A/N - This chapter . . . like Chater 25, has a lot in it. I am sorry if it sounds rushed, but it's meant to be. There is a lot of things going on, and the chaos of it all is meant to strike home.
I'm sorry for the wait for this chapter. I'm starting to get close to the end, and I just finished writing chapter 30 yesterday, so I'm still actually catching up. I just finished exams yesterday, so that's the reason why the update did not come on time, and I am sorry for that.
Please review and let me know if it works alright. Thank you.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Falling and the Feather
`NO!' Harry and Hermione screamed, as the green light of the Killing Curse overtook its prey.
The gleam in his eye told Harry he knew it was coming. A never-ending gaze stuck to Harry and Hermione, as the green light collapsed against him, and his eyes became dulled, and his expression lost. His body gave way, and with the remaining momentum, and fell silently to the sandy ground as the rest of the group turned to see him.
Hermione struggled to get up and run to save him, but Harry pulled her back knowing it was too late. Viktor Krum was dead.
Remus, Tonks, Baldric, and Topher looked at their fallen friend, and Remus quickly grabbed Tonks and pulled her to the carpet. Bellatrix moved away from her rocky shield, and Topher looked at the killer.
With no remorse, or lack of concern for the other Death Eaters on the ledges firing spells at the Gringotts guards, Topher thrusted his wand out at the pale woman.
`PERSECTUM DEXTRA!' Topher shouted with a rage greater than that Harry remembered he gave to his old best friend.
The spell shot at Bella's right hand, and she screamed in pain as deep gashes ripped across it-making her drop her wand. Her face was contorted in horrible pain and anger, and her eyes looked malevolently at Topher. He wasted no time, as spells and curses fell around his feet, and he pointed his wand again at Bellatrix, just as she tried reaching for her wand.
`EXPELLO PER HORRESENTIA!' he yelled, Bella just looking up before she vanished with her wand still laying in the sand covered in blood. Remus and Tonks where still trying to protect Topher-who was still out in the open-but where having a hard time as the Death Eaters began bombarding the group.
`Topher! Hurry!' Harry yelled, as curses fell from the hill tops. He snapped out of his angered trance, quickly whisked his wand over Viktor's body to make it disappear, picked up Viktor's wand, and ran rapidly to the carpet. Harry turned and moved closer to the centre of the carpet with Ron and Hermione, while the others hurried to the second carpet. Baldric was taking the reigns of the other carpet, and once Topher dove on, both carpets rocketed up into the air. Harry and the others continued to shoot spells at the black cloaked Death Eaters, but stopped after they were a good distance away.
Landing quickly in the open area of the forest, the group ran as quickly as they could to the boat, where the crew was still waiting.
`Vere is Professor Krum?' the oldest student asked, whose red tunic had a single black star over each shoulder. He was looking at the group, but his face stopped on Hermione, would had tears staining her cheeks as she shakily entered the boat with Harry's help.
`He was killed by Death Eaters, we need to get back to the ship before they get here' Harry insisted as everyone entered the boat before being invited.
`Killed! Vere is his body?' the student asked, as he motioned the students to set up defensive stations around the boat.
`Topher vanished it. Get in the boat; we need to get back to Hogwarts!' Ron remarked quickly as he entered the boat. The student turned towards the forest, and looked back again the group.
`How do ve know he is-' the student asked, cut off by a Stunning Spell hitting one of the students standing near the edge of the forest. The students hit the ground, and the older one moved towards his injured comrade.
`Bill get in the boat!' Remus ordered. The students were running to the boat, and getting it ready as the oldest student helped pull the injured student to safety.
`I can't Remus, I need to help my friends. I'll Apparate back to England if there's trouble' he maintained. He gave one last glance at the group, and with a crack, he Apparated away.
Yelling orders in Bulgarian, the boat began to move across the water, while the group caught its breath. Hermione was still upset about Viktor, and his students were shocked by it.
`I am Borislav, Durmstrang Chief Student. Once back on board, ve vill go back to your school' he stated, looking over the silent group. Ron was looking blankly at Hermione and Harry as they moved across the Nile peacefully.
`Here is Professor Krum's wand' Topher spoke quietly, handing over the heavy wand to Borislav. He took it slowly, and looked at it like a precious gem. The students' heads were hung in sadness over the loss of their beloved professor.
Once they boarded the ship, Harry looked back and could see smoke billowing from the horizon. Hermione stood next to him sniffling, and Ron looked out at the water while the crew heard the news, and solemnly prepared the ship.
`I can't believe he's gone' Hermione whispered, Harry giving her a hug.
`He remembered my name' Rom commented quietly.
`Oh Ron' Hermione whispered, turning and embracing Ron in a hug. Ron looked wondrously at Harry for a moment, but accepted the hug. Harry in the mean time moved over to Topher, who was standing near the mast.
`So the Book is in the Ministry' Topher said, noticing Harry's approach.
`It sounds like it. How will we get there?' Harry asked, taking a look back to see Ron and Hermione talking quietly.
`Well, the Minister is coming tomorrow, so perhaps we can ask him' Topher assumed, speaking softly. The crew and passengers were so quiet, Harry felt he had gone deaf from the lack of sound. Even as the crew moved about, Harry could see them taking slow steps, and placing-not stomping-their feet as they walked. Sound was not warranted with their thoughts.
Borislav came down from the bridge and informed the group the ship was ready. Taking hold of the mast like before, the group looked as Borislav took the helm and the ship dove under the rippling water. No orders were yelled, no alert sounded. The crew just looked, and held its breath as the ship silently slipped beneath the water.
Rising out of the Black Lake, Harry gained his breath again, and held on as the ship regained its balance-sounding like an angry tree in the wind. Once everything sat relatively still, everyone let go, and Borislav came back down the stairs, walking heavily as he was a fairly stout man.
`Ve vill anchor the ship, and everyone vill go ashore. I must contact the High Master' he explained. Topher assured him it would be done, and the crew lowered the first boat, as well as a second. Setting the anchor over the side and securing the ship, Harry and the others entered their boat with some students and Borislav, while the rest of the twenty-man crew boarded the other. Before leaving, two students went ahead and raised a black flag to the top of the mast, and everyone looked up at it as it slowly flapped in the light wind. With everyone off the ship, the two boats glided across the calm water towards the shore, no word spoken on either.
Once they arrived on shore, Professor McGonagall came down from the castle, along with a few other professors and students. Seeing the expression on everyone's faces stopped the Headmistress from talking, and she observed the group carefully.
`Where is Professor Krum?' she asked, looking at Harry and the others. Other professors, such as Madam Hooch and Professor Fourmove looked over the group with grim faces, while the mention of their late professor's name caused the proud sons of Durmstrang to lower their heads and fall deeper into sadness.
`We were attacked by Death Eaters, and he was killed saving us' Topher finally answered after several silent moments. The Durmstrang students did not look up, and Professor McGonagall looked to be caught between two conflicting emotions. Harry guessed they were rage and sadness.
`Who is head student here?' she asked, her momentary lapse in facial expression gone. Borislav came forward and asked the professor for use of her office to contact the High Master. She agreed, and ordered everyone into the castle.
`Remus, Tonks, can you please see to it that our guests are given a good meal, and left alone. I do not want our students gocking over them after what has happened. Borislav can use my office after I speak with the rest of your group' They both accepted, and moved the students into one of the old classrooms on the ground floor. They called house elves, and kept the Durmstrang students there while they sat in silence and disbelief. A regular Hogwarts student would not even know they were there, except for of course the existence of their ship floating in the Black Lake.
Moving through the staircases and halls, Topher, Baldric, Harry, Ron, and Hermione all moved behind the quick-paced Headmistress. Professor McGonagall never even told them to follow her, but they knew better. She walked through the halls and never once looked back, or made a comment. Harry could not remember her looking like this, and he was very scared what might happen.
Reaching her office, she waved the stone gargoyles off, and entered. Everyone quietly made their way in, and patiently waited as the Headmistress slowly took her seat, and allowed her head to lower its gaze at the desktop.
`How?' was all she asked.
`We were looking in a tomb, and when we came out Death Eaters showed up somehow. We don't know how they knew we were there, but they had the numbers. We were able to get back to the ship, but Viktor died from a Killing Curse' Topher explained.
`From Bellatrix Lestrange' Hermione added quietly. McGonagall never looked up, or change her posture, and it made the tips of Harry's fingers twitch with worry. He was waiting for the dragon to rear its head.
`Were there any more causalities' she asked, sounding like the calm before the raging storm of a Headmistress' discontent.
`No Headmistress. We were able to vanish Viktor's body, and we managed his wand' Baldric informed cautiously. McGonagall nodded slowly, and continued looking down at the desk. Harry could see her breathing was slow, and that she was trying very hard to keep herself collected.
She slowly stood up, and everyone recoiled slightly. She looked up at everyone, and again took a deep breath. `Harry, you are never again leaving this castle until it either closes or you graduate.'
`But . . . but Professor-`
`NO BUTS POTTER!' she yelled, everyone stepping back instinctively. Harry knew he should not have pressed his luck. He woke up the dragon.
`Because of your little escapade, a friend and fellow professor is dead! You have been going on these trips for Merlin knows what, and I have had it! I do not care if Albus agrees with your going, you are not! You will stay within this castle, not even in the grounds!' she bellowed. Harry felt horrible at the realization that she was right, and that Viktor had died because of him, however Topher did not wish to give up so easily.
`Professor-` he started, being met with a shook finger.
`Oh no Topher, not this time. I have had it with your extra trips, and secret meetings with people. I am tired of being left in the dark, and expected just to agree with everything! I am putting my foot down. You, like Potter, are not allowed to leave this castle. If you do, then consider yourself dismissed!'
Harry and the others all looked at Topher and McGonagall with this threat. Topher was looking at being fired now for trying to help Harry. Harry felt like he was sinking into the ground with all the guilt.
`We were looking for the Book of Thoth' Hermione suddenly announced from her side of the room. Topher looked at her with wide-eyed disbelief, while McGonagall glanced at her before turning away and sighing angrily.
`"The Book of Thoth?" It does not even exist!' she proclaimed.
`It does, and now we know where it is' Ron put in, although truthfully he had no idea, and really neither did Harry or Topher.
`No, I just said, you are not leaving the castle, any of you. Baldric, go and work out the new rotations, since we are getting more Aurors tomorrow' she ordered, flicking her wand and motioning him to leave. He gave everyone a hopeful look, and exited the tension-filled office. Topher again tried to reason with McGonagall, but it was not happening.
`Professor please, we need to-`
`You are pushing your luck Professor. Because of you, I now have to inform the High Master of Durmstrang that one of his best professors has been killed because of some search for an item that does not even exist. Now, out!'
Topher turned, and exited quickly, with the rest following. Once they were outside the office, they stopped and let out a collective anger filled sigh.
`I can't believe it! We finally know where it is, and we can't get to it!' Topher fumed, kicking the wall and hurting his toes in the process.
`Maybe we can ask the Minister tomorrow still?' Harry wondered, Hermione not looking too optimistic.
`I don't think that will make Professor McGonagall anymore sympathetic to our cause, going around her back.'
`So what are we supposed to do?' Ron asked the group. Everyone one thought for a moment, before Topher responded.
`We should wait. I do not care if I loose my position here, as long as we get that scroll. If worst comes to worst, we'll have to sneak our way out of the castle, and break into the Ministry.'
`That doesn't sound too promising' Hermione admitted darkly.
`Well, we might not have another choice. It's either that, or wait for Voldemort to come knocking on Evander's portrait asking for Harry to come out' Topher exclaimed.
It was a horrible situation they were in, and it did not help that news from the wizarding world was becoming grimmer by he day. Harry learned over the week that the muggle government was having a horrible time, and there was talk of civil unrest in London and various other cities. Riots in Paris, Berlin, and Rome were causing chaos in the muggle world. There were even rumors of the British Parliament falling into disarray, with members missing and others unable to agree on anything. Blame was being placed primarily on the Muggle Prime Minister, and it looked like Marshall Law would soon be called.
`I need to go and tell Aberforth about this trip. I'll come see you later on all this. Please tell the Durmstrang students Viktor's body was vanished to their ship's lower hold' Topher told the group. They agreed, and he whisked off to his office. The others in the mean time went down to the ground floor, and checked in with the Durmstrang students.
Walking down to the ground level, Harry found Remus standing outside the door of Classroom Five. Walking up, the still dirt covered and sweaty students asked how their foreign friends were doing.
`Well, only Borislav speaks English, so I've been asking him to stay close. They're not too well though. Borislav said Krum was revered at Durmstrang. You know, a past student who's known world wide, comes back to teach at the small school he loved.'
`Do you know if they are still staying for dinner?' Hermione asked, looking into the room and finding the red-suited students quietly talking amongst themselves in Bulgarian, and other Slavic-sounding languages.
`Borislav went with Tonks to contact the High Master, so I don't know. I can imagine McGonagall is going crazy enough with the Ministry coming tomorrow, and those attacks in London.'
`Attacks in London?' Ron asked, looking at Harry and Hermione.
`Diagon Alley. It was early this morning too; terrible incident. Death Eaters moved through the street from Knockturn Alley, and destroyed some of the shops. People were panicked beyond belief, and the Ministry had a terrible time trying to stop them.'
`Is everything alright now?' Hermione asked worriedly.
`Well, it took forever for the Aurors to show up, but by that time it looked like the Death Eaters were backing away anyways. They could have easily destroyed most of the Alley, but I think You-Know-Who just wanted to show he could do it. The Ministry closed all the shops on Diagon Alley, and the Leaky Cauldron.'
`You can't be serious, it's can't be that bad' Harry remarked disbelievingly. Remus closed the door quietly that lead into the classroom, and looked at the students seriously.
`It's not that bad Harry, it's worst. Voldemort is attacking Wizards and Muggles, and has more followers than ever before. Diagon Alley is closed, and the Undry was attacked and reduced to a hole in the ground just this week. The Order has lost contact with almost a dozen members over the past two weeks. It's more disturbing than you think' Remus continued, seeing their reactions to all this news. `Most of the missing members were last seen in Hogsmede.'
`Does the Order have any ideas why?' Harry asked his father's old friend.
`Tonks tells me the Ministry has been observing the area around Hogsmede for a time, and they think there's something different about this area compared to the rest of Britain.'
`Of course, Hogwarts is here' Ron maintained.
`Perhaps, but the Tonks told me the Ministry thinks . . .' he trailed off.
`Thinks what Remus?' Harry insisted. Remus looked up and down the hallway, and leaned in closely to the group.
`The Ministry thinks Voldemort might be hiding in the mountains around Hogwarts' he explained grimly. An ice-like feeling poured down Harry's back, and his chest hollowed at the idea. Looking at Hermione and Ron, he found equally frightened looks on their faces.
Before they could comment about it, Tonks and Borislav came down the staircase, and looked at the group. They must have mistaken their expressions for sadness for Viktor, because they approached without any worry.
`The High Master is of course devastated with the news, and asked the students to return right away. Borislav will tell the students, and they will depart immediately' Tonks informed the group as the Chief Student went into the room an announced to his crew the new orders. Remus and Tonks helped lead the students back to the Lake, while Harry and the others made their way to the East Tower. They had missed lunch, but even Ron was not hungry after the death of their friend.
`Oh my, what is the matter?' Evander asked the group.
`One of our friends died this morning' Harry answered sadly. Evander understood the need not to prod, and opened after the password was given.
Walking inside, they realized the Common Room was not empty. Luna was sitting on one of the chairs near the bookshelf, while Neville and Ginny where sitting on the couch.
Luna was the first to notice the groups entrance, and she got up quickly and gave Ron a hug-her blond hair flashing behind her. `What happened Ronald?'
`We . . . we ran into some trouble' Ron answered bleakly.
`No one died, did they?' Neville asked as he and Ginny stood up, and approached the group. Hermione began to tear at the mention of death, and Harry answered.
`Viktor Krum died while saving us.'
Hermione's tears increase with the voicing of it again, and Ginny moved over and gave her a sisterly hug. Everyone just stood silently as Hermione's sobs filled the room quietly.
The group moved itself to the sitting area, and Ron and Neville conjured stools. They still needed to cover chairs in Charms, but stools were much easier anyways.
Hermione slowed her tears as time moved on, and she gained back her confident expression. Of course Harry knew she was still breaking inside. He wondered why she was so upset, considering they only went to the Yule Ball together, but not knowing they still wrote to each other meant they had kept up with each other since then. He was a dear friend to her; a pen pal.
`Did you find what you were looking for?' Neville asked Harry quietly, pulling the attention away from Hermione, which she wanted.
`Sort of, it's complicated. We think we know where it is, but we can't go outside the castle.'
`Do you know why? Professor McGonagall just told us at lunch about that. Is there something wrong in Hogsmede?' Neville questioned, looking at Ron and Harry. Harry wondered for a moment whether he should answer, but realized there was no point in holding it from Neville. He could be trusted, as well as everyone else in the room.
`Diagon Alley was attacked this morning, and the Ministry' he breathed for a moment, looking at his friends, 'thinks Voldemort is near Hogsmede.'
Neville gulped nervously, and his eyes grew to as large as Quaffles. Even Luna, who normally continued her dream-like gaze, looked scared at the news, and held onto Ron's hand tighter.
`He's . . . he's near Hogwarts?' Neville stuttered. Harry looked at Ron, and they both looked at Hermione.
`Near' Hermione voiced, speaking what was sounding through all of their minds.
Just as silence again enveloped the group, the hearth erupted into green flames, and a face they did not expect to see again that day popped up into the flames.
`I need you Mr. Potter and Miss Granger in my office now' Professor McGonagall ordered from the hearth. Her head vanished and the flames died before Harry or Hermione could even open their mouths to respond.
Looking at each other questioningly, Ron insisted they go, and that the rest of them would wait for them in the East Tower. Harry got up with Hermione, and walked hand in hand out of the Tower, and towards the Headmistress' Office. Harry wondered what else could go wrong this day.
`Are you alright?' Harry asked as they walked.
`I'm alright Harry. Viktor . . . he will always hold a special place' she admitted, wiping her eyes.
`You did kiss him in fourth year didn't you?' Harry asked. Hermione smiled for the first time since the tomb, and Harry squeezed her hand.
`It was terrible. I almost poked his eye out with my nose I was so nervous. Coupled with my bad aim didn't help' she divulged, letting out a chuckle as some tears escaped her eyes with the memory. Harry was glad she was at least focusing on the good times.
`We still need to check on my parents' Hermione reminded Harry quietly as she wiped away the tears. They agreed to ask Professor McGonagall or Remus after whatever the Headmistress wanted to see them for. Harry figured it was because of the trip.
Walking into her office, they found the Headmistress arguing with the portraits, and not looking an ounce happier than before.
`There is no other way! The Governors have already approved it, so there is nothing I can do' she was stating to a portrait of a round man with only a border of white hair around the sides and back of his head. He looked at Professor McGonagall, and reached his wide stomach with his pudgy hands.
`Hogwarts is not a safe-house for the Ministry, it is a school. The Governors, even in my time, were always a source of idiocy' the portrait explained with its jovial sounding voice. Professor McGonagall turned away from the portraits, and her eyes fell on her two Head students.
`Good, you are here. You will call a meeting of all the House Prefects, just as soon as we are finished with the staff meeting.'
`What staff mee-` Harry asked, just as the door opened behind them, and professors began filing in. Topher was in the group, though he was still not looking too pleased with the morning's activities.
`The Minister of Magic will be arriving in any moment' Professor McGonagall informed the group once they were all inside. The professors, along with Harry and Hermione looked flabbergasted at each other and the Headmistres.
`But, I thought they were coming tomorrow' said Madam Pomfrey.
`They were Poppy, but this early this afternoon the Ministry of Magic was attacked' Professor McGonagall declared, gasps escaping some of the professor's mouths.
`How severely?' Topher asked with a glazed look on his face.
`The Minister ordered the evacuation and relocation of all Ministry offices and personnel to Hogwarts.' The professors broke out into discussion and worry over the news.
`What are we to do with the students?' Professor Flitwick asked. Professor McGonagall lowered her head, and placed her hands on her desk.
`We have no choice but to send them home. Classes cannot continue with such disarray going on, and if the Ministry is setting up here classes will be impossible.' Harry's hope from the morning of finding the Book, which died a bit in the tomb, was now plummeting through his heart on its way to the floor.
`The Ministry can't just barge in here and take over!' Madam Hooch raged, some of the other professors agreeing.
`The Board of Governors has given the Ministry permission to setting up here, as well as emergency control over the castle. They have also ordered the closing of the school, and that all students must be returned home by the end of Monday.' Harry could not believe what was happening.
The Ministry of Magic had fallen. If even the Ministry was running from Voldemort, what could he do? The Order was crumbling under immense strain, and Hogwarts-Harry's last hope-was now being closed. He would have to say goodbye to the East Tower, and goodbye to the students, the staff; everything. His hopes were being destroyed right this moment, and one look at Topher made Harry realize that his were being crushed too.
Plus there was the Book of Thoth. How could they get to the Department of Mysteries now if Voldemort controlled the Ministry? Harry's mind was cascading with all the harsh news being piled on it, and he looked to Hermione who squeezed his hand knowing his thoughts were turning to hopelessness.
`What must we do Professor?' Professor Sinistra asked once the initial shock was overcome by the professors.
`I need Heads of House to inform your students of the events taking place and of their return to home on Monday. All students are forbidden to go on the ground floor, as the Ministry will be setting up there. The Hospital Wing Poppy, I am sorry to say, will be stationed by St. Mungo's Healers, and patients. Please make sure everything is in working order for them. The Great Hall will still be available to us until Monday afternoon, after which it will be set up as extra space for the Healers.
`To the rest of you, please remain calm, and do not flee the castle. Please help the students, and help the Heads of House. Have your offices cleared by Monday, so nothing is lost.' Professor McGonagall looked up and stared around the portraits, who looked at her closely.
`Our Head Boy and Girl' she stated, looking around at them, `will inform the Prefects of this, and will make sure the Prefects coordinate the students packing.' Harry and Hermione both nodded solemnly, and gave each other a short, disheartened glance.
`Hagrid, can you please inform Hogsmede Station to prepare the Hogwarts Express for the students?' McGonagall asked to the large man, who had a tough time entering through the door. He was sniffling with all the news and with the closing of the castle he called home for over fifty years.
`Yeah' he answered shortly, wiping his nose on this handkerchief. Professor McGonagall smiled politely at Hagrid, and nodded her head to her staff.
The staff waited for a moment, then began filing out silently without word from Professor McGonagall. She turned and glanced at all the portraits on the wall, and looked as if she felt alone in the office. Once all the staff was gone, and Harry and Hermione started back to the East Tower, the door to the Headmistress' Office closed with a click of the knob, and she looked up at the silent and attentive portraits.
`This is the end of Hogwarts. Retreat to your other portraits, and find peace there' she spoke hauntingly quiet. The portraits all looked at her for a moment, then inclined their heads or bowed to McGonagall, and every one of them-including Dumbledore-left their frames quietly. Professor McGonagall was left staring at the empty frames. Breathing a hushed breath, she slowly lowered her head-placing her face in her hands-as her quiet sobs filled the empty office.
*
`Remus, can you please go and check on them?' Hermione asked fearfully. Hermione and Harry's first move was not back to the East Tower, but down to the ground floor, where Remus and Tonks were just returning to the castle after reporting back to Grimmauld Place amd finding out about the Ministry.
`We'll go check Hermione. Tonks and I will go to make sure they are alright, and come straight back' he reassured. Harry and Hermione thanked the two Order members, and went back to the East Tower, where Ron and the others were still waiting.
`So what's happening? Did you get more grief for the trip?' Ron asked as Harry and Hermione came in and sat down slowly.
`They're closing Hogwarts' Hermione told the group of friends.
`What! Why are they doing that? This is the safest place in all of Britain!' Ginny raged.
`The Ministry of Magic was attacked this afternoon, and everyone was evacuated' Harry explained slowly.
`You mean . . . it's gone? Voldemort controls the Ministry?' Ron asked with a hollow voice.
`I'd guess just the building. The Ministry is setting up on the ground floor, so students aren't allowed there except the Great Hall' Harry informed.
`We need to have a meeting with all the Prefects to coordinate the students, so they are ready to leave by Monday' Hermione said to the group.
`I'll tell the other Gryffindor Prefects' Ginny declared.
`And I'll get the Ravenclaw Prefects, though they laugh at me when I'm not around' Luna delightfully added.
Harry and Hermione thanked them, and Neville and Ginny returned to Gryffindor Tower, while Luna gave Ron a kiss, and started off towards Ravenclaw Tower. Hermione went ahead and sent a note via Floo to both the Hufflepuff and Slytherin common rooms for Prefects to come to the East Tower.
`I have to go and check on Dad. If the Ministry was attacked, and he was at work . . .` Ron trailed off, not wanting to verbalize the dreadful thoughts.
`Go to Professor Fourmove's office. She has a Floo there remember?' Hermione suggested. Ron agreed going to Professor McGonagall's would not be a good move, and started off to the Transfiguation professor's office.
Meanwhile, Harry and Hermione both went back to the ground floor, waiting for Remus and Tonks to return. It seemed the Minister had arrived, as wizards and witches were filing in through the Entrance Chamber, and into the various classrooms. Aurors, dressed in black robes, where rushing to and fro as other people levitated stacks of files, or other items through the crowd. The noise coming from everyone was intense, as some tried to find their colleagues, and others where their department was being set up. Injured wizards and witches were brought through the crowd and up towards the Hospital Wing, as Healers followed with medi-kits and other items.
It was hard trying to see if Remus or Tonks had returned yet, and the large moving crowd just made it worst. Harry and Hermione had to stand right next to the wall in order to not be swept away. Looking through the throng of people, Harry was surprised to spot a familiar face. Well, at least a formally familiar face.
`Hermione, look' he said, motioning to a man walking through with the others. He was easy to spot, as he was the only one with such bright red hair.
`Percy?' Hermione questioned, Harry nodding.
Percy Weasley, a man who once liked Harry, then suddenly changed to hating him, was walking through with the crowd. He carried several parchment files, as well as other items of lesser importance. His face was paler than before, and it seemed he had given up his prim and proper appearance, with his hair reaching his shoulders in stringy bunches, and his suit and cloak dirty and ripped. He was unshaven as well, and looked as if he had not slept in weeks.
Percy continued through with the crowd with an expressionless face, and turned the corner towards some of the classrooms. Harry gave Hermione a strange look, and looked out again to find Remus and Tonks-her pale pink hair, which had replaced her usual bright pink, still easily noticeable in the crowd-making their way to the Heads quickly.
`Harry, Hermione, we need to talk somewhere' Remus urged. Hermione's face dropped into panic, and she led the way through the crowd. She pushed, shoved; did everything to move as fast as possible away from the crowd and noise. Running up to the second floor, she opened up a usually unused classroom, and Remus closed the door behind him.
`Remus, are my parents . . . are they-` Hermione stuttered, as tears began to threaten again. Harry came over quickly and held on to her tightly and she squeezed back strongly as they waited for Remus to answer.
`Your parents are alive' he started, Hermione looking up at the ceiling relaxing, and still tears falling down her face. Harry breathed a sigh of relief, yet he noticed the ill look on Remus' face. He looked at Tonks, and continued. `But they were in a car accident'
Hermione's eyes opened wide again, and she looked up at Remus horrified. `An accident? Are they alright? Are they hurt? Tell me Remus!' she shouted, bursting out of Harry's arms and approaching the grey haired man. Remus put his hands up, and placed them on her shoulders to try and calm her.
`Your mother is fine, a broken arm, but nothing serious. Your father, as the Muggle doctors told us, is paralyzed from his waist down. I'm sorry Hermione' he expressed sincerely as Hermione heard the news. Remus moved forwards as Hermione began breathing harshly, and gave her a hug, which she gently accepted as she digested the news.
`Was it Voldemort?' she asked between hiccups.
`We think so; Death Eaters terrorizing Muggles. It seems they did not target them specifically because they are your parents' Tonks insisted. Hermione nodded, and backed away from Remus.
`We have Mad-Eye and Baldric there watching their room just in case. Baldric was supposed to stay here, but with the Ministry showing up, he was no longer needed' Remus explained. Harry moved forwards, and took Hermione's arm.
`Com'on Hermione, we have that Prefect meeting' he reminded. She nodded, and they both thanked Remus and Tonks for their trip, and then went back to the East Tower.
The news of Hermione's parents just added to what seemed the most horrible day Harry could remember. It felt like decades ago he woke up hopeful he would find the Book of Thoth. How could so many things go wrong in one day?
Reaching the East Tower, they entered to find all the House Prefects there waiting. They worked out the schedule for organizing the students, and answered questions from the students. Supposedly some students' parents had already come to get them that day after hearing the news of the Ministry and Diagon Alley.
The night was a quiet one, with Ron and a few others in the East Tower, talking over what was happening. Ron was able to Floo the Burrow, and found out his father was able to escape alright, and that Bill had returned safely. The Burrow had been set up by the Order as a headquarters for that area of the country. Ron and the others were still very worried over the openness of the house, since it would not take much to attack it like after Christmas. The Weasleys however would Apparate to Grimmauld if trouble aroused.
The next day, the mood around the castle was ghostly. Students spent most of their time in their common rooms, and the hallways were empty. Neville and a few other students asked Harry to have one last meeting of the Guard, but he declined because there was no purpose. Hogwarts, as of the next day, would no longer be a school.
It did not help brighten the mood in the castle that Umbridge had been released from her home in the North Tower. She seemed to be seeking retribution on the staff and students now as she took control over the Aurors again, and began patrols of the school. She had no problems starting arguments with professors and students over things, and enjoyed every moment of it.
Hermione and Harry took the day and slowly packed up all their possessions. It felt wrong packing up robes and books so early in the year, but it had to be done. Packing up his school books, and his clothes, he smiled when he found the Pensieve Hermione made for him. He had yet to use it, but planned on making use of it sometime.
Coming down to the common room, Harry sat down in front of the dormant fireplace; Hermione doing the same a moment later.
`Where are you going to go?' Hermione asked.
Harry sighed, and looked at the fireplace. `Grimmauld Place. I have to keep helping the Order, and besides; it's my house.'
`I have to see my parents, but I'll be going there too' she professed, smiling at Harry. `I'm surprised the Minister didn't ask to see you.'
`I'm not complaining. He asked for help from the Order, but even if he did ask me for help, I wouldn't do it. I have my own things to worry about' Harry admitted. Hermione nodded in agreement.
`You know, there's still one more Horcrux left' Hermione mentioned cautiously.
`Two. Nagini, and this' Harry answered, pointing to his forehead and lowering his glance to the carpet.
`How are we going to destroy your scar, and the snake?'
`I don't know Hermione' Harry answered flatly, looking up and putting his hands to his face. There were still so many things left to do, and even if he succeeded in some of them, he still had others left. Sometimes Harry felt the world was against him, and not just Voldemort.
The door to the Tower opened, and Harry turned around annoyed to see who it was. So far, almost every Prefect had come in with questions, and numerous Aurors had argued with Evander at wanting in the Tower. Harry's face brightened at least a little at seeing Topher walk up the hallway.
`Harry, I'm sorry to barge in like this-` he admitted.
`It's fine' Harry answered, getting up from his chair. Topher walked the rest of the way in, and greeted Hermione.
`I am sorry I did not get back to you sooner, but it was a busy day yesterday. Where are you going after the train ride tomorrow?' he asked. Harry answered, but Topher said he could not understand what he was saying. Harry tried again, speaking slowly, but it still seemed not to work. Only when Hermione came over and gave Topher a piece of parchment, did he understand.
`Ah, a Fidelius Charm. Thank you Hermione. I have a favour to ask of you Harry' Topher continued, taking the parchment and burning it with his wand. `Can I go with you to this place? We need to continue with looking for the Book.'
`Topher' Harry started, turning and letting his shoulder drop as reminders of the last two days filtered through his tired mind. `There's no point. Hogwarts is gone, the Order is almost destroyed, and the Ministry, it is destroyed. How do you think we can get to the Ministry now, let alone the Department of Mysteries? There's no point.'
`Harry don't talk like that' Hermione insisted, moving around to Harry. `Even if we have to leave Hogwarts, we'll keep looking for the Book. We'll find it' she pressed. Harry looked at Hermione, and at Topher, and paced towards the window. It seemed so long ago he remembered Hermione telling him about his Firebolt breaking through this window to the Quidditch Pitch. Looking down, still not having responded to Hermione, his eyes fell upon the white tomb of Albus Dumbledore.
`I wish he was still here' Harry whispered, feeling Hermione's hand on his back as she looked out also.
`Alright, we'll work out of Grimmauld Place' Harry answered Topher.
`OK. Hagrid wanted to see you before tomorrow.'
Harry turned away from the window and back towards the professor. `But we aren't allowed on the grounds.'
`Do you think that matters now? Besides, Professor McGonagall said until you graduate, or the school closes. Guess what, it's closing' Topher responded dejectly. Harry looked out at the tomb again, and nodded.
`Alright, we'll go see Hagrid and see how he is doing.'
`Good. I'll be up in my office if you need me. Aberforth is still in Hogsmede, but he'll be leaving on the train with the students, so he will more than likely join us' Topher assumed. He said goodbye to the Heads and left the Tower for his office, running into Ron and Luna who where on their way in.
`Anything new?' Ron asked Harry, coming into the common room.
`No, he just asked to come to Grimmauld to continue the research. We're going to see Hagrid now, want to come with?'
They agreed, and made their way down the castle to the ground floor, where Ministry officials where walking around rapidly and paper memos flew through the air. Harry and the others gained permission to go see Hagrid, and started their way out. The sky was overcast, and it was cool, but warm enough not to warrant coats. It was already later in the day, and the sky was beginning to shade as sunset was approaching slowly.
Walking towards Hagrid's small hut, which had smoke billowing from its chimney, Harry turned abruptly to the right the moment the doors to the Entrance Chamber closed.
`Um Harry?' Ron questioned as they walked quickly to catch up to him. `Where are you going?'
`I want to go see him' Harry attested.
`Who?' Ron asked, realizing when they came down an incline, and he took notice of the white tomb.
Harry had neglected coming here the whole year. With Dumbledore's portrait, it felt like he never really left, and so there was little need to come down here to visit the memorial. Now that his portrait had left-as Professor McGonagall told him earlier that morning when he requested to speak to him-Harry could feel that hole in his heart that was from not having Dumbledore there.
Everyone stayed close to each other as Aurors on patrol stared at them, but Harry took no notice of them.
Reaching the white stone tomb, Harry slowly approached it, and stood up on the front section, just before the actual tomb itself.
Harry slowly ran his hand over the coarse stone surface, and could remember the funeral for Dumbledore. All the sadness, and the hollow feeling in his chest from the loss of the beloved man entered again in his chest, and he felt himself sway when Hermione came up and looked at the tomb too, with Ron and Luna following suit.
`I miss him' Harry whispered, Hermione taking his hand.
`We all do Harry. He's still here though, remember? As long as those who are loyal to him are here at Hogwarts' she reminded him quietly.
'I remember when Dumbledore gave me some candy. He was always a nice man, and believed some of the stories I told him' Luna added. Harry looked up at her, and smiled warmly at her.
Harry was still very loyal to Dumbledore, even if he held truths from Harry after death. Dumbledore always looked out for Harry, and helped him in ways he could never thank enough for. He remembered the morning after waking up from his search for the Philosopher's Stone. Dumbledore was so comforting to see, and Harry remembered how he just seemed to bring confidence to everyone, even when close to death last year.
As the thoughts of the late Headmaster poured through his mind, a single tear of sorrow for Dumbledore's absence fell from his cheek, and landed on the white stone.
Looking at the tomb, a sound-an almost unearthly sound-echoed through the glen. Harry and the others looked up at the sky, as the sound-a song-reached their ears, and filled their hearts with hope. The song was beautiful as it moved through the glen and passed through the trees, and over the Lake, and through the students.
Harry closed his eyes as the song grew in volume, and stirred his desire to fight on and battle through whatever fate threw at him. The tomb in Egypt, the Ministry falling, the closing of Hogwarts; they were all meant to destroy his spirit. This song though, it was affecting him. Reminding him of all those who died before him-his parents, Sirius, and Dumbledore-fighting against the darkness that spread across the country.
Opening his eyes, he looked at Hermione, and then to Ron, and realized he had to keep fighting-not for himself-but for his friends, his family, and his love. The song grew louder as its melodic notes spread across the grounds, and caused the Aurors to even stop their patrols.
Looking at the tomb, Harry found something added to it. Lying flat on the white stone was a majestically brilliant gold feather. Harry did not know how it got there, as he was too wrapped in the song that was still echoing around them. Reaching over, he picked it up, and gazed at it.
The feather was beautiful, and sparkled even though the sky was cloudy. It was a long feather, over a foot, and as he looked it over Harry ran his fingers through the filaments. As his finger ran through the silk-like strands, a feeling of confidence built inside him like never before, and he looked at Hermione.
Hermione however was looking at the tomb with wide eyes. `Harry' she whispered, still looking at the tomb. Harry turned his head, and the source of the song was realized.
Sitting on the white tomb, a vivid scarlet bird glanced at the students. Its stunningly fire-brazened wing feathers shone bright, and its tail feathers were as golden as the sun. Its gaze focused on Harry, and Harry looked at the feather quickly, before looking at the others in surprise.
`Fawkes?'
The phoenix bowed its head to Harry, and continued to look at the students. Harry had no idea what to do with him, but luckily Fawkes took the next move.
Taking flight in what looked like a blaze of fire, the bird soared over the group, and landed itself pleasantly on Harry's shoulder, clucking its beak.
`It's great to see you back' Harry said to the bird as he stroked its head, feeling the heat coming off the bird like warmth from the hearth. Its position on his shoulder gave Harry a sense of reassurance and strength.
The group moved over to pet the bird, when a massive explosion erupted from the direction of Hogsmede. Harry and the others turned quickly, Fawkes keeping tight hold on Harry, and they could see the towering flames coming from the town.
The guards at the gate were running inside, baring them shut and yelling to others as another thunderous blast came from the town, and sent a huge fireball up into the air. The group of friends could do nothing but watch in horror as the flames licked the sky, and sent smoke upwards. The Aurors on patrol where all running back to the castle, while more bound towards the gates to help secure them. Harry looked at the others, and swallowed deeply.
It took only a few moments before a bright green bolt of light shot up from the ground, and exploded into a massive skull, with a snake slithering from its mouth over the flames. Even from this distance, Harry could hear the screams and yells from the town as more blasts occurred.
Looking at the Dark Mark and the flames rising above the town, the eerie voice of the female ka rung in Harry's head.
"The sign of the golden feather upon the stone will mark the beginning of the end."
Harry looked at the golden feather, and realized what had happened.
`We're not going home' Ron uttered fearfully.
The hope and determination to fight that was only a moment before present in Harry vanished with his friend's words and the presence of the Dark Mark over Hogsmede. Harry looked at Hermione, and found just as much worry in her face and eyes, and he felt Fawkes crow softly, giving Harry a squeeze of his shoulders.
If they were trapped in the castle, and they could not escape, then they had to fight. Just as the Sorting Hat said in the beginning of the year, the fight was coming to Hogwarts, and Harry had to fight for his school, his home.
Starting off to the castle with a determination that transferred instantly to his friends, he looked at Ron seriously. The Aurors and other Ministry personnel were running past frantically, however Harry's group moved confidently and focused while Fawkes held on to Harry's shoulder.
`Order the Guardians to meet in the Room of Requirement. If Voldemort is looking for a fight, we'll give him one he'll never forget.'
Spell / Name Meanings:
Persectum Dextra - L. perseco: to cut through, dextera: the right hand (Persectum Dextra = to cut
through the right hand)
Expello Per Horresentia - L. expello: banish, per: through, horrendus: horrible/dreadful, sentia:
thought (Expello Per Horresentia = Banish through horrible thought) (this is a variant of a previous spell, Expello Per
Sentia)
Borislav - Slavic - bor: battle, slav: glory (fame in battle)
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