Chapter Nineteen: Love, Fury, and Sorrow
"Welcome Harry," Voldemort grinned as he and forty Death Eaters turned to face the four stunned companions. His smile grew wider as the four slowly entered the large chamber, completely overwhelmed by their reception. "You kept us waiting for almost two hours. I was afraid that you didn't make it through the four chambers. However, you're going to wish that you didn't make it through those chambers."
"Where's Hermione?" Harry growled at the Dark Lord, his wand trained on him. His scar started to burn insanely, but he ignored it, not taking his eyes off the Voldemort.
Ron and Nancy held their wands firmly in their shaking hands. They moved their eyes unsteadily around the room and panic started to fill their bodies at the sight of the vast number of Death Eaters. They looked at Keung from the corner of their eyes and they could tell he, too, was feeling extremely uncomfortable in their current situation.
"Young Hermione Granger," Voldemort replied as he turned to face his Death Eaters. He lifted his arms in the air and with a swift motion, the Death Eaters moved aside to expose her.
Hermione was locked inside an iron cage with a look of terror on her face. The cage was suspended by chain over a large circular pit of black fire. Keung's eyes focused on the dark inferno and his left arm started to tremble, his wound searing at the sight of it. The fire flowing through his veins had found its true master, the Flame of Flamora.
"Are you okay, Hermione?" Harry called out to her, relieved to see that she was all right. "Did they hurt you?"
"I'm okay, Harry. They didn't hurt me," she cried as she looked into his green eyes, a warm smile on her face. She was unbelievably happy to see Harry and her friends, however her smile and happiness soon faded when she realized that they had just placed themselves in hopeless situation. She looked back at the stirring Death Eaters and an extremely amused Voldemort.
"Isn't that touching?" Voldemort hissed as he turned to look at Harry again, his hands touching his chest. The Death Eaters started to snicker as the glared at Harry. "The reunion of two loved ones. I, however, am sorry to say that you won't get a chance to enjoy your sweet reunion."
"I am not afraid of you!" Harry barked through his gritted teeth, his grasp on his wand tightening. His thoughts returned to the prophecy and he knew that this could be the setting for the fight of his life. He looked into Voldemort's dark eyes and saw the malice in them. However he didn't feel the least bit frightened by them. Actually he felt a rush of adrenalin run though his veins. "I will fight you!"
"Fight me?" Voldemort laughed as he took several steps towards him, his arms now crossed. "My, such arrogance. What possible chance do you have in surviving another fight against me? The Priori Incantatem won't save you a second time and Dumbledore isn't anywhere to be found."
Voldemort's Death Eaters laughed hysterically as they all withdrew their wands. Keung took a few steps forward and stood by Harry, his wand ready. Voldemort cleared his throat and as if on cue, the Death Eaters were silent.
"I would find great pleasure in watching you die a slow and painful death, but alas there isn't the time for such luxuries."
"What do you mean?" Harry questioned as his eyes quickly moved across the room, making a rough guess of how many Death Eaters were glaring at him. He didn't care that he and his friends were outnumbered by at least ten to one. He felt his courage burn inside him, hotter than he's ever felt before. He looked up at Hermione; he no longer feared the idea of dying. It would take more than death to stop him from saving her.
"You see, boy," Voldemort grinned as he turned and looked at the dark Flame. "I have a new weapon. I wasn't planning on using it until a later date, but because of your interruption, it forces me take action. Therefore, you won't have a chance to fight me."
"You're going attack Hogwarts," Nancy gasped as her eyes settled on the Dark Lord.
"Very perceptive, girl," Voldemort replied as gave her an impressed look.
"You can't?" Hermione cried as she hit the bars of her cage with her fists.
"I can and I will," Voldemort smiled as he focused on Harry. He snapped his fingers and two of his Death Eaters stepped forward. He patted their shoulders and glared at Harry again. "I'm sorry Harry, but it seems like our time together has expired. I hope that these two will give you the fight that you desperately want."
Voldemort gave the four another evil grin before he took his position in front of the remaining Death Eaters. With another snap of his fingers, they all vanished with a cloud of gray smoke. Harry gritted his teeth and eyed the two remaining Death Eaters carefully. They stood motionless, almost like statues with their arms at their sides and their fists clenched.
"We need to warn, Dumbledore," Nancy cried as she looked at Harry.
"We don't have time," Keung replied as he surveyed the two remaining Death Eaters. "Dumbledore already knew that Voldemort would attack today. He most likely
has all the students already evacuated. He and the Order of the Phoenix will be ready."
"The Order of the Phoenix?" one of the Death Eaters laughed as it pulled back its hood to expose Magnolia Reins. "The Order of the Phoenix cannot handle Flamora wielders. Lord Voldemort will surely destroy Hogwarts castle."
"You of all people should know better than to underestimate the power of Albus Dumbledore," Keung growled as he took a step forward. "Besides, what good will Flamora wielders be once we've extinguished the Flame?"
"Sorry, but we can't let you do that," the other Death Eater hissed. Harry and Ron's eyes widened as they watched the other Death Eater pull down its hood.
"William?" Harry said with shaky voice. "Why…William?"
"Who?" asked Keung as his eyes narrowed on the man.
"That's William Weinstein," Ron replied, his mind having trouble accepting what he was seeing. "He goes to Hogwarts with us."
"I don't know what this person has been telling you, but he isn't William Weinstein," Keung said as he took another small step forward, his gaze never leaving the man. Harry noticed that the expression on Keung's face had softened, a small smile forming. "It's been a long time, Willard."
"Willard…as in Willard Cross?" Ron responded, his lower lip trembling. "You mean, Veronica's missing brother?"
"It's good to see that Hermione isn't the only one with intelligence," Willard laughed as he reached into his robes and pulled out his wand.
"Put your wand down!" Nancy ordered, aiming her wand at him.
"No girl," Reins hissed as she aimed her wand at Hermione's cage. "Put your wands down or Ms. Granger falls to a her death."
"Don't listen to her!" screamed Hermione as she looked at the four. "Don't drop your wands!"
"I'm sorry Hermione," Harry said with a defeated voice as he looked into her eyes. Please don't worry, Hermione. We'll think of something.
With heavy sighs, the four dropped their wands to the floor. Hermione sank down to her knees and covered her face with her hands, tears pouring down her cheeks. Harry let out another sigh of frustration as his eyes moved from Hermione towards their wands. His eyes focused on the black wand next to his and realized that Keung hadn't dropped his silver one.
"So…Nancy," Willard grinned as he glared at her. "How are things with the Order of the Phoenix?"
"What are you talking about?" asked Ron with a confused voice.
Willard turned his head and realized that he had somehow struck a nerve with that comment.
"Didn't you know, Weasley," Willard replied as he looked at Ron. "Nancy is a member of Dumbledore's little Order. I overheard her one night giving her report to McGonagall and Dumbledore. She's quite the little sneak, if you asked me. Again…it does explain why a girl like her would ever want be with a guy like you, Weasley. I've always thought that she was too good for the likes of you."
Harry and Ron looked at her with dumbfounded expressions on their faces. Her fists clenched and she looked at the two with an apologetic look. "I couldn't tell you…"
"What?" Ron asked, his heart slowly crumbling.
"I was assigned by Dumbledore to protect Harry," she answered hesitantly. She looked into Ron's eyes and could see the betrayal in them.
"Protect me from…" Harry started but was interrupted by Ron.
"You mean…all this time you've been with us was…because you were told to?" Ron asked, his voice weak. "So…all the things between us…weren't real?"
"They were real, Ron," Nancy replied, her eyes watering. "I do…"
"I can't believe I trusted you," Ron snapped, his body shaking. He took a step away from her, his head low. She tried touch his arm, but he jerked his head up and glared at her. "Don't…touch me."
"Oh, that's truly sad," Reins said with a soft whimper. "Cross, you didn't have to tell him that."
"A person shouldn't die without knowing the truth," Willard grinned as he turned and glared at Keung. "That would truly be doing them a grave injustice."
"No, a person shouldn't without knowing the truth," Keung spoke as he took a step forward. "Willard, why are you helping Voldemort?"
"I was told that he could help me…help me get the man that killed my sister!" Willard shouted as he aimed his wand at Keung, his eyes narrowing. "You…killed…my…sister!"
"No, I didn't!" Keung roared back taking another small step forward, focusing directly on Willard's hazel eyes. Willard had the same eyes as his sister, but Keung knew that his heart had been tarnished. Keung opened his mouth, but nothing would come out. He looked at Reins, and his blood was fueled with anger. "It was…"
"Don't believe his lies!" Reins barked at Willard. "He's nothing more than a murderer and a liar! I watched him murder your sister!"
"You will pay for your crimes," Willard growled as he moved his wand towards Harry. "But first, the three Hogwarts students…nothing more than meddlesome pests. Any last words? I reckon you only have about a minute of life left."
"Ready to shut your eyes," Keung whispered to the three under his breath. "I'll distract them…save Hermione."
"What was that?" Reins asked as narrowed her eyes on Keung, her wand still trained on Hermione's cage.
"Nothing," Keung replied innocently. "Just saying good bye."
"Well then," Willard smiled, his wand aimed at Harry's head. "I guess this will be the end of the famous Harry Potter."
"No!" Hermione screamed as she kicked her cage, causing the two Death Eaters to look towards her.
Keung knew that this was his only chance and quickly reached into his robes. "Fulgeo!" Keung shouted as he lifted his silver wand into the air, a blinding light flashing from the tip.
"What?" Willard shouted as he and Reins shielded their eyes from the bright light. However, before either had time to regain their vision, Keung ran forward and tackled them both to the ground.
Harry quickly ran forward and picked up his wand. He aimed it Hermione's cage and shouted, "Wingardium leviosa!"
Hermione felt her cage start to lift and she tried her best to see what was going on, but her vision was also blurred from the light.
"Adfligo!" Nancy yelled, causing the chain that held Hermione's cage to snap.
Harry pointed his wand gently towards him, causing Hermione's cage to slowly drift towards them, away from the pit.
Willard sat up from the floor and looked over towards the floating cage, his vision regained. He quickly rose to his feet and aimed his wand at the cage. He let out an evil grin and shouted, "Fulguritus!"
"Protego!" Keung shouted as he quickly jumped in the way of the lightning wave and scratched the air, causing the wave to reflect back towards Willard.
"You damned devil!" Willard cried as he quickly formed an Invisible Wall, the lightning vanishing as it struck it. His eyes soon fell upon the silver wand in Keung's hand. His body started to shudder and he looked into Keung's eyes with his left hand outstretched. "That is my father's wand! Give it back to me!"
"I'm sorry, Willard," Keung replied with a stern voice, his wand aimed at him. Keung gritted his teeth when he noticed Reins slowly standing to her feet. Keung was confident in his dueling abilities, but he knew he wouldn't be able to fight them both at once. He focused his attention back on Willard and slowly shook his head. "I cannot give you this wand. You don't deserve to wield it."
"Alohomora!" Ron shouted causing the rusty lock on the cage to unlatch.
Hermione waited for the cage to settle before she pushed the door open. She quickly stepped out of it and immediately jumped into Harry's arms, burying her head into his chest. Harry slowly sank to his knees, holding Hermione tightly in his arms. Nancy smiled at the two and she looked at Ron, noticing a look of happiness and relief in his eyes. She reached out and tried to touch his arm, but again Ron abruptly moved it away from her, giving her an incredibly cold look.
"I've got you," Harry said softly to her as he rose to his feet, pulling Hermione up gently with him. He looked over at Keung and realized that he was about to face both Reins and Willard. He released Hermione and reached into his pocket, pulling out her wand. "You dropped this."
"Thanks," she said with a warm smile as took her wand.
Harry gave them a reassured nod as they quickly ran to Keung's aide.
"Look," Reins cackled as her eyes fell upon Harry and Hermione, "it seems that Keung's little friends are ready to play."
"It will take more than four little kids to stop us," Willard growled as his eyes focused on Keung. "I want Keung."
"No!" Reins shouted. "He can wield a Flamora blade…you wouldn't stand a chance against him. I will handle him; you take care of his little friends. Once you're done, then you can come assist me."
"Popular guy, aren't I?" Keung said sarcastically. He looked at Harry and with a firm voice, "I will handle Reins. Can you four manage Willard?"
"It will be our pleasure," Hermione answered as she stared angrily at Willard.
"All right," nodded Keung. He took a step forward and before anyone could say another word, he bolted towards Reins.
Reins flashed him a bright smile as she quickly retreated towards an open area of the chamber. She held her wand tightly and her Flamora blade ignited, the flame glowing brighter than ever before. Keung slowed his advancement and took in several quick breaths as he ignited his blade. Reins giggled at him, slowly twirling her wand in her hand. Keung watched the blade carefully and quickly raised his to parry her first attack.
Harry kept his eye on Willard, but could see the two Flamora blades clashing from the corner of his eye. He wanted to turn his head to check on Keung's progress, but knew that he needed to focus on the Willard. Good luck Keung, he thought as he slowly took a step forward towards his opponent.
"Four against one," Willard smiled as he cracked his knuckles. "I like these odds."
"Not when we're through with you," Ron growled as he took a step forward.
"I can't say anything against you three, but you…Potter," Willard chuckled,
"you should know better than to fight against me. You know that I am too powerful for you and your friends. Do you honestly believe that I would use everything I had against you during our match at the Dueling Tournament, especially with all the professors there? I could have killed you if I so desired."
Harry tightened his grip on his wand, knowing that Willard was exaggerating about his abilities. He quickly glanced at his three friends before returning his focus back on Willard, his heart slowly filling with doubt. He knew that Willard could have easily killed him in during the Dueling Tournament. He knew that from the very beginning on the duel that he wasn't a match for him. The duel that he and his friends were about to walk into could be their last.
"I take that you're speechless because you don't know what to do?" Willard grinned as he took a step forward and lowered his wand to his side.
The action confused Ron, Nancy, and Hermione; however, Harry knew exactly what he was planning.
"Do you think we're that weak? How arrogant can you possibly be?" Nancy shouted as she tightened her grip on her wand. "You should know better than to underestimate us!"
Before Harry could say a word, the three launched different spells at Willard. His grin widened as scratched the air with his wand, sending the three spells back at them. Harry quickly grabbed Hermione and pulled her to the floor as Ron and Nancy tried to stop the spells with their Invisible Walls.
"No!" Harry shouted at the two as he held a startled Hermione in his arms.
It was too late; the two had scratched the air with their wands. The spells collided with their walls and as Harry had feared, the spells broke through hitting Ron and Nancy, hurling them both to the floor.
"Ron…Nancy!" Hermione screamed as Harry released her. She quickly ran towards them as Harry stood to his feet, his wand trained on Willard.
"I told you that you all that were no match for me," Willard said as he took another menacing step towards Harry.
Harry took a step back but a cry of pain caused him to jerk his head over to the fight between the Flamora wielders.
Keung gripped his left shoulder as he slowly backed away from a smirking Reins, blood flowing freely from his wound. Reins quickly advanced forward and swung her blade. Keung parried with his as he took another step back, his teeth gritted and his eyes focused. However before he could make another move, Reins struck him in the side with a sharp kick, causing him to stumble to the floor.
"I find it incredibly rude that you take more interest in their fight when your life is surely on the line in this one," Willard commented, causing Harry to turn towards him.
Harry quickly took several steps back and quickly looked over at his three friends. Ron and Nancy had slowly gotten to their feet, their faces filled with uncertainty. Hermione stood in front of them with a concerned expression. Harry could tell that she wasn't able to think of a strategy on how to combat such an opponent. With the exception of Harry, none of his friends had ever faced an opponent of such caliber before.
"What are you going to do now?" Willard grinned as he took another step forward.
"You want a fight…I'll give you one," Harry growled as he stood his ground.
"Sorry mate, but you're not going to get into a fight without us," Ron added as he, Hermione, and Nancy took their places next to Harry.
Harry turned to his friends and gave them a weak smile as he turned and looked at an incredibly pleased Death Eater. "I will commend you all on your bravery," Willard grinned as he aimed his wand at them. "It does explain the reason why you are all are in Gryffindor. Though Weasley…I'm truly surprised by your sudden courage. I always figured you to be the coward of the group."
Ron took a step forward with a look of exasperation. Nancy quickly took his arm, trying to prevent him from taking another step forward. Ron shot her a glare and wrenched his arm out of her grasp. Harry watched him carefully and knew that Ron was beyond any point of reason. Harry released a soft sigh and, too, started to advance towards Willard, not wanting to let Ron do anything rash.
"When I said I was holding back, Potter," Willard hissed as he raised his wand, ready to throw a spell. "I wasn't lying."
Keung noticed Willard's movements from the corner of his eye and knew that he needed to interrupt the fight. He quickly ducked, narrowly avoiding Reins' blade. He took this as his opportunity and dropped his wand to the floor. He swiftly lunged forward and grabbed the collar of Reins' robes. His left shoulder hurt unbelievably, but he had no choice. With one hard movement, Keung launched Reins over his shoulder and towards Willard.
Willard noticed this and promptly moved out of the way as Reins landed on her back next to his feet. She growled and quickly hopped on her feet, rubbing her elbow gently.
"Are you having trouble?" Willard asked with an unimpressed tone as Reins picked up her wand and re-ignited her blade.
"Nothing more than usual," she replied as she watched Keung slowly approach them. "He's desperately trying to protect these kids. I want him to concentrate all his strength on only fighting me. Finish them off so he has no choice but to." Without another word she ran towards Keung and swung her blade as hard as she could, forcing him to take a step back after he parried the attack.
"Oh those two…what can I say?" Willard grinned as he turned his attention back towards his four foes. "Sorry for the interruption. I doubt it will happen again…though then again… Deflagratio!"
"Conglacio!" Harry shouted, releasing an ice wave.
The collision was massive, a steady waterfall flowing underneath it. Harry's eyes grew wide when he felt the full force of Willard's fire wave. Harry gritted his teeth and pushed Willard's wave with all his strength. However, a feeling of dread washed over him when he was overpowered, forcing to take a step back.
He turned and realized that his friends were still standing by him. "Get out of the way! I can't hold this for much longer!"
"You won't have too," Hermione quickly replied as she aimed her wand towards the collision. "Amnis!"
Hermione's unleashed a colossal water wave that crashed into the collision. Harry grinned at her softly; relieved to feel that the massive force he was once experiencing had diminished to a tolerable level.
Ron took this as his opportunity and quickly dashed away from the group until he found clear shot at Willard. He raised his wand and with all the anger within him, he shouted, "Fulguritus!"
Willard saw the lightning attack coming and he gently smirked as he quickly called off his fire wave. He took a quick step back and scratched the air with his wand, causing all three waves to be launched back towards their summoners.
Harry and Hermione quickly jumped away as their spells smashed into the floor. Ron, however, was too stunned to move, his eyes widening as the lightning wave approach him. He desperately wanted to move, but his legs wouldn't allow it. He then shut his eyes and instinctively raised his arms up to protect himself.
"No!" Nancy cried as she threw herself in front of Ron, the lightning wave striking her back.
Ron's eyes opened, terror filling him as he watched Nancy's body tremble in front of him.
"Nancy?" Ron said with a weak voice. She gave him a soft smile she leaned forwards and collapsed onto him, Ron catching her in his arms. He slowly lowered her to the floor, his emotions racing. "Nancy…you okay?"
She opened her eyes slowly and gave him a very weak smile. She coughed softly and with a quiet voice, "I do care about you…you stupid git. Very very much…"
"Nancy!" Ron cried as she closed her eyes, his arms shaking her softly. "Wake up…wake up!"
"Hermione, take care of Nancy," Harry said as he gave her a worried look.
"What about you?" she protested. "I can't let you fight him alone."
"I'll be fine. Nancy needs you more than I do right now," Harry replied as he looked into her brown eyes, his expression softening. "We can't allow any spells hit her when she's like this. Ron's defenses aren't as good as yours. You can protect her better than he can."
She quickly glanced at her two friends and gave Harry a firm nod. She turned to face Harry again but found him focusing on Willard. She took a deep breath and hastily made her way over to Ron and Nancy, completely relieved to see that Nancy was still breathing.
"I'll take care of her, you help Harry," Hermione said as she stopped in front of them, her wand ready. When she realized that Ron wasn't moving, she quickly turned and shot him a look. "Nancy will be fine. I'll watch over her. Now get up and help Harry!"
Ron nodded softly as he allowed Nancy to rest on the ground. He quickly picked up his wand and took his spot next to Harry. Harry looked at Ron and gave him a weak smile. Ron returned his smile with an even weaker one as the two turned to face Willard.
"Oh isn't this sweet," Willard snickered as he watched the two boys advance slowly towards him. "The brave little men are going to protect their women. Such chivalry...or is it stupidity? I'll be sure to carve both into your tombstones."
"You have a very odd sense of humor," Ron retorted as Harry and he took another step forward.
"After everything you've seen," Willard laughed, "you really believe that you can attack me? I've given you two way too much credit. I can safely see that you're both completely lost your minds."
"Maybe," Harry replied with a soft grin.
"Well…then let's make things a bit more interesting." Willard smiled, causing Harry's body to tense, unsure of what he was planning. Willard's smile grew wider as he aimed his wand at Ron. "Imperio."
Ron's body grew amazingly stiff and he dropped his wand to the floor. Harry's eyes grew wide as he quickly looked at his friend and then at an incredibly delighted look on Willard's face.
"Ron, fight it!" Hermione screamed as she took a step forward, knowing that Harry was in serious trouble.
"No!" Harry shouted to her. "Guard Nancy, I'll handle this!" How he would handle this, he didn't know.
Ron's body soon loosened, but his eyes were glazed over. Harry knew that he wasn't able to fight the Imperius curse.
"Ron, can you hear me?" Harry asked as Ron bent down and picked up his wand. "You okay?"
However, to Harry's dismay, Ron pushed the tip of his wand into Harry's chest and without a moment of hesitation, white sparks were unleashed. Harry felt something hit him hard, causing him to fall onto his back.
"Harry!" Hermione screamed as she took a step forward, but halted as she watched Ron turn towards her, his wand raised.
* ~ * ~ * ~ *
Keung noticed that Harry and his friends were in desperate need of help. He attempted to abandon his fight with Reins, but could never find an opportunity. She was swinging her blade wildly, forcing him to focus every ounce of his energy on parrying and dodging her attacks. However, no matter fast he moved, Reins seemed to move faster. How did she get so strong? There is no possible way for her to get this good so quickly.
Keung grimaced as he felt the tip of Reins blade cut his left leg, causing him to stagger onto his right one. He looked into Reins' eyes and realized that they glowed an unnatural red. He was taken aback by them, never noticing them before. She swung her sword again, causing to stumble backwards, doing his best to ignore the pain in his injured leg.
"What's wrong, Keung?" Reins asked with an evil smile as she slowly approached him, her blade aimed towards his chest. "You'd usually be spouting out some snide comment by now. No witty comebacks?"
"None that come mind," Keung replied as he continued to retreat, thankful that the pain in his shoulder and leg started to subside. "You've gotten a lot stronger."
"I'm glad that you've noticed," she said with a cheerful voice. "It's interesting how much a little intensification can do."
"What intensification?" Keung asked, taking a hold of his wand with both of his hands.
"Nothing for you to worry about!" she roared as she swung her blade at him.
Keung blocked it with his, his eyes moving slightly so he could monitor Harry's process. Reins noticed this and her anger raised a level. "You should really keep your eyes on what you're doing!"
Before Keung had time to react, Reins had kicked him hard in his face, causing him to fall onto his back. He watched her approach him, her eyes glowing even redder. He forced himself to stand again, wiping away the blood that was flowing from the side of his lips.
* ~ * ~ * ~ *
"Ron…" Harry said with a calm voice as he rose to his feet, his hand massaging his aching chest. "Put your wand down."
"I'm sorry Potter," Willard grinned as Harry turned to face him. "Weasley is completely under my control now. There is nothing you can do about it…unless of course, you decide to attack him."
Harry looked at Ron again, but before he could say another word, he saw the tip of Ron's wand flash. Hermione suddenly collapsed to the ground, her body curled in agony and she let out excruciating screams of pain. Harry's eyes grew wide when he realized that Ron was using the Cruciatus curse on Hermione.
"What are you going to do now, Potter?" Willard asked as he crossed his arms. "Your girlfriend is suffering."
"Sorry Ron," Harry muttered as he aimed his wand at his friend. "Compello contrudo!"
The white sparks hit Ron in the side, throwing him to the ground, where he laid motionless. Harry looked at Hermione's body and was relieved to see that she was no longer writhing in pain, but his heart suddenly sank when he realized that she wasn't breathing.
"Hermione!" Harry cried as he quickly ran to her and sank to the floor. He pulled her into his arms and his body grew cold. He shook her gently, but she didn't respond. His emotions got the best of him and his eyes started to water. "Hermione…please…wake up…wake up."
"Too bad, Potter," Willard sighed. "Looks like her lungs stopped working. It'll only be a matter of time now."
Harry's eyes lit up when he heard this. She wasn't dead yet, he could still save her. He gently lowered her to the floor and slowly lifted her chin. He squeezed her nose with his fingers and leaned down, taking in a deep breath before he placed his lips over hers. He blew into her mouth, causing her chest to rise. He pulled his mouth off hers and took in another deep breath, watching her chest lower. He did it again, and his heart skipped a beat when he felt her body move. She started to cough, air quickly returning to her lungs.
"Hermione…" Harry said softly as he pulled her into his arms, his tears falling onto her face.
* ~ * ~ * ~ *
Keung fell to the ground, his wand leaving his hand and sliding dangerously close to the edge of the large pit. He clutched his chest and gritted his teeth in pain. Reins had successfully cut him again, the wound burning hotter than anything he'd ever felt before.
"This is really pathetic," Reins sighed as she slowly approached him. "You haven't once laid a finger on me."
"I'm sorry to disappoint you," Keung replied as he took shallow breaths, his right arm reaching behind him for his wand. "I'm really trying…honest."
"You do know that all of this could of been avoided," she said, her eyes focused on his. The glowing red color disappeared, leaving a deep blue behind. "All you had to do was to accept the fact that you were a Slytherin. You were just too stubborn for your own good."
"I was never meant to be a Slytherin," Keung muttered as he managed to push himself along the ground, his hand still searching for his wand. "I never wanted to be a Slytherin."
"You don't mean that!" Reins cried, her eyes growing red again. "You know that you were meant to be a Slytherin!"
"I was meant to be a Gryffindor!" Keung shouted as he finally found his wand, re-igniting his blade. However before he could move, Reins kicked him in his face, causing to fall onto his back. He tightened his grip on his wand and looked up at Reins, her blade inches away from his chest.
"I loved you," she muttered as she raised her blade in the air. "I never wanted to hurt you."
"I never meant to hurt you either," he replied as he watched her hold her blade over her head.
"Farewell," she cried, tears falling from her eyes.
Keung felt a rush of immense energy surge into his body. He looked towards his wand and realized that his Flamora blade was growing hotter and brighter. The end of his blade was hanging over the edge of the pit, and the Flame of Flamora was intensifying it. Keung suddenly realized that this was how Reins meant by intensification. She allowed the Flame of Flamora to burn hotter inside her, fueling her rage and emotions, corrupting her heart and soul beyond any form of repair.
He quickly looked towards Reins and watched her blade lower towards him. He gritted his teeth and swung his blade, cutting hers completely in half. She stumbled back in shock and screamed as swung what remained of her blade at him again. Keung quickly got to his knees and spun around, Reins' blade missing him by centimeters as he forcefully drove his blade behind him towards his attacker.
Reins let out a soft gasp as she felt the blade pierce through her stomach. She dropped her wand to the floor and her body remained still. Keung bit his lower lip and extinguished his flame. Within a few moments, he felt her body fall onto his. He carefully turned around and took hold of her body, resting her gently against the floor.
Keung looked into her eyes and was glad to see that they were blue again. She gazed up at him and gave him a weak smile, several tears sliding down her cheeks. He took a deep breath as he gently touched her cheek with his hand. She placed her hand over of his and softly squeezed it.
"Why don't you finish me?" she asked with a soft voice. "I did take everything away that was ever dear to you."
"I have enough grief in my life," he replied with a gentle voice. "I don't need to add your death to my conscience."
"I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt her," she whimpered, her body growing colder. "I never wanted to…"
"I know…" he whispered. "I know."
"Go save Harry…go before it's too late…" She released his hand and allowed hers to fall to the floor.
* ~ * ~ * ~ *
"What kind of magic was that?" Willard asked with an intrigued voice as he watched Hermione breathing quietly in Harry's arms. He had never seen such a practice of rejuvenating a person before.
"It's muggle magic," Harry replied as he brushed Hermione's hair off her face, stroking her cheek gently.
"Muggle magic? That's truly amusing," he sighed as he aimed his wand at Harry. "I'm sorry but your efforts have been wasted. After I kill you, I'm just going to kill her again."
Harry looked at Willard and knew that his luck had run out. He tightened his arms around Hermione and sank his head, waiting for Willard's worst. He heard Willard summon the killing curse and he sat there, waiting for his world to end. Oddly enough he didn't have any regrets in his heart. He did his best to save Hermione, and if they had to die, he wanted it to be together.
Keung suddenly jumped in front of Harry and used his Flamora blade to shield himself from the green sparks. The flame absorbed it and started to jerk erratically, causing Keung to release the wand. The flame extinguished itself as the wand hit the floor, gently rolling away towards Willard. Keung suddenly sank to his knees and looked behind him at a startled Harry.
"You mean to tell me…" Keung started as he took a quick breath, his body completely exhausted, "after everything we've been through…all those chambers…getting into this chamber to save Hermione…you're just going to sit there and…take the abuse of this monster?"
Harry gazed at Keung, his mouth open. He wanted to explain to Keung that he had nothing left. He didn't have the strength or the knowledge to beat Willard. Willard was a much more powerful wizard and there was nothing he could do to harm him. He wanted to say it to Keung desperately, but he couldn't. He knew Keung didn't want to hear it. He knew that if Hermione was awake; she would have slapped him for saying it.
"I understand that you're tired," Keung said as he turned and faced Willard. "I can fall asleep now and not wake up for a week, but we have to keep going. Don't forget…Voldemort is attacking Hogwarts. If we don't do something, innocent people will die."
Harry's eyes grew wide when images of Hogwarts being destroyed filled his mind. He had completely forgotten about it, his mind completely absorbed with only rescuing Hermione. Dumbledore and the other professors were most likely fighting for dear life at the moment. If he had given up, everyone and everything he never held dear in his life would have been destroyed.
"The Flamora blade is powerful," Willard grinned as he took several steps forward, placing his wand in his left hand. He reached down and pick up his father's wand, gripping it tightly in his right. His eyes lit up like a boy who's just received his favorite toy and with a sinister grin, aimed the silver wand at Keung. "I will settle things with you after I take care of Potter."
"I won't let you kill him," Keung growled, rising to his feet. His body ached terribly and his wounds burned excruciatingly. "Why did you kill your parents? Why?"
"It's simple really," Willard replied as he stopped several feet in front of Keung, his wand aimed at his chest. "They wouldn't see things my way."
"What is that suppose to mean?" Keung asked as he took a step forward, his body nearly collapsing to the floor again.
"I don't know why, but they believed the rubbish that you fed them," Willard growled through his gritted teeth. "They believed that Magnolia Reins was the killer despite the fact that everyone else in the world knew that it was you. I don't understand why they trusted you so much. I knew that if I wanted to seek my revenge, I needed to take care of a few obstacles."
"So you killed them?" Keung retorted, his fists clenched. "You killed your parents just so you can avenge your sister's death with a clean conscience? What kind of a man are you? You don't have any of the qualities that Veronica and your parents possessed!" "Don't you dare give me a lecture on my family!" he screamed as he took another step forward, the tip of his wand poking into Keung's chest. "You have no right telling me how to run my life! You have no right! Crucio!"
Keung's eyes grew wide and collapsed onto the floor, his body shaking.
"Keung!" Harry cried as he lowered Hermione to the ground and ran over to the fallen Keung. He tried to touch him, but Keung was shaking too violently, tears slowly sliding down his face. His teeth were clenched tightly and Harry knew he was trying his best to not cry out in pain. Harry looked at Willard and saw a horrific look of satisfaction across his face as he tortured Keung.
Harry quickly picked up his wand and ran towards Willard, his courage and anger returning to him. Willard pulled his wand back, but before he had an opportunity to point it at Harry, Harry gripped his right wrist. Harry tried to aim his wand at him, but Willard in turn, took a hold of his wrist.
"What are you going to do now?" Willard grinned as he started to push Harry with all of his might, forcing him to take a step back.
"Some more muggle magic," Harry replied as he yanked his right wrist free from Willard's grasp. Harry released his wand and clenched his fist tightly. With all the strength he could muster, he swung his fist as hard as he could, connecting with Willard's face.
Harry released Willard's wrist and took in a deep breath as he watched him stumble to the floor, his hands covering his face. Harry leaned down and picked up his wand and aimed it at the whimpering Willard. He was able to get a glimpse of his face and he noticed that Willard's once perfect nose was completely out of place, blood drooling out of his mouth.
"It's over," Harry said with a firm voice as he watched Willard struggle to stand. He gave Harry a look of utter terror and lifted his hands in the air.
"Pease don kill me," Willard pleaded, his voice obscured by his broken nose. "I neber wanded do hurd you."
"Never wanted me to hurt me!" Harry growled, his anger rising. "Do you expect me to believe that?"
"No," Willard cackled, exposing the missing teeth, his eyes gleaming.
Harry suddenly felt something hit his back and his body began to hurt horrendously, causing him to collapse to his knees. He looked behind his shoulder and saw Willard's wand floating in the air, trained on his back. Harry tried to move, but a wave of electricity left the wand, striking his body. Harry released a cry of pain as he sank to the floor, smoke rising from his robes.
"You should ob killed me," Willard laughed as he spat out a mouth full of blood onto the floor. He picked up the silver wand and stood up, pointing it at Harry. "Whad you gonna do now?"
Harry struggled to get to up, but the floating wand released another vicious lightning attack, causing Harry to crumble back onto the floor, his muscles twitching painfully. Willard lowered the silver wand and slowly took a step forward, his arms crossed. Harry tried to get up again and again he collapsed back to the floor, the floating wand unleashing another lightning attack.
"You are sdubid!" Willard cackled with an amused look on his face.
Harry took in quick breaths, his eyes shut tightly, trying to make the pain subside. His muscles felt like they were on fire and he found it incredibly difficult to move them.
Willard took a few steps forward, stopping inches away from Harry's head. "Dime to die!"
"Think again!" Willard heard as a fireball struck his floating wand, knocking it into the fiery pit. Willard growled and turned to find Keung on his knees with Hermione's wand in his hand. "I told you once and I'll tell you again, I won't let you kill him."
"You!" Willard screamed as started to back away from Harry, Keung following him with the wand.
Willard observed that Keung's eyes were half open and his body moved slowly. Keung wasn't in any condition to do anymore fighting. Willard let out a sick smile and with a swift motion; he aimed his wand at Keung. Lightning left his wand and struck Keung square in the chest, causing him to collapse onto the ground. Keung let out a short cry of pain as wave after wave of electricity hit his body.
Harry slowly rose to his knees and his eyes focused on Willard. He suddenly felt something in his pocket and he reached his hand it to pull it out. He examined the object and realized that it was the snitch that Hermione had given him for his birthday. He had placed it in his pocket that morning before the Quidditch match and had never removed it. He gripped it tightly as he looked back again at a now cackling Willard.
Harry drew his arm back and threw the snitch as hard as he could at Willard, hitting him directly in his broken nose. Willard dropped the silver wand as his hands immediately gripped his nose, bellowing loud screams of pain. Harry quickly picked up his wand but his wrist was weak and trembling, making it incredibly difficult to aim.
"Podder!" Willard cried as he looked at him and reached down for the silver wand.
Harry narrowed his eyes and his wrist suddenly became steady. "Compello contrundo!" Harry shouted, the white sparks from his wand slamming directly into Willard's stomach causing him to fly into the wall of the chamber. He sank to his knees and Harry gritted his teeth as he aimed his wand at the floor right in front of him. "Motus!"
The ground shattered and a large crack quickly made its way towards Willard and before he had time to react, the ground underneath him exploded. Willard flew against the wall again, causing it to crack from his impact. Harry watched him slide down to the floor, he still struggling to get to his feet. He saw Willard grip the silver wand and slowly lift it.
"Never learn, do you?" Harry growled as he looked at the wall that Willard was resting against. Willard managed to aim his wand at Harry, but before he could do anything, Harry pointed his wand towards the wall. "Adfilgo!"
The portion of the wall next to Willard's head shattered, small rocks and dust to flying into him. As Harry had hopped, a rock struck Willard in the side of his head, causing his eyes to widen. Willard's mouth opened, but before he could say a word, he slumped against the wall, unconscious.
Harry lowered his wand and slowly made his way to a stirring Keung. Keung gradually sat up and looked at Harry with thankful eyes. Harry sank to his knees and let out a sigh of relief as Keung patted his shoulder. Harry gave him a weak smile as he looked over at his three fallen friends and noticed that Hermione was slowly getting up.
Harry noticed Keung's eyes widening and he quickly turned to find Willard Cross on his feet yet again, the silver wand aimed at him.
With a deep breath, he shouted, "You cand debeat me, Podder!"
"Compello contrundo!" Harry and Keung heard someone scream as they saw white sparks hit Willard's head.
Willard dropped the wand and started to stumble towards his left. Harry's eyes narrowed as he watched Willard's left foot stopped just at the edge of the pit of fire. His heart secretly wished that Willard had fallen in.
"Id'll dake more dan dat…Podder," Willard gasped as he tried to right his body. "Much...much more!"
Willard's body suddenly grew limp again and he collapsed to the floor. Harry struggled to his feet, his wand trained on him. Willard looked up at Harry and cursed himself. Harry stopped his advancement and waited for Willard to give him an excuse to blast him. However, with a loud crack and an explosion of smoke, Willard had vanished.
Harry and Keung released a short sigh of relief. Harry slowly turned and his eyes fell upon Hermione. She had her wand gripped tightly in her hand and her body was shuddering softly, her eyes watering. Harry quickly made his way to her and sank to his knees, wrapping his arms around her. She let out a small cry as she buried her face into the nape of his neck.
"It's okay Hermione…" Harry said softly as he kissed the side of her head, the soft scent of her vanilla perfume still lingered. She raised her head and looked into his eyes. He gave her a bright smile, his heart racing again.
"Are you okay?" she asked with a weak voice as her hands gently rubbed the dirt off his cheeks. "He didn't hurt you, did he?"
"Nothing, I couldn't handle," he replied as he leaned forward and kissed her tenderly, his arms wrapping tighter around her.
"Harry?" Ron mumbled softly as he slowly sat up. "What's going on?"
"It's over," Harry said with a smile as he broke his and Hermione's kiss. He helped Hermione up and the two walked over to Ron.
Ron slowly pushed himself onto his feet, wincing as he started to stretch. His eyes fell upon Nancy and he hastily made his way to her.
"Nancy…" Ron whispered as he shook her gently. "Nancy…wake up."
"What's happening?" Nancy groaned as she opened her eyes, looking directly into Ron's. A soft smile grew on her face as she reached up and gently touched his cheek. "Hi Ron."
"Hey yourself," he grinned as gently helped her up.
"Looks like we've made it," Harry laughed as the four friends looked at each other.
Ron and Hermione nodded slowly and couldn't help but snicker softly. Harry let out a soft sigh and the four moved closer and huddled together for a group hug. Hermione's head nestled on Harry's shoulder as Nancy's rested on Ron's shoulder. Harry and Ron gently leaned their foreheads against each other's as the four hugged as hard as they could, completely overwhelmed by their narrow victory.
"Where's Keung?" Hermione asked softly when she realized that he didn't include himself in the hug.
The four separated and quickly turned towards the blazing pit. Keung stood at the edge, his back towards them, gazing into the black inferno. Harry's eyes grew wide and suddenly ran towards Keung with Hermione, Nancy, and Ron behind him.
"What are you doing?" Harry shouted as he took a hold of Keung's arm.
"We need to put this flame out, Harry," Keung replied as he looked at him with sincere eyes. "I don't know how long Dumbledore and the Order can hold off Voldemort."
"You can't do this!" cried Harry, his mind returning to the horrific idea of Keung throwing himself into the Flame.
"Harry, I have to," Keung replied, completely shocked after hearing what Harry had just said. "Aside from saving Hermione, it's the thing we have to do."
"What about your sister?" Harry barked. "What am I suppose to tell her?"
"What are you talking about?" Keung asked with a confused expression. "What does this have to do anything with Cho?"
"How am I suppose to tell her that her brother threw himself into a pit of fire?" Harry shouted, releasing Keung's arm.
"What are you talking about?" Keung asked with a soft grin on his face. "I am not planning on throwing myself in the fire."
"What?" Harry was completely unaware of everything that had just transpired during his bantering.
"The poem told me to cast my love, fury, and sorrow into the Flame," Keung said as he leaned down and picked up the silver wand. "It didn't say that it was necessary to throw myself into it."
"But you said that you would if you had to?" Harry spoke his voice slowly growing weaker, feeling incredibly dumb for his recent outbursts.
"And I would if I had to," Keung replied as he pulled out a Gryffindor tie from his pocket. "Though that's not the solution to the riddle."
"What is the solution?" Hermione asked as she took a step forward and gently took a hold of Harry's arm.
"This is," Keung said as he held out Veronica's silver wand.
Harry's eyes focused on the wand and his mouth slightly dropped, his mind trying to find the question he was looking for.
Keung gave them a comforting nod and started to tie the Gryffindor tie to the wand. "Harry, remember how I told you that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't summon the Flamora blade until I used Veronica's wand?"
Harry slowly nodded as he watched Keung stare at the silver wand.
"The only reason I was able to summon the Flame with this wand is because it was the only possession that I had that could invoke the emotions I needed. The Flame strove on these emotions. The memory of Veronica filled my heart with love… memory of how I wasn't able to save her filled my heart with fury…the memory of her death filled my heart with sorrow.
"The answer I've been looking for was with me the entire time. It makes me wonder if Dumbledore didn't purposely leave the wand on his table for me to take." Keung smiled softly as he looked at the wand, his eyes gently watering. Keung kissed the silver wand softly and held it out over the pit. He took a deep breath and looked down towards the blazing inferno.
"I love you, Veronica Cross. Good bye," he muttered as he dropped the wand, watching it disappear into the Flame.
The Flame suddenly grew larger as if several explosions were released within it. Keung felt something rush through his body, slowly rejuvenating him. He quickly pulled back his left sleeve, exposing the now dirty bandage. He ripped it off and with a look of astonishment; he watched the first cut he received from Reins slowly disappear. In fact, all the wounds that were inflicted onto him by Reins' blade had vanished.
"It disappeared," Harry muttered as he looked at Keung, a smile forming in his face.
The ground started to rumble and with a mighty explosion, the Flame erupted out of the pit, nearly burning Keung, Harry, and Hermione. The three quickly retreated towards Ron and Nancy as they watched a column of fire to rise out of the pit, drilling into the ceiling. The five covered their faces as dust and ash started to fill the room. Within seconds, the chamber was still again. The Flame of Flamora was gone. The five carefully looked up at the large hole that the column of flames had made, and they smiled softly as they saw the starry sky.
"It's finally over," Harry whispered to Hermione as she tightened a grip around his arm, rubbing her cheek gently against his shoulder.
However before they had a chance to settle on the idea, the floor around them started to shake violently, nearly causing all of them to lose their balance. The chamber had begun to fall apart; the walls slowly crumbling as small geysers of steam started erupting from the floor.
"We need to head back to the portkey now! This place is going to fall apart!" Keung shouted as he pointed towards the large doors that led back to the circular platform.
Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Nancy quickly ran for the doors with Keung bringing up the rear. Keung heard someone calling him, and he quickly turned to see Reins struggling on the floor. She was moving slowly, but was too weak to stand.
"What is it?" Harry shouted, the rumbling of the rocks grew louder and louder.
"You go ahead to the platform!" Keung shouted as he pointed towards Reins. "We can't leave her here to die!"
Harry nodded to him and watched Keung make his way back towards Reins. The ground started to shake more violently and Harry knew that they didn't have much time left. He heard Hermione scream his name and he knew that his friends had already waiting by the platform. He watched Keung lift Reins into his arms and gave him a reassured nod. Harry quickly turned and ran as fast as he could towards the elevator.
"Hurry!" Ron yelled as the three saw Harry approaching them.
The walls of the corridor started to crumble from the quake, forcing Harry to weave out of the way of falling rocks. However when he was several yards away from the platform, he stumbled on a rock and fell to the ground. Ron's eyes grew wide when he noticed the ceiling directly above Harry was starting to give way.
"Ron!" Nancy and Hermione screamed as he bolted to Harry, grabbing him by his robes. With a hard pull and Harry pushing off with his feet, Harry was able move out of the way just as the ceiling started to cave in.
Harry's eyes suddenly grew wide as he looked behind him. The corridor was completely sealed.
"Keung!" Harry shouted, prying himself lose from Ron.
Ron quickly looked at the girls, the two screaming at them to get into the elevator.
Harry ignored their cries and stared at the large mess that barricaded Keung and Reins from the platform. "Keung, can you hear me?"
"What are you doing?" he heard Keung shouting from the other side. "Get going!"
"We can't leave without you!" Harry cried, trying to move the rocks with every ounce of the strength left in him.
"You have to!" Keung shouted, his voice firm. "I will find a way! Use the portkey! I will be all right!"
"We need to go now!" Ron shouted as he took a hold of Harry and started to drag him back towards the elevator. Ron's eyes started to water as he heard Harry's cries. He didn't have a choice. If they had waited there too long, none of them would be able to leave the mountain alive.
"No!" Harry shouted as Ron finally got him onto the platform.
The platform started to shudder and began to make its way down the mountain. It occasionally jerked from the force of the crumbling rocks, but continued to move downwards without too much trouble.
"Listen to me Harry!" Hermione shouted as she looked into his eyes. She knew that he was hurting terribly, they all were. Tears slowly started to slide down her cheeks, but she kept her face firm. "We need to leave! If we don't, we'll all die!"
Harry took in a deep breath and nodded to her, his fists clenched tightly. The platform suddenly started to shake viciously as they reached the center chamber. The four jumped out of the booth just as the floor started to crumble around it. Within seconds, the ground surrounding the circular platform had completely given way allowing the elevator fall into the mountain. Nancy quickly pointed towards the exit and the four ran as fast as they could with Harry taking the lead.
The four moved through the narrow corridor as fast as they could, weaving left, right, and down, depending on the walls and the ceiling. Harry looked behind him and his eyes grew wide when he saw that the corridor was starting to fall apart. He was relieved when they ran passed the large doors that led back to the staircase, but wasn't thrilled to see that cave was also starting to give way.
Harry quickly moved to his left and took Hermione's hand with his as a huge stalactite fell dangerously close to them. He looked forward and noticed that they still had bit left to travel before they were safe. Harry aimed his wand towards the entrance of the cave when he saw that it too was starting to fall apart. He focused on the ceiling of the entrance way and shouted, "Conglacio!"
The wave struck the ceiling, causing a thick layer of ice to surround it, giving them the extra seconds they needed to run out of the cave. However they didn't stop running, the cave started to implode on itself causing gigantic boulders to start rolling down the side of the mountain. The four ran away from the mountain, doing their best to ignore their burning muscles and their aching lungs. Harry quickly observed the area and led them in the general direction of the portkey.
"That way!" Harry shouted as he pointed towards the two large boulders.
The four finally stopped when they reached their destination. Nancy and Hermione sank to their knees coughing erratically. Their muscles had grown numb and their lungs felt like they had collapsed.
"Bloody hell…that was close," Ron gasped as he leaned against one of the large boulders; his eyes shut tight, sweat pouring from his face. "If we…waited any longer…we'd never made it."
Harry didn't think about resting. He immediately moved in between the two large boulders and started to search around the rocks. A smile formed on his face when he found the blue rock sitting directly in the center of a pile. Harry looked towards his friends and nodded to them as they forced themselves to move towards the portkey.
"Let's go home," Harry said softly as he took a deep breath.
The four reached out and touched the blue rock, a bright light slowly enveloping them.