Harry Potter isn't mine. JK owns every thing HP. But this plot… is mine…. Enjoy reading and please review. Harry's back and with a vengeance. This is the pinnacle of my story to make it sound so freakin' dramatic. Anyways… I hope and pray this won't disappoint those few people who took the time in reading my fic…This ain't the ending yet like what the title says and hopefully you'll see through till I finish this story… thanks and have fun.
Chapter 14: Beginning of the End
"Stay away from my son!" Annie McGregor said. Death eaters attacked her small home in Hogsmeade. "How dare you come here tonight? Two years ago you killed my husband and now you want to take my son. Haven't you had enough? You got the book, what else do you need?"
"The master wants the missing pages. If you would kindly give it to me there wouldn't be any problem," Peter said coldly holding Ethan by the collar of his shirt and a wand pointed at his throat.
"I don't know what missing pages you're talking about? Just let go of my son. He has nothing to do with this," Annie cried out. Ethan was only quiet he was scared of the man who he thought was about to kill him. He also felt angry for he heard his mother say that that was the man who killed his father.
"I shall take him with me then. The master wanted the boy in case the pages wouldn't be found," Peter said as he went out of the door. "Don't kill her yet," he ordered the other death eaters. Annie was only knocked unconscious.
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"Hermione how have you been?" Harry asked as he saw her open her brown eyes and looked up to him. He could still see the sadness in them. "Your parent's are fine. We got there in time."
"I know and the Dursley's are safe too?" Hermione asked him.
"Yes, we got there just in time also." Harry, explained what happened that night while Hermione was in bed. He told her about the facing Voldemort and then when Draco went face to face with his father.
"Harry, there is still someone who needs our help," Hermione started. "I had a dream last night. I saw Ethan. Peter Pettigrew took him away from his mother. It was a vision but I couldn't move I couldn't wake up to tell you. He needs our help Harry."
"What does that rat want with the boy? He's only a kid," Harry retorted.
"Peter was talking about some missing pages. I also heard Ethan's mom talking about a book that they took," Hermione said. Hermione sat up from the hospital bed. "I was thinking maybe the book Peter was talking about was the book we found. But what I want to know is how Dumbledore got a hold of that book if it fell into the hands of the death eaters?"
"I don't know how but it's possible that the book we have now is what they had before. If those missing pages were the only things Voldemort was after then he didn't need the book at all. The important pages were gone and maybe in some way the book got back to Hogwarts. The question is who brought it here," Harry said.
"I did," Draco said as he went to join the two.
"You?" but you weren't nice to us then why would you steal that book from your father and bring it here?" Harry asked.
"My intentions of bringing the book to Hogwarts wasn't to help you. I was interested in it's contents and well, it was my mother's idea to give it back to Dumbledore," Draco explained. "I wasn't able to finish reading it because I left it in our common room and Snape must have taken it to Dumbledore he must have realized what that book really was. How did that book get into your hands? Did the headmaster give it to you?"
"No, I found it and well, you know me, I have a thing for books specially non-labeled ones," Hermione exclaimed. "I think we owe you a thank you."
"What for?" Draco asked turning all red.
"I guess what Hermione is trying to say is thanks for bringing the book here. It had been a real great help for all of us specially to Ron, Hermione and me," Harry replied.
Their little chat was interrupted by Uncle Vernon who just got up and was definitely startled at where he was. "Where on earth did you bring us boy?" he grunted at Harry.
"Oh, you're already up. Good morning uncle Vernon. This is Hogwarts my school and you're currently pacing about Madame Pomfrey's domain, the hospital wing," Harry said jokingly. Hermione and Draco were also enjoying the look on Vernon's face.
"Get as back to our house boy! This instant!" Vernon yelled.
"Sorry, sir but Harry can't bring you back to your home because it's still too dangerous. Last night if Harry and the rest weren't able to come and rescue you, you could have been killed and beside Hogwarts is the safest place," Hermione explained.
"What is all this non-sense? We can't be in danger inside our own home. Harry I demand that you bring as home immediately. Your Aunt Petunia and Dudley would be waking any moment now and I'm sure they'd be scared to death," Vernon retorted.
Harry didn't say anything and was trying very hard to keep himself from laughing.
"I'm sorry sir but you can't get out of Hogwarts. Whether you like it or not you're to stay here and trust me when we say that we'd love to send you home. But as it is it's still not safe and your house at the moment is such a wreck," Draco explained and doing his best not to laugh along.
"What happened to my house? What did you do to my house?" Vernon said almost hysterical.
"We didn't do anything to the house. The death- eaters came and well, the house would probably be in a disastrous state right now. Please uncle Vernon stay here and calm down before you wake everyone here at the hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey would have a fit if she finds you making a scene," Harry tried to convince his uncle. 'Hermione, he couldn't possibly go back to the house it's not safe and well, a miniature mountain sprang in the kitchen.' Harry just told her and made her giggle. Draco was confused as Vernon was. Hermione whispered to him their secret ability. "Ow" was the only thing Draco said.
"I have to go and meet Ginny in the great hall. Harry maybe you should ask your family to come and join us, and your parents too Hermione," Draco invited them and left. It was a nice sight for both Harry and Hermione that Draco was treating their muggle family more nicely as they expected.
"Harry, I'll see if mum and dad are already awake. See you at the great hall," Hermione said and gave Harry a kiss on the check, which caused uncle Vernon to raise an eyebrow.
'Hey, don't I get a proper kiss,' Harry thought.
'Harry, I'll see to that later but I can't go kissing you in front of your uncle,' Hermione thought. She giggled a little and went off to where her parents were staying.
"Is that your girlfriend?" Vernon asked Harry.
"Yes sir she is," Harry said proudly.
"I see," Vernon said and didn't make any comments.
"Let's go to aunt Petunia and Dudley. You must join us for breakfast," Harry said.
"I don't know what's happening here but I want to talk to your principal after this," Vernon said.
Petunia was up and so was Dudley. Aunt Petunia was clinging to her fat son but Dudley seemed amused at the new place he was in.
"Aunt Petunia, Dudley, welcome to Hogwarts," Harry greeted them.
"Harry I want you to take me back to our house immediately!" aunt Petunia shrieked.
"Sorry, I can't I already told uncle Vernon," Harry said. "Oh, if you please follow me to the great hall and have some breakfast. I think Dudley here would like something to eat."
And on that note Dudley came walking about with Harry excitedly. Vernon and Petunia following behind quietly. They knew that it was Harry's turf and in one way or another they feared that Harry would do something to them.
"So Harry, this is Hogwarts. Not bad at all I have to say it's a lot bigger than Smelting," Dudley started. Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. His cousin Dudley was actually talking to him like he was a normal boy and not a freak that Aunt Petunia and her husband thought he was.
"Yes Hogwarts is a big school," Harry replied. They were making their way to the shifting staircases, "Oh, let's wait for Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia. The staircases are always shifting they might get lost."
"Really?" Dudley asked excitedly. When they saw both Vernon and Petunia behind Harry told them to keep close and be careful. They did as told and after a few times of Vernon almost falling of a shifting staircase and aunt Petunia shrieking in terror of seeing ghost pacing about the corridors, they got safely into the entrance hall and took the door to the great hall. The Weasleys were all in the Gryffindor table. Most of the Aurors and auror trainees were also inside eating breakfast.
Harry motioned his timid older relatives to come in but Dudley was having the time of his life upon seeing the many delicious food placed at the tables he made a run for it and sat beside Fred Weasley unsuspectingly. Ron waved at Harry to come and join them.
Harry and his aunt and uncle followed after Dudley.
"Hey, aren't you Dudley, Harry's cousin?" George said from across the table with a mischievous grin on his face.
"Yes," Dudley answered with his mouth full of sweet fruit tarts.
"Care for some of these cream puff cakes," Fred offered.
Dudley was about to put the cream puff in his mouth when Harry stopped him. "I wouldn't eat that if I were you," Harry said.
"And why not?" Dudley asked almost sounding upset.
"Because if you do, you'll turn into a rainbow colored parrot," Hermione said from behind him.
"Thanks Harry and er… what's your name?" Dudley asked Hermione.
"I'm Hermione," she replied shaking Dudley's fat hand.
"Harry is she your?" Dudley tried to ask but Harry smiled and gave Hermione a quick kiss on the forehead and Dudley need not ask his question. Dudley was actually having a nice time with Harry's kind, which his parents didn't approve of although they couldn't do anything about it since they're surrounded of Harry's kind.
"Hello young man," Mr. Granger said from behind them.
Harry faced them still with one arm on Hermione. "Hello sir good morning," Harry said almost stuttering and removing his arm from her.
"It's alright dear. Hermione told us about you. I've always known you liked our Hermione," Mrs. Granger said. Hermione blushed at her mother's comment and her father softened as Mrs. Granger asked her husband to sit down.
'I think your dad hates me," Harry thought.
'No Harry, he's just looking after his little girl. I'm the only child remember,' Hermione told him.
"Hey you guys, did you hear about Ethan? He got kidnapped last night, just as we went to get your relatives," Ron said.
"We already know," Hermione said. "I just wish I had done something."
Harry put a shoulder around Hermione, which earned him another hot stare from her father.
"Another vision ey, Hermione? Too bad we weren't around. You could have told us," Ron said.
"Ron, I've been meaning to ask you. Did you do anything to Dudley last night?" Harry asked.
"Well, I sort of placed a cheerful spell on him. I know he's such a git and well, it helped didn't it?" Ron said. Harry only smiled at his friend. Harry noticed that his cousin Dudley was looking by the Ravenclaw table. He was eyeing Padma Patil, Parvati's twin and Prefect of Ravenclaw. She was one of the few from her house who got in the Auror training.
"Harry, who's that girl?" Dudley asked.
"She's Padma. A Ravenclaw Prefect and an Auror trainee," Harry answered him.
"She looks nice," Dudley said almost dreamily.
Harry, Ron and Hermione looked at each other. 'He likes Padma,' Harry thought.
'You bet he does,' Hermione thought. Ron didn't hear the inner conversation but knew what it was about and just showed a thumbs-up.
"Where is Ginny?" Hermione asked noticing that absence of Ginny in the Gryffindor table.
"She's with Draco in the Slytherin table poor guy all alone there," Ron said.
"Know what let's join them," Harry said. And grabbed his plate and so was Hermione's. Lavender and Ron followed. Dudley seeing that they were leaving the table followed along. They passed the Ravenclaw table and Dudley almost tumbled over Ron as he stared dreamily at Padma.
"He's got it pretty seriously," Ron whispered.
"I wonder what Parvati would say about this," Lavender said before she sat down. Ron just gave her a mischievous grin.
"It's nice of you guys to come and join us," Draco said.
"Hey, Ginny, Draco this is my cousin Dudley," Harry introduced his cousin to them. Harry have always thought that the day he would introduce his friends to Dudley would never come but then again even his being friends with Draco now is whey beyond imaginable some few years back. He was actually surprised about his friendliness towards his only cousin since they both didn't get along well in the past. He thought the spell Ron used in his cousin worked wonders. He was thinking of using it on the Dursleys when he graduates from Hogwarts but then again he might live with Sirius after school.
"Hi Dudley," Ginny said she heard of stories about Dudley. He really was a fat trout but he surely was nice that day.
After the introductions and the hearty breakfast that Dudley really enjoyed, Professor McGonagall spoke to both the Grangers and the Dursleys and told them the situation. It was a common thing for uncle Vernon and aunt Petunia to go hysterical and the Grangers took the news as no surprise as Hermione always told them about the things happening in Hogwarts and the wizarding world except for the part when she was petrified by a very large snake and almost dying on her sixth year. The Draco and the others were at the trainees last day and Dudley was following Padma like a lost pup. Vernon, Petunia and the Grangers were asked to stay at the Gryffindor tower. Mrs. Weasley was gracious enough to play as hostess even for the fact that she was still grieving the incident with the death eaters and the burrow.
The Order had their meeting, as it was a very serious one. Present at the meeting were Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape, Mandungus Fletcher, Arabella Figg, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Bill Weasley, Charlie Weasley, Harry Potter and the two new members Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley.
"It is time," Dumbledore started. Fawkes was at his bird stand by his master's side. "I believe all of you have heard of the book of Merlin and that it is in our midst but the last pages are missing and the dark lord is after it thus ordering his death eaters to kidnap Ethan McGregor, Damon McGregor's son. For some of you who don't know Damon, he was from Slytherin. He was also accused of being a death eater but he personally came up to me and denied it and I have to say that he was telling me the truth. It was a few days before he died and he was about to give me the book but wasn't able to because they went on hiding. After the defeat of Voldemort he and his family lived in muggle London. Two years ago they came back to the wizarding world and he was killed just as he was about to give me the book. The book was lost and this year, Professor Snape found it in the Slytherin common room. I placed it in the hands of Miss Granger but just as I said the last few and most important pages are missing."
"So what is the relevance of these things professor?" Ron asked.
"Professor, are you saying that we should go after Voldemort now because he is busy looking for those missing pages. And without those he has no clue whether he dies on the prophecy or not," Hermione said.
"Right you are miss Granger," Dumbledore replied.
"But I will be the one to face Voldemort Professor?" Harry asked.
"I'm afraid you are right too Harry. The Last Task is for you to fulfill," Dumbledore replied.
"Why are putting all our faith into this one boy?" Snape asked. Harry stared at Snape to look for any sign of mockery because the professor didn't like him although he did help Harry that night to rescue his relatives. He was surprised for he saw something in Snape's eyes that he had never seen before. If he wasn't mistaken Snape was feeling sorry for him. He was looking back at him with sympathy 'Hermione, is it just me or is Snape acting weird?'
'I don't know Harry but I think he's genuinely concerned. And if you want to make sure you ought to read his mind,' Hermione suggested to him.
The grown-ups were having a discussion while Harry and Hermione were talking telepathically. Ron was listening intently to the discussion happening Sirius, Remus and surprisingly Snape was agreeing in fighting the Dark Lord and not sacrificing Harry to face the dark lord alone.
'I can't read him Hermione, he put up a wall,' Harry said.
"Harry have you any thoughts about this task you have to face," Dumbledore asked. Harry was a bit startled but thanks to Ron he knew what the question was.
"If you ask me professor, I think I have studied under the bests and if all those training isn't good enough I don't know when I would ever be ready for Voldemort. I know he wouldn't stop until I'm dead and I've come to accept that fact. If I run away he would still look for me and if finding me meant hurting the people I love he'd do it. He would anything to get me out in the open so I've decided to go through with it. I'm not being boastful or anything but I cannot risk any of the people important to me to die in vain. Mum and dad died for me. Others were attacked. Homes were wrecked just because they knew it would stir me out of Hogwarts. I will do what I can to end this and if I fail I know that there would be others coming next to finish this task but I said I intend to finish it myself. Voldemort already made it our personal battle and I'm not afraid to face him." Harry told everyone. The rest of the Order knew that he was right. Harry had gone through the ordeal of meeting his end too many times that he had grown numb. Harry almost died in his fifth year. He almost lost Hermione on his sixth year, which made him realize his true feelings for her. He had been through too much and he wanted all of it to end.
'Harry, I love you and I'm proud of you,' Hermione thought looking at Harry with her tear stricken eyes.
'I love you too and I promise you I will end all this suffering,' Harry assured her.
"You're decided then. We will go according to plan," Dumbledore said. Everyone's attention was focused on Dumbledore and Harry, he being the key player in the whole scheme. They will go and rescue Ethan and Harry will finally meet Voldemort face to face. The Order was divided into three. Hermione, Figg, McGonagall, Charlie and Bill were to compose the first team. They were assigned to protect Hogwarts at all means. Ron, Sirius, Remus and Fletcher would compose the second group that would rescue Ethan. The third group was composed of Harry, Snape and Dumbledore they were to go and fight Voldemort. Sirius wanted to change teams with Snape but Dumbledore said that it was for the best.
'Harry I want to come and fight with you,' Hermione pleaded in her mind.
'You're fighting with me only we're not together. Remember Hermione, we're fighting for the same cause and I know that you will do your best to keep everyone in the castle safe,' Harry explained.
"Both new and old Aurors will join each team. The New Minister of Magic Arthur Weasley had ordered for protection in key areas both in the wizarding and muggle areas because riots may arise brought about by death eaters. We will go as planned tomorrow. Hagrid had already asked the help of the giants and they will guard the school and Hogsmeade," Dumbledore explained to them.
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"Tomorrow is the day. Are you ready mate?" Ron asked Harry as the three of them went out of the Gargoyle last. Harry spoke to his godfather after the meeting and he just told Harry that after the battle he and Arabella would get married and he can live with them. Harry was so happy with the announcement but he couldn't hide the tension he has trapped inside me knowing that the next day might be his last.
"Hey Harry, are you okay?" Hermione asked with concern.
"I…I'm okay," Harry answered trying to sound as cheerful as possible.
"Potter, may I have a word with you," Professor Snape said from behind them. He startled the wits out of the three Gryffindors for a second.
"Yes Professor," Harry said and followed Snape in an empty classroom with Ron and Hermione still behind.
"I mean to speak to you alone," Snape said.
"It's okay, I'll meet you at the great hall tonight," Harry assured both Hermione and Ron. 'I'll be fine. I'm facing Voldemort tomorrow if Snape does anything stupid I'll use him for practice,' Harry thought and it made Hermione giggle a little.
"Potter, are you ready with what you're about to do tomorrow?" Snape asked casually.
"I suppose so professor," Harry answered. Harry saw that look of sympathy in Snape's eyes.
"If you're trying to read my mind again Potter it wouldn't work and you really don't have to because what I am about to tell you is what you wanted to know," Snape said as he sat on a table and motioned Harry to do the same.
Harry was confused. What was Snape getting at? His head was filled too many questions.
"Ask me whatever it is that you wanted to know?" Snape said abruptly.
"Why do you hate me professor?" Harry asked. It was the first thing that came to his mind and he knew that Snape hated his father thus passing the wrath unto him but he wanted to hear it straight from the Horse's mouth.
"It's simple Potter you reminded me so much of your father," Snape said.
"But isn't it to shallow. You hated my father because of Quidditch, he saved your life and still you loathed him and you hate me the same way? I want to know why?" Harry started asking.
"Quidditch wasn't the only thing your father had gotten from me. Your father had everything I wanted. He was Head boy, Quidditch Captain. They always won the house cup, he had Lily, he had you and he had a name!" Snape retorted.
The last thing Snape said didn't seem right to Harry. "What do you mean a name? You have a name," Harry said curiously.
"Harry, I know that what I'm going to say would surprise you but your father was my brother. I am a Potter. Before your grandfather married James and Harriet's mother he was about to marry my mother but the older Potters didn't want her for him and she had to care for me alone. I carried my mother's last name, Snape. She died when I was only a child while James had both a mother and a father and carried the family name Potter. You see I was the eldest Potter, but nobody knew only Dumbledore did. Do you know why your father saved me from that prank by Sirius? It was true that he didn't know about it and when he found out he couldn't have cared less but like the man he was he still saved me. After that Dumbledore told him the truth that I was his half brother. That time when we graduated I hated your father even more because I had been under his debt. I owed him my life," Snape told him.
"I don't get it? You mean… you mean you're my uncle?" Harry couldn't believe what he just heard. "But why did you become a death eater?"
"It was my jealousy that brought me to join the dark side. James married Lily, the girl I loved so much and he got the apprenticeship that I wanted to have. But when I heard the death of the Potters I thought I would feel happy because I have avenged my mother's death but it didn't console me. I felt more alone. Then the news of my brother James and Lily who died that night with you winning over Voldemort and I felt guilty. James was a good person even if I didn't want to admit it. He was always on top of things and even at those times when I was being the pesky Slytherin that I was he didn't want to fight with me. I usually went into fights with Sirius. Voldemort didn't know that I was a Potter and if he did found out before he could have killed me. Dumbledore had talked me into changing my ways. He took charge of me. I worked here in Hogwarts and when I saw you. You reminded me of James. I felt like that boy who was competing with his younger brother again. You did the most cunning escapes no matter how I tried to catch you and your friends almost by a thread. Now I have come to tell you the truth. I know that it must have been the worst news you have ever heard but it's the truth. I am your uncle Harry, that's why no matter how you and the rest always suspected me, Dumbledore knew I won't hurt you because you're my nephew," Snape explained.
Harry felt like a window had been opened in front of him. He had an uncle and he was the most unexpected person. He didn't resemble his father but they had the same black hair. And he laughed at the thought that came into his head. 'So that's why he's such a greasy head. He has the same unruly hair only longer and the greasiness keeps it down.' Harry did the most startling thing. He gave Professor Snape a hug. He had an uncle.
Snape didn't know what to do. He had never been given that sort of affection. He remembered the time when Lily used talked to him and told him to stop getting in trouble by following James and the Marauders. He loved Lily but she loved his younger brother. Now the child of his brother and the woman he once loved, was hugging him.
"So I guess, I should call you uncle Snape?" Harry said. He was almost a man and yet he did the most boyish things. Snape knew what it was to grow up alone and the he couldn't believe what kind of family Harry had to grow up in and he felt a lot more guilty because he knew that his Potions' classes wasn't exactly heaven for Harry.
"I think not!" Snape said jokingly. Harry saw a smile broke in the pale-faced professor that was surprisingly his uncle. "But seriously only Dumbledore knows about this. Harry I can't promise anything but I'll do my best to help you defeat Voldemort."
"I know. I understand now. I know that mom and dad understands and they're happy that I still have someone like you around. Only I have to be honest. I hated you back then, I have to say I'm not as good as my father," Harry admitted.
Snape smiled at Harry again and still the boy couldn't believe just what happened. "You may not be a good as your father but you surely have more patience. Go to you friends they might be worried about you now."
"Yah, they may have thought you delivered me to Voldemort already," Harry joked. "Bye uncle!" he went out to meet his friends and tell them the news.
"You did what you must Severus. Now the boy knows he isn't alone," Dumbledore appeared.
"You were here professor all this time?" Snape asked.
"Forgive me Severus if I have a knack for sneaking around. I can see you have cleared between you and your nephew how does it feel to finally have told him the truth?" Dumbledore asked him.
"Relieved and happy. So happy that I think I can die tomorrow," Snape said. "But of course we still need to defeat Voldemort I promised Harry that I will help him with all means possible."
"I believe that the help Harry needs is in the hands of his friends. I will meet you in the Great Hall Severus. Tomorrow will be the day and I hope our your Harry will survive." Dumbledore said and left.
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"What!" Ron said. He couldn't believe had he had heard. "Snape and you are related? Why are you so happy Harry? That's dreadful."
"He's my uncle Ron. He's a Potter and well, I'm happy because I have another relative and now I know that I can trust him," Harry reasoned.
"I'm happy for you Harry," Hermione said. "Ron don't be such a git maybe the professor has a hard time in expressing his affections because he didn't grow up with parents," Hermione tried to argue.
"Well, taking away points from Gryffindor is his way of telling Harry that he cares for him all these years. He's bloody mental then," Ron blurted.
"Actually, Professor Snape is a really nice man once you get to know him," Draco butted in.
"Speak for yourself you're a Slytherin of course he's nice to you," Ron said.
"I'm still happy. Tomorrow I will fight along side my uncle. He could have done that years ago if only he had the heart to help my parents but now is his chance and I want him to be there to fight along side me," Harry said.
"Can I come with you tomorrow," Dudley said.
"Of course not!" Harry told his cousin. " Do you want Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia to kill me? I might survive Voldemort but I don't think I can survive that two."
"You can stay with us and help us," Ginny said.
"I forgot to tell you. I will go with Harry and the rest to the Manor tomorrow," Draco said.
"You are what?" Ginny blurted. "I thought you are just guarding Hogsmeade tomorrow."
"I spoke with Dumbledore and I told him that who can better lead them to the Manor that me," Draco said. "Ginny please I know you're scared and all but I'll be careful promise."
Lavender and Ron went walking at the grounds to talk. Ginny and Draco were arguing at the Dungeons while Harry and Hermione were in their common room trying to reassure each other about what would take place the next day.
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"Good luck Harry!" Hermione said as the teams went on their way. When the all disappeared from the castle. Arabella, Mandungus, Hermione, Bill and Charlie cast all kinds of wards around the castle that only Aurors and the Order of the Phoenix can enter.
"Professor can I go and check something in my room," Hermione asked McGonagall.
"Okay you may. The giants will be here soon. I will go back to the castle. Arabella and the rest would be staying in post and you can stay in the castle and check on your parents and the Dursleys. If you have any visions don't hesitate to tell me. I'll be in the transfiguration classroom I need to talk to Annie she's been very disturb from her son being kidnapped.
"Thank you Professor," Hermione said. She saw Ginny walking with Dudley who was asking questions about the Ravenclaw Prefect Padma.
"Ginny, I need you to come with me it's important," Hermione said.
"Can I come too?" Dudley asked.
"Well, uhm…okay, I guess," Hermione answered and they made their way into the castle.
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"Ethan must be hidden in one of those old cells in the dungeon. Voldemort and father could be anywhere in the house," Draco said as they apparated inside the manor. He was with Harry and the others.
"Sirius, your team follow Draco, we'll look around here. Don't hesitate to call for help. Aurors are waiting outside," Dumbledore said. Sirius and the others went to the lower part of the castle were the dungeons are.
"Let's go up I've been in this house before and if I'm not mistaken there is a passage around here leading to that hidden chamber near the cliff," Snape said leading Dumbledore and Harry.
The boy-who-lived was quiet. He didn't speak as they made their way out of Hogwarts and as they walked at the hall of the Malfoy Manor. He was still quiet with thoughts of so many things running in his head. Hermione, would he ever see her again, would he be able to hold her in his arms again and kiss her soft lips? Ron, his best friend would he still be able to play Quidditch with him and engage in their favorite game of chess after this? He remembered the Weasleys they're the best wizarding family he had ever known. Would he be able to join them in those delicious dinners Mrs. Weasley use to make? Draco, his new friend, would he be able to know the lad who turned out to be an ally rather than a foe? Sirius, his godfather, would he be able to live with him and his godmother? The Dursleys, they may not be the ideal family but they took him in and he's thankful for that. Would he still be able to see them? He would face him soon and there was no turning.
"I'm ready let's go," Harry said firmly which earned him a nod from both Snape and Dumbledore. They came face to face with a few death eaters nothing that the three of them couldn't handle.
Draco and the rest were going down to the dungeons.
"Ethan? Ethan are you here?" Ron called out.
"Quiet, if there are death-eaters here you would alarm them with your voice," Sirius scolded.
"Sorry!" was Ron's only reply. They had all their wands out ready to ward off or cast a spell on any threat.
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"Why are you doing these?" Ethan asked the short ugly man who abducted him. He was in a dungeon of some sort. "I didn't do anything to you."
"I know. But I have to please my master and he wants you here," the odd looking man said to him. "Are you scared of me boy?"
"No…no of course not," Ethan retorted. "I just want to get out of here."
"If I do that, the death eaters outside will kill you. Do you want to die?" Peter asked the eleven-year-old boy that was locked in an old cell under the Manor.
"I'm not going to die. Harry will save me. He won over you-know-who before and I'm sure he can save me now," Ethan said firmly.
"I know he will or maybe he's friends would since he's probably looking for my master now. You see, I know that you will be saved and I will be knocked unconscious but the thing is it won't happen at least I won't let it the knocking me unconscious part. Why, because I'm going to change it. I will let you go and tell, Draco to open the sealed envelope I sent Potter. Listen to me boy, very carefully. Tell him that the missing pages are in there and Harry should have it and read the spell that will finally destroy Voldemort," Peter said as he hurriedly opened the cell. I'm going to try and bade time for Harry. Tell them what I told you it's the only chance for succeeding. And remember only a person with the blood of a death-eater can open in it."
"But I thought you are…" Ethan tried to say.
"Yes, I am an evil and cowardly man but it's my only chance of correcting what I have done wrong. Tell, Harry that Peter Pettigrew was asking for his forgiveness and that I surely deserved to die rather than his parents. Go to the other direction you would meet the people I'm talking about half way. " Peter hurriedly ran away to the other passage leading to the hidden chamber where Voldemort awaits Harry.
"Okay, I will," Ethan said and hurriedly ran towards where Peter told him. He saw Ron, Draco with a man he recognized as Sirius and the other Remus and an older man that he saw a few times at school. "I'm here!"
"Sirius, it's Ethan. He's over there," Ron said and he and Draco ran up to see the boy with the two older one's following behind.
"We're glad we found you," Draco said. "Or is it you who found us?"
"You guys we have to get back to Hogwarts. The missing pages, it's in the letter Harry got," Ethan gasped.
"Hold on," Who told you about the letter?" Ron asked.
"It's not important. The last missing pages are in there. One page holds the key in defeating Voldemort," Ethan added.
"Go back to Hogwarts bring Ethan a long with you. We'll, keep those death eaters company," Sirius said. Mandungus and Remus blocked the stairs with wards.
"They've got the boy!" they heard the death eaters say.
"Hurry boys apparate quickly," Mandungus said.
Ron and Draco apparated back to Hogwarts bringing Ethan along with them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione, Ginny and Dudley were making their way to the Head boy and Head Girl common room when Vernon yelled at his son.
"Dad, we are on an important mission can I see you and mom later," Dudley said.
"But son, there are explosions and fighting outside would you please come and hug your mother," Petunia asked his son dearly.
"Sorry, mum this is very important just stay in the common room and talk with that Mrs. Weasley she's very nice or maybe try talking to the nice fat lady she's also very gracious," Dudley answered and pointed at the portrait of the fat Lady who was fanning herself.
Vernon and Petunia couldn't believe what they were hearing from there on son. Vernon only held his wife who was sobbing and they went inside the portrait hole after saying the bloody password.
"Well, let's go inside," Hermione said as they reached Godric Gryffindor's portrait. She said the password and they went their way in.
"So what is it that's so important that you had to drag us here," Ginny asked.
"I think I know where the missing pages are," Hermione started.
"What missing pages?" Dudley asked.
"The pages that hold's Harry's future," Hermione said.
"Well, were is it?" Ginny asked.
"It's in that drawer in a black envelope with the dark mark," Hermione said and pointed the table drawer.
"You mean in here?" Dudley said and before Ginny or Hermione could say anything he opened the drawer and was about to touch the letter when it sent him flying across the room and he hit the wall, which knocked him unconscious.
"My Gosh!" the two girls said and they ran towards the unconscious Dudley.
"Just as I thought," Hermione said. "Only people with the blood of death eaters can open that envelope let alone touch it. That's what Dumbledore meant when he said Draco was the person who can help us with the letter. We have forgotten all about it at some point."
"Draco's not here, what do we do now?" Ginny said.
"I don't know but we have to figure something," Hermione said. "But first we have to bring Dudley to the hospital wing then we have to get back here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Outside of Hogwarts half a dozen giants were roaming around the school. The people in Hogsmeade where brought inside the tents in the Quidditch pitch. Aurors in big numbers were fighting in the very streets of Hogsmeade, the once beautiful village seemed dark and eerie in that early of the afternoon. Ron and Draco with Ethan apparated in front of the Hogwarts' gates with a giant in front of it.
"What are you doing out here?" the giant who made Hagrid seem a normal sized man asked.
"We need to get in. I'm an auror and he's a member of the order. We rescued this boy and we have to get in," Draco explained.
"How will I know that you speak the truth?" the giant asked again.
"We really are what he said we are and if we don't get inside now we might be too late," Ron said.
"ey, Ron, what ar..yah..doin' out 'here?" Hagrid said from inside the gates.
"Hagrid tell him to let us in!" Ron said.
"Donal' let…'em through. They ar..'Ogwarts' students," Hagrid said.
The gates opened and the three went in.
"Thanks Hagrid," the three boys including Draco said to Hagrid.
"Draco we have to get the letter and give it to Harry immediately," Ethan said.
"I know where the letter is and after that Draco and I will go back to give it to Harry. You stay here and help the others protect that school," Ron said.
"Can't I come with you?" Ethan asked almost begging.
"You aren't properly trained yet. And the people here need help. A lot are injured and Madame Pomfrey may need some assistance," Draco reasoned. Ethan nodded and they dashed inside the castle. They reached the portrait of Godric Gryffindor gasping.
"We're here. What's the password?" Draco asked Ron.
"I don't know. I never asked them," Ron replied.
"But do you have any clue what it is?" Ethan asked.
"I have no idea," Ron answered. "Maybe we should try different password like, 'Quidditch.' Nah, I didn't work."
"Draco," Ginny called out as she and Hermione came running up to meet them.
"Goodness you are here," Hermione said.
"Friendship" Hermione said and the Portrait moved open. "Hurry, get in."
"We know where the missing pages are?" they all said at the same time.
"You do?" Ron said.
"Yes, Well, it's a long story but Draco your father is a death eater, right? So I guess you're the only one who can open the letter," Hermione said. "Unless someone makes another attempt and end up in the hospital wing like Dudley."
"Dudley tried to opening the letter," Draco asked.
"Actually, he was about to touch it when the letter sent him flying across the room," Ginny explained.
"So that letter is dangerous," Ethan asked.
"If you don't have death eater blood yes but this letter can go lying in the Slytherin common room without hurting anyone maybe except for a few who have non-death eater parents or muggle born." Draco explained.
"Then get the letter and open it. Time is of the essence here," Hermione muttered.
Draco went and took the letter from the drawer. He tore the envelope open and got the letter out. "Here Hermione read it. It's safe now."
Hermione read the pages with Ron, Draco, Ginny and Ethan who was a bit small to see anything behind her.
"The writing on the first two pages, are changing. Ron and Draco we need to give this to Harry immediately. We have to hurry," Hermione said. "Ginn, bring Ethan to Madame Pomfrey. I want to go with these two."
"But Hermione, you were assigned to stay here at the castle," Ron reasoned.
"The castle is safe and the defenses would definitely hold. Bill, Charlie and Arabella are out there. They'll make sure everything will be safe. Harry needs me and I want to help him," she said.
They went running out to the Whomping Willow. Hermione made her wand longer and pressed the knot that stopped the whomping willow. The three got it and was making there way to the Shrieking shack.
"How do you know all these places?" Draco asked.
"Well, we have our sources. And beside if you were only nice to us in those early years you would have known a lot of great things about Hogwarts," Hermione said.
"That's right and our Hermione here knows a lot of things I wouldn't wonder if in the future she'll be making a new and improved edition of Hogwarts, a History," Ron joked.
They went out from a trapped door and were inside the Shrieking Shack.
"Is this what I think it is?" Draco asked realizing where they were.
"Yes the Shrieking Shack only it isn't really haunted," Ron said. "You're not scared, are you?"
"Of course not," Draco said firmly.
"Well, we better get going. We'll, apparate from here to the manor," Hermione said and after a nod from the two they disapparated to the manor.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
They were trailing a very dark tunnel with only lights from their three wands.
"Professor, don't you feel a little odd?" Harry asked. Harry was feeling his scar burning and it meant he was close to finding Voldemort but a sudden chill spread all over his body.
"Dementors, they're coming," Snape said.
"Get ready. Harry, remember what Lupin thought you, think Happy thoughts," Dumbledore reminded him.
"Dementors, they're here!" Snape said and they started using 'Expecto Patronum' to ward them off. Harry felt the same cold feeling and he was fighting it. He remembered those times when he fell unconscious and would hear his mother's plea but his time he was ready to fight it. He was going to face Voldemort once and for all.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Draco, where are we?" Hermione asked. She said 'Lumos' and the end of her wand lit a blue flame.
"The dungeons. Where is Sirius and the other?" Draco said.
"I think they went that way," Ron said pointing at the open door.
They went in and saw someone seating in a big chair.
"I've been expecting you," a familiar female voice said. "I wasn't able to come in time and stop our old Professor Remus and the others but I knew you would come and look for them."
"Pansy? You are..." Hermione tried to say.
"Yes, Granger I am a full pledge death eater and I'm tasked by the dark lord himself to kill all of you. Including you, my dear Draco," Pansy retorted.
"I knew you had lot's of evil in you," Ron said putting his wand out.
"No!" Draco said stopping Ron. "Don't hurt her. Pansy, please stop this at once. We will help you. You can still change. I know you're not that evil. The Pansy I knew when we were younger was cheerful."
"That was years ago Draco. I'm different now," Pansy retorted. "You've changed me by breaking my heart. You helped me decide what I should do with my life, when you rejected me for that redhead Gryffindor."
"Hey, keep my sister out of this," Ron said. Hermione just stopped him.
"You know that I always love you as a friend and you will always be a part of me. Please Pansy stop this," Draco pleaded.
Tears were welling from Pansy's eyes. She knew that Draco was right. She didn't want to be a death eater she just wanted to be with Draco. She dropped her wand and sobbed. Draco went to her and hugged her.
"I can't do it. No matter how I try I can't kill you. I love you too much," Pansy said as she cried on Draco's shoulder.
"I know and I'm sorry that I couldn't love you the same way but you always have me as a friend," Draco said.
"Let's go and help Harry then," Hermione said as she helped Pansy up.
"Stop!!!!" they heard someone say. "I knew I couldn't trust you just a simple task of getting rid of that traitor and now you have become a traitor yourself!"
"Father, I'm sorry. I'm not like you. I can't kill," Pansy said.
"Well, then I have to kill all of you myself," Mr. Parkinson spat. Death eaters took Hermione, and Ron and Draco was left with Pansy behind him. "I'll start with you and he pointed his wand towards Draco. He said the unforgivable curse flashing green light towards Draco but Pansy went to take the curse and she fell unto Draco's arms.
"Pansy, no," Draco cried. "You killed your own daughter!"
"She became useless when she fell in love with fool like you!" Mr. Parkinson said. Pointing his wand down on Draco. He was going to do the curse on him when Ron's right hand was realized he summoned Mr. Parkinson's wand at it went flying towards him.
"Expelliarmus" and the wand of the death eater holding Hermione went to Sirius' hand. "Sorry we took a while Remus and I got into a tangled web back there." They was an exchange of curses and hexes.
"Sirius, Remus," Hermione cried. The death eaters were disarmed and Remus went to call upon Aurors to guard them. Draco was still holding the dead body of Pansy.
"We have to go and help Harry, Draco," Hermione said. "Pansy would have wanted your side to win."
"Come one, they'll bring her to school," Ron said. Draco gave Pansy to Dean Thomas who levitated her body and apparated back to Hogwarts.
"Thanks for saving my life back there, Weasley I owe you," Draco said.
"Pansy did the same and you've proven to me that you love my sister so much," Ron replied.
"We can't wait for Sirius and the other they're helping the Aurors outside I think we have to go and find that hidden Chamber ourselves. Harry needs our help," Hermione said and they went and entered the dark tunnel hidden behind a big portrait of Morgana.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harry, Snape and Dumbledore had passed through a hundred Dementors warding them off.
"Do you think they'll be following us," Harry asked.
"I don't know but we have to be careful just in case. The kiss of death isn't actually want I want this coming New Year," Snape said.
They were entering another dark chamber connected to the tunnel. It was eerie and it smelled like rotting corpses.
"What is this place?" Harry asked.
"This is the torture chamber I think I have never been in here before," Snape replied.
"Be careful there might be traps in this room," Dumbledore reminded them.
The bar doors fell and suddenly they were trapped inside the torture room.
"What now?" Harry asked.
"Welcome to Alfester's Chamber," A horrid voiced boomed out from nowhere.
"Who's Alfestor?" Harry asked his back against both Dumbledore and Snape.
"He officially tortures the Aurors that death eaters caught," Snape replied. "He's as good as Dementors in Azkaban. Longbottom's parents were tortured in this very chambers before getting in the hands of the Crouch boy and his friends."
"Snape you have returned!" Alfestor came out from a hidden door. "I wasn't sure you would make it here since there were a lot of Dementors a long the way but I am glad to see again although I think I have never seen you come down here those days. You didn't like to watch my little show."
"What do you want to do to us now?" Snape retorted.
"Is this Harry Potter, and of course, Headmaster Dumbledore," Alfestor greeted mockingly. "I am so honored to have your presence in my little kingdom."
"Stop the non-sense I have no time for this," Harry said as he stepped up.
"Snape would you explain to this boy who I am?" Alfestor ordered. "Many great Aurors fell into my dear hands."
"And that's suppose to scare me?" Harry said growing more impatient. He tapped the floor of the chamber and all of a sudden Alfestor was inside a cell made of rocks and earth. He then created a ball of fire in his palm then placed it around the cell.
"Elemental magic," How can you be able to do them you're just a boy," Alfestor blurted.
"I may be a boy but I'm not just a regular boy. And I prefer that you call me a young man. Uncle, Professor shall we?" Harry asked and he ordered the door to open.
"Snape is your Uncle! The dark lord will know this," Alfestor cried out.
"Tell him if you can get out," Harry replied and then walked out to the next tunnel. His anger for the person who had caused too much pain on so many innocent people fired up inside him.
To be continued….
Author's note: first part of the final battle. Sorry if it's too darn long I just couldn't help myself anyways I'm working on the next part right away….enjoy and r/r… thanks for the reviews…toodles yah all!!!!!Chill!!!!! till the next chap…….. Ow… like I said, I'll check the errors when I'm done and update them…. stressful thing to do, pretending to be a writer when you aren't good enough to be one….Gil sorry can't help it!