, "and entered the locked room at the Department of Mysteries…" he paused at the collective gasp, then continued, "I was back here about eleven, which is when the attacks began. That's a very large coincidence, don't you think?"
"You think You-Know-Who found out where you had been?" Mrs Weasley questioned.
"Probably," Harry mused, "Percy thought…"
"Percy?" Ron interrupted.
"Yeah, Percy helped us," Harry explained, noting the look of shock on Mrs Weasley's face, "he thought that the missing key that let me into the room would be detected pretty quickly. Maybe Umbridge told Voldemort."
"We saw Umbridge," Hermione piped up, "on the way to the Floo network, after you had gone inside, Harry. She would've known."
"So, Percy may be in danger," Ron stated matter of factly.
"The Ministry isn't safe, neither is St Mungo's," McGonagall announced, "this is an all encompassing attack."
"Voldemort is scared of Harry," Hermione thought out loud, looking at Harry with a small grin on her face, "he felt a shift of power, pushing him to do an all-out assault…"
"To show that he is still in charge," Ron finished for her. Harry looked at his two best friends and stood that little bit taller. He was ready. He looked back at the headmistress.
"We need to make the castle ready," he said boldly, "we need to make the castle as safe as possible."
"How many wards are there Professor?" Hermione asked.
"Two hundred and three," McGonagall answered, "though they're all interrelated. The hardest wards are those that have been on the school since its conception and are passed down to every head, safe in the knowledge that whoever is appointed to run this school would never betray it."
"Until now," Ron spat.
"Until now," McGonagall repeated with disgust, "Dolores would've known most of the ancient wards and has already disabled…" she paused to look at a device sitting on her desk that looked like a miniature abacus, "twenty of them while Barbarus has worked through fifty more."
"What do you want us to do Minerva?" Professor Sprout asked. The headmistress looked around the room, including the many attentive portraits in her gaze.
"Molly, you go to Poppy and make sure the hospital wing ready," McGonagall instructed, Mrs Weasley leaving immediately, "we should rouse the children, make sure they're prepared…"
"I think we should only get the senior students at the moment," Harry interrupted, "and members of the DA. Fill them in on what's happening, make some plans and then they can fill the other students in."
"That's a good idea," Dumbledore's portrait finally spoke, "and we need to shut the castle down, block all access to it."
"The Floo will be disabled," McGonagall confirmed, "those outside these walls will understand. The anti-apparation ward is the final ward that can be broken, we need to protect that ward to allow us more time. Until they break that, there are no other entrances into the castle."
"Yes there are," Hermione said, looking at Harry and Ron frantically, "the tunnels. They could be found if Death Eaters are destroying Hogsmeade."
"You're right," Harry agreed quickly, "Remus knows about the one under Honeydukes though. He may be planning to use that to get out of Hogsmeade."
"Tunnels?" the headmistress nearly growled, "what tunnels?"
"The one under the Weeping Willow should be fine for now," Hermione continued, "but the Honeydukes one…"
"There are others too," Harry added, "but they weren't used because Filch knows about them. Four others."
"Filius, Pomona and Horace - wake your senior students and have them meet in the Great Hall. Hermione, could you please do the same for the Gryffindors," McGonagall ordered, "Harry and Ron, secure the Honeydukes tunnel. I will find Filch and secure the other four. We will all meet in the Great Hall in thirty minutes."
"What about Remus, Arthur and the others?" Flitwick asked.
"My concern is the safety of the students in this castle," the headmistress stated with a hardness, but Harry saw how much her decision was hurting her. With a resigned sigh, Harry turned to go, following the teachers who had begun to leave, stopped by a small hand on his arm. He looked down into the worried eyes of Hermione.
"Harry…" she began but he stopped her, having an idea of what she was going to say.
"We're only going to secure the tunnel Hermione," he said softly, "we'll be back."
"Be careful," she breathed. Harry nodded and bent down to kiss her gently on the lips. As he pulled away, he paused.
"I love you," he whispered softly into her ear, loud enough just for her, making her smile. She then turned to Ron, who had been waiting patiently, giving him a huge hug.
"You be careful too," she said before she exited the room.
"What do you reckon?" Ron asked as they ran as fast as his uneven gait let them to the statue of the humpbacked, one-eyed witch, "we can't leave Lupin and Tonks cut off, can we?"
"No, we can't" Harry agreed, "but we have to keep the castle safe as well."
"So what shall we do?"
"I don't know," Harry replied, pausing as they came face to face with the statue, "dissendium," he commanded, and the statue opened, allowing them to enter. Drawing his wand, Harry stepped into the hole in the hunchback's back, and slid down into the tunnel, Ron copying him so they were soon both standing in the low, narrow passage. Harry began to walk, keeping the tunnel dark - just in case.
"I hope Fred and George are okay," Ron said after a bit, "and Percy," he added as an afterthought.
"So do I," Harry agreed quietly.
"This is it, isn't Harry," Ron continued in a whisper, "You-Know-Who…this is the end, one way or another."
"Yeah, it is." Ron stayed silent as they made their way through the tunnel. Harry was scarily calm, his mind going over scenarios on how to get Remus and Tonks to safety while not exposing the school to risk. And how to do it quickly. He was still thinking about what they could do, when they heard voices.
Harry stopped, making Ron thump into him. There was no where for them to go, to hide, so all they could do was protect themselves. Harry crouched down, giving Ron room to fire spells off without hitting Harry. With wands pointed down the tunnel, they waited as the voices became clearer and clearer. Soon, they could make the voices out and Ron's wand began to fall.
"That's my dad," he whispered to Harry.
"Keep your wand raised until we're sure Ron," Harry hissed back, "we need to be certain before we let them through."
It wasn't long before they began to see the light from wands casting elongated shadows on the tunnel's walls. Harry tensed, ready for anything that could come his way. Seconds later, Mr Weasley came into view.
"Stop right there," Harry called out, seeing Mr Weasley pause in shock, his wand suddenly drawn.
"Harry! Ron, let us through," Mr Weasley said urgently, "Fred's badly hurt."
"We just need to ask you a few questions," Harry continued, not budging, "you understand, don't you Mr Weasley."
"Yes, yes," Mr Weasley replied impatiently, "ask away."
"What happened to me on my fifth birthday?" Ron asked, his voice hard.
"Fred and George glued you to your chair and it took us two hours to release you," Mr Weasley smiled sadly - Ron lowered his wand, Harry doing the same.
"Who's with you?" Harry asked, as they got closer.
"Quite a few, some badly injured," Mr Weasley informed them, "including Fred. We need to get them to the castle."
"Right," Harry answered, thinking, "we need to block this tunnel, the castle is under attack…"
"What?" came a voice from behind Mr Weasley - Harry recognised it as Mad-Eye Moody.
"Ron, you take your dad and the others back to the castle," Harry instructed, "I and maybe Mad-Eye can destroy the tunnel." Ron nodded and began retracing his steps, his wand now lit and leading the way. Harry tried to flatten himself as much as he could against the tunnel's wall and watched the disturbing possession pass him. George was carrying his brother who looked like was hanging on only barely. Behind him was Bill, who gave a small smile as he passed, himself carrying a woman Harry didn't know in his arms. A few more strangers passed, about five in total, all looking worse for wear. When Charlie walked past, Harry stopped him, indicating with his head at the others - Charlie got his question.
"They are patrons of the Leaky Cauldron and the owner of Eeylops," Charlie explained, "they were all we could save from Diagon Alley."
"Are they safe?" Harry asked, this time facing Mad-Eye.
"There are no spies, we've checked," Moody growled, pausing with Harry as Charlie carried on, "we need to secure this tunnel, right?"
"We need to wait for Tonks," Remus cut in, coming to stand by Harry but looking anxiously past the unfamiliar yet strangely familiar face of Aberforth Dumbledore behind him, "she said she would catch us up."
"We can't wait Remus," Moody grumphed, "if this tunnel is located, it leads straight to the castle…"
"I'm not leaving Tonks stranded out there…"
"We have no choice…"
"We always have a choice!" Remus argued, "let me go and get her."
Harry watched silently as Moody and Aberforth exchanged looks, Aberforth blocking Remus from running off.
"We can guard the tunnel for a little bit," Harry ventured, looking at Remus, "give you, say, fifteen minutes."
"I agree with Harry," Aberforth said after a moment, standing aside so Remus could go, "but only fifteen minutes. I don't think we have much time to spare."
"Go then," growled Mad-Eye, "but at twelve-forty five, this tunnel is destroyed." Remus just nodded his understanding before sprinting away towards Honeydukes. Harry watched him for a moment before turning to Moody and Aberforth.
"Is Fred going to be okay?" he asked, determined to find out all he could while they waited.
"It looks pretty bad," Aberforth answered, leaning against the tunnel wall, "the twins had been destroying their products so the Death Eaters couldn't use them and hung around just that little bit too long. They attacked Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade, St Mungo's and the Ministry all at the same time…"
"It seems to me both well planned and rushed," Mad-Eye remarked thoughtfully, "the simultaneous attacks were orchestrated, there's no doubt, but I don't think they were meant to happen tonight."
"Whenever it was meant to happen, Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade is no more," Aberforth stated with a frown.
"They're totally destroyed?" Harry questioned.
"Every building is either burning or being blasted," Moody grunted, "we were lucky that they were nearly empty otherwise it would've been a massacre."
"How about the Ministry?" Harry continued to question, "I mean, I left there just before eleven, and everything was fine."
"You were there?" Moody spat, bearing down on Harry, "why?"
"I needed access to the locked room in the Department of Mysteries," Harry replied, standing his ground.
"I thought there was something different with you," Aberforth commented with a nod, "this all makes sense now."
"You were let in the locked room, weren't you?" Mad-Eye questioned, this time stepping back a fraction.
"Yes," Harry said, "we think Umbridge told Voldemort…"
"Which is why we lost some innocent lives today and the wizarding world is under attack," Aberforth finished, "that little bit of information has Voldemort running scared."
"Umbridge is out there removing Hogwarts wards," Harry informed them bitterly, "probably with Snape helping her."
"Don't be too sure about that Harry," Aberforth said as he stood and looked up the tunnel in the direction Remus should be coming back, "Albus trusted Snape and so do I."
"Snape killed your brother," Harry nearly growled, "how can you still trust him?"
"I would've thought your visit today would answer that question," Aberforth replied, glancing at Harry with a look that was eerily like his brother's, "love and forgiveness is stronger than revenge and hate…"
"Before you both get all philosophical, Lupin's been gone now for fifteen minutes," Moody interjected, "there's no sign of him. We have to destroy this tunnel."
For the first time that night, Harry began to panic. Part of him knew they had to do this, for the safety of all those in the castle, for the greater good. But he couldn't turn his back on the man who had given him so much, who had been his father's best friend. He couldn't betray the old Marauder like that.
"Just a few more moments," Harry pleaded, all ready knowing that in reality they didn't have a few more moments.
"We can't wait any longer," Moody growled, though Harry saw a glint of regret in the old Auror's eyes and with a heavy sigh, Harry stood behind the two wizards, waiting for the sound of the necessary spell.
"Reducto!" Moody called out and there was an instant rumble of falling rock.
"Wait!" Harry heard the faint cry over the sound of rubble and he along with the other two, peered down the now obstructed tunnel. Sure enough, Tonks was running towards them, bleeding and out of breath; stopping only when she knew she had been seen.
"What is my favourite song?" Moody demanded, his wand aimed squarely at Tonks.
"My…my Way by that…Muggle…singer," Tonks puffed out, frantically trying to catch her breath. Moody lowered his wand.
"Where is Remus?" Aberforth asked, still looking down the tunnel.
"He's carrying Rosmerta," she explained, sounding more herself, "that's why I was delayed. She's hurt pretty bad."
"We need to go," Moody growled.
"And now we can," came a new voice, and Remus came into sight, carrying the injured innkeeper in his arms.
"Let me take her," Aberforth said, taking Rosmerta from Lupin, "you two destroy this tunnel. Harry, best that you and Tonks return to the school. I expect they're waiting for you."
"Right," Harry agreed and began to run back to the school without a second look, aware that Tonks was close behind him. In no time at all, he was clambering back up the slide and stepping out into the castle. Waiting briefly for Tonks and when she had joined him, he once more began to run, this time to the Great Hall.
They entered the Hall to see a group of teachers clustered together in the centre while the group students had their own huddle to the side. Hermione saw them and was instantly next to him.
"You took a while," she stated, before looking at Tonks, "are you okay?"
"I'm fine," the Auror said briskly, "what's going on?"
"We're trying to work out the best thing to do," Hermione informed them as they made their way to the bigger group, her hand instinctively going into Harry's, "there are wards still standing but soon they will all be disestablished."
"Professor Tonks," McGonagall welcomed gratefully, "good to see you. Are you and Mr Lupin straight from Hogsmeade?"
"Yes," Tonks confirmed, "he and Mad-Eye are securing the tunnel."
"Who else is with you?" Slughorn asked.
"Arthur, Charlie, Bill, Aberforth, Mad-Eye, Remus and myself."
"Kingsley?"
"Protecting the Muggle Prime Minster," Tonks replied, "and probably Scrimgeour as well, now that he's lost many of his closest advisors."
"Where's Ron?" Hermione asked, her fear making her voice crack.
"Fred is pretty hurt," Harry explained, "I'm guessing he is still in the infirmary."
"We brought through survivors," Tonks told the headmistress, "including Fred, there are eight."
"Poppy will need help," McGonagall stated just as the doors opened again, the rest of the present Order members, except for Mrs Weasley, entering the Hall. Ginny, who Harry hadn't even realised was amongst the students, ran to her father and brothers where they talked for a moment - Ron made his way straight over to where Harry and Hermione was standing.
"How's Fred?" Harry asked immediately.
"Not good," Ron answered unnaturally stoic, "and we've had more bad news. What's been going on here?"
"We've just started," Hermione informed him quickly, quieting as Mr Weasley began to talk.
"What do we know?" he said, directing his question at McGonagall, "Minerva, tell me the facts as they stand."
"We have two hundred and fifteen students, twelve teachers (including myself), two hundred and twenty three house elves, a number of ghosts and of course, Madam Pomfrey," she listed, "of those two hundred odd students, sixty six are second and third years, forty two fourth years, thirty seven are fifth years, thirty two are sixth years with thirty eight in the senior class. Hagrid has enlisted the help of five giants and we now have the support of two thirds of the centaurs.
"At this point in time, one hundred and seventy six of the wards have been disestablished giving us approximately fifty six minutes before they can access this castle."
"Do we know what's out there?"
"Dolores Umbridge is breaking through the wards as is Barbarus Turner but no, we don't know the numbers of attackers."
"We'll go and find out dad," Bill said quickly, and at a nod from their father the two oldest Weasley's dashed off.
"Right, Remus, Tonks - what happened at Hogsmeade?" Mr Weasley asked, turning his attention to Remus and Tonks.
"There were at least thirty Death Eaters there, randomly destroying the buildings and killing anyone who were trying to escape…" Remus started.
"How many casualties?"
"Not many," Tonks replied, "the village was empty bar from Aberforth and Rosmerta…"
"I saw merely two bodies on my way to Honeydukes," Aberforth interrupted, "and I think they were patrons of the Three Broomsticks."
"Which is why Rosmerta was hurt," Tonks continued, "she had stayed to try and protect those staying over. There were four more dead there."
"The status of Hogsmeade?"
"Hogsmeade no longer exists," Remus said glumly, "the Death Eaters from there would now be here."
"I suspect the same from Diagon Alley," Mr Weasley carried on, breathing deeply, "we managed to get a few out, as you know, but Diagon Alley is gone and the attackers are no doubt here."
"What about the Ministry, Arthur," McGonagall asked, "has it really been penetrated?"
"Umbridge's betrayal has been devastating," Mr Weasley informed them, his voice suddenly filling with emotion, "Percy uncovered her deceit today, informing me and had tried to contain her for Kingsley. He died trying stop her."
"Percy's dead?" Hermione repeated, shocked.
"Oh, Arthur, I'm so sorry," McGonagall breathed.
"Does Molly know?" Tonks asked sadly.
"Yes," he said softly before looking up at his two children, "George and Fleur are with her. We can say that both the Ministry and St Mungos is now under Death Eater control. Scrimgeour has gone into hiding and the wizarding community is leaderless."
There was silence in the hall for a moment as the news sunk in. Harry glanced over at Ginny, who was standing rim-rod straight, her face hard. Harry then turned his attention to Ron who was standing stock still beside him, small red patches touching his cheeks showing his only discomfort.
"Ron, I'm so sorry," Harry told him.
"So am I Ron," Hermione added, "I can't believe that he's…"
"He died a hero," Ron answered, looking at them both, "and he apologised to mum and dad. We knew stuff like this was going to happen, this is a war after all." Harry watched as his friend tried to keep his emotions in check, but it all turning to custard as Hermione wrapped her arms around him, drawing Harry in so the three friends stood for a moment in a group embrace. Harry heard a lone sob come from Ron, but when they drew apart - there were no tears.
"Where's Luna?" Hermione asked quietly, looking around.
"I…I don't know," Ron replied, his eyes joining in the search.
"I'm right here Ronald." Harry jumped slightly as Luna appeared right by his side, between him and Ron. The young couple shared a look of understanding while Harry turned his attention back to the group of teachers and Order members. The students, who had been grouped together slightly separate, had now joined in with everyone else. Harry couldn't help but notice a shock of blond hair as Malfoy stood slightly alone on the fringes. Frowning, he turned away from the Slytherin when he heard someone mention his name.
"Harry, have you felt You-Know-Who?" Mr Weasley asked, his voice still thick with emotion.
"No, nothing," Harry answered, his frown deepening as he thought about it, "but I think my entering the locked room is the reason for all of this."
"You think he's felt the change in you?" Tonks questioned.
"Change?"
"Yes, Harry - change," Tonks confirmed with a small smile, "you've definitely grown up since I saw you last!"
"Grown-up is a good way to put it," Harry smiled back, "maybe. I haven't felt him probing and didn't get any reaction during my time in the room or since. I think Umbridge told him."
"What's our plans Arthur?" Remus interrupted, just as Bill and Charlie returned to the hall.
"There are at least one thousand Death Eaters out there," Bill breathed, "probably more."
"Plus, we can see the giants waiting with them," Charlie added.
"Which means we are terribly out numbered," Mr Weasley thought out loud, "ideas?"
"Hagrid, Grawp and I could use the giants and forest creatures to secure the forest," Charlie put forth, "stop any attackers coming through there…"
"The giant squid and merpeople will keep the lake safe," McGonagall added.
"So that is the rear and west of the castle more or least protected," Remus said.
"We can use the senior students to help defend," Tonks suggested, "they are ready. DA members can help organise them…"
"However, I feel the second and third years should be kept around the infirmary," McGonagall argued, "they may have been taught, but they are not ready for combat."
"None of the children are Minerva," Remus stated dryly, "except for a select few, but I agree - second and third years should stay out of trouble."
"Perhaps a few seniors could stay with them, ready to help out when needed," Harry suggested.
"Lavender and I could do that," Paraviti spoke up quickly, "I mean, we're members of the DA but…"
"That would be perfect," Mr Weasley agreed quickly, "thank you girls."
"I have got a team together to help Madam Pomfrey," Luna announced calmly - everyone turning to her, "there are three Ravenclaw's and two Hufflepuff's who are skilled in healing, plus we can think of eight second and third years in our houses who could help." Her statement was met with shocked silence until Professor McGonagall spoke up.
"Well done Miss Lovegood," she complimented, "perhaps you should go now as she will already be busy."
"No, not yet Minerva," Mr Weasley ordered, "we need to formalise a few more things before we split. Pompona, take some students and get all that you can from the greenhouses, especially healing plants and herbs. Anything that could be used as a weapon needs to be destroyed."
"Neville and a few others can help me," Madam Sprout informed him, "I understand."
"Horace, we need all potions that can heal or are ready to be used in defence - everything else is to be destroyed."
"Understood."
"Prefects, go to your houses and wake up all students," Mr Weasley continued, brisk and business like, "Lavender and Pavariti will be waiting for all second and third year students here, in the Great Hall. Minerva, they will need a roll to make sure all students are accounted for."
"Will do Arthur," McGonagall noted.
"Forth and fifth years will join the rest of us and will be separated into teams," Mr Weasley commanded, "the teams will be led by myself, Remus, Tonks, Bill, Aberforth and Moody. Harry, what do you need?"
"I need to know when Nagini, the snake, is dead," Harry said coolly, ignoring everyone looking at him, "Voldemort can't be killed until after that snake is no more."
"Snake?" one of the sixth years asked tentatively.
"Yes, huge, reptile thing," Ron replied, "follows its master around, kills people? Can't miss it."
"Right," Mr Weasley carried on, "the plan is to keep as many safe as possible while allowing Harry to get to You-Know-Who…"
"Why is it up to Potter to get rid of the Dark Lord," Draco Malfoy finally spoke up, "surely anyone who has a open shot should have a go…"
"Because, like it or not, Malfoy," Harry interjected, standing tall, "I am the Chosen One. It is my job," without a second glance, he turned back to Mr Weasley, "we're running out of time," he said.
"Yes, yes, we are. Let's…" Before Mr Weasley could finish his sentence, Harry heard a muffled groan from next to him.
Turning, he saw Luna have Ron's face firmly clasped between her hands and was engaging him in an extremely passionate kiss. It seemed Ron had initially been taken by surprise, not returning the embrace, but soon his arms were wrapped around her, pulling her so close that they began to meld. Harry could hear Bill and Charlie chuckle while others turned away in embarrassment. Harry just shook his head and turned back to Mr Weasley (who was watching in shocked horror).
"I think what you were about to say Mr Weasley," Harry said, ignoring the continuing sound of Ron and Luna snogging, "is that this is it. What happens today will mean the make or break of us, those fighting for what is good and right. Many of us, perhaps even most of us, are scared - and that's okay, because it means that this isn't normal and what ever takes place on the fields of this castle is in defence of the light. We are going into this battle proudly knowing that this castle, Hogwarts, represents everything that we are fighting for - truth, freedom, equality, bravery, loyalty and knowledge."
He hadn't planned in making a speech but it seemed he had done just that. Blushing, he looked nervously at Hermione who just smiled proudly back. Gently, she reached out and stroked his cheek, her fingers running down his jaw and fluttering over his lips - which she soon covered, feather light, with her own. Her eyes locked onto his and he had never, ever felt so loved. Imprinting the memory into his brain, with reluctance he returned to the present, in time to see Luna move away from Ron and face him.
"I'll see you in the light, Chosen One," she breathed, and in a flash of blond hair, she was gone - her selected students following her.
"We'll get through this Harry," Charlie said as he passed, "for Hogwarts, right?" Harry just nodded as the older Weasley thumped him on the shoulder and left for the forest.
Ginny and Neville walked over to them, Neville walking a bit taller and slightly more confident than usual.
"You make us better people Harry," Neville said, taking Harry's hand and shaking it vigorously, "we can do this." Harry smiled at him before looking at Ginny, aware that Hermione instinctively stepped closer to him, her hand clasping his tightly.
"I understand now," Ginny said softly, "I understand what you're doing, what you're sacrificing and realise how bloody stupid I've been. I'm so sorry for all the rubbish I've put you through and I need you to know, that you can trust me Harry. I won't let you down. Do…do you believe me?"
"Yeah, I do Ginny," he replied and with a smile, she too was gone. While he had been talking, the Hall had emptied quite considerably, leaving the trio alone in their own little group. Harry turned to his friends.
"We haven't really planned that much for this moment," Ron started uncertainly, "I mean, we spent so much time get the Horcruxes and then you went all…"
"Grumpy," Hermione added helpfully.
"Yes, grumpy, on us, we haven't really worked out how to finish old Voldy off," Ron finished.
"You can't use your wand Harry," Hermione instructed seriously, "the cores are the same and there is no guarantee it would work…"
"I couldn't do an unforgivable anyway," Harry said thoughtfully, "so if not a wand, how am I going to do this?"
"Have something fall on him?" Ron suggested, "stab him with a sharpened stick…"
"That's it!" Hermione exclaimed, excitedly, "Gryffindor's sword! That's how you can do it!"
"That's brilliant!" Ron enthused as well, "you need to go and get the sword!"
Harry looked at them both and thought hard - Godric Gryffindor's sword? Should he? It does make a kind of sense and as he thought about it, he felt a certainty hit him, something telling his brain that it was the right choice.
"Hermione!" All three of them turned to Professor McGonagall as the headmistress strode over to them, "sorry to interrupt, but you need to get the Gryffindor students, we're running out of time."
"Certainly Professor," Hermione replied, turning urgently back to Harry, "you need the sword Harry," she demanded before taking his face in her hands, making sure he was looking at him, "you be careful, you here me? You do what you have to do, but you can't die. I won't let you die. I love you Harry."
"I love you too," he whispered, kissing her once more, his eyes never leaving her departing form until she was out of sight.
"Come on mate," Ron said after a few moments, "it's time to go. I'll let the others know where you've gone."
"Thanks Ron," Harry nodded.
"You're a good guy Harry," Ron remarked with a grin before turning away and making his way to where his father was standing. Harry smiled at the fact that the real Ron said exactly the same words to him as the Ron in the locked room said just hours before. And with that memory, Harry left the Great Hall and began his dash to the office that he knew so well.