Date: Sun, 16 Apr 2006 10:36:20 -0400 From: ron Subject: Harry Potter Return of the King Chapter 14 Quick Authors Note Some of you who are part of my yahoo group know how my family life fell apart 7 weeks ago and how hard it has been trying to find time to write or even sleep for that matter Well the final chapter of book 1 is her for you all now and I hope you enjoy it While I am on the subject of such I had a reason for what I did in the last chapter and leaving it as I did was planned as the next book deals with rebuilding of the Wizarding world and what a perfect place to start than at the aftermath of the battle To bad dumbles will not be the easy foe old snake face was Actually it was planned from the start Voldy would not be a challenge but old Dumbles would leave Harry barely alive as Dumbledore will become the first ever.... Nah to much of a spoiler I think Chapter 14 Sitting on a throne in an immense dark cave Voldemort put aside the tome he had been reading and reached a decision. For to long had Potter interfered with his plans, plans that would have left him ruler of the Wizarding world, and then through his minions the muggle world as well. Caressing the dusty old tome in front of him he thought of the information he had received several days ago. Three days, three days is all he had left before the wards would be complete around the Forbidden Forest and Hogwarts would be secure with wards as strong as those around that damnable city Toria. Three days, before the chamber of the founders and all their secrets of the ancients was lost to him forever. Going over in his mind everything he had learned in the past few days Voldemort started to plan the attack that not only would gain him the power of the ancients, but would allow him to destroy the Council of Twelve and easily step in and take over in the chaos. Several hours later Voldemort sat back on his throne and smiled. 'Yes this plan was worthy of the great Salazar Slytherin himself' Bellowing out for his most faithful servant he waited for her arrival. After a well placed 'Crucio' on the idiot who interrupted her sleep Bella ran through the halls of her lords fortress fearful that the extra moments she had taken to re-leave some stress on the helpless guard would make her lord angry at how long it took her to respond to his summons. Slowing to a walk as she reached the doors to the throne room Bella tried to compose herself as the doors were opened for her and she walked in. Quickly striding across the floor she knelt down in front of her lord and bowed her head and waited for him to speak. Voldemort was privately amused with the antics of Bella as he noticed how she struggled to contain her breathlessness. Knowing how his servants went out of the way to stave off punishment amused him to no end, and secretly thrilled him at the power he held over others. "Bella your arm," Voldemort commanded. Pushing back the sleeve on her right hand she exposed the dark mark on her forearm and offered it up to her lord. Lightly stroking his finger along her mark Voldemort sent just the touch of magic over it causing intense pleasure to course through his servant before pressing his finger firmly against the mark and unleashing his full power. He smiled as the immense power flowing through the mark caused his favorite to writhe on the floor in intense pain as she struggle to keep her arm still as her lord summoned his inner circle and his Death Eaters as well. At the first sounds of his faithful arriving he released Bella from his hold and smiled down at her as he watched her try to gather herself from the after effects of pain from his magic pouring through her body. Soon the sounds of his faithful arriving had stopped and he looked over the ranks of his servants and scowled at the holes where those that had betrayed him once stood. Standing up he faced his army before speaking. "My faithful I see empty spots where once stood those who have betrayed me. They shall be punished before being killed." Sitting down once again Voldemort addressed his followers once again. "Tomorrow morning before dawn breaks we will attack Hogwarts from within the Forbidden Forest through one of the few weak points in the wards. Once on the grounds we will quickly take control of the Quidditch pitch and the Founders hidden chambers allowing me to take control of the key that will propel us to our glorious victory." Voldemort smiled as his followers started yelling out his praises. After allowing them a few moments he called for quiet before explaining in detail his plan. XXXXXXXXXXX Ron at the urging of Tail Biter walked towards the infirmary where Hermione was resting after the two halves of her personality had been rejoined. Quietly opening the door so as not to be caught by Madam Pomfrey Ron stopped and scanned the nearest beds looking for the girl he was thought he had feeling for. Spotting her laying in the bed farthest from the door and closest to the healers office he walked quietly towards the bed followed by his familiar. "Hello Hermione," Ron said as he sat in the chair next to Hermione's bed. Hermione looked up with her tear stained face to see one of her best friends had not abandoned her after the foolish and hurtful things she had done. "Do you think he can ever forgive me?" Hermione cried softly. Not sure what she was asking Ron just looked at her somewhat confused Seeing the confused look on Ron's Face Hermione said again, "Ron, do you think Harry will ever forgive me?" Finally understanding what she was asking Ron looked out the window for a moment to gather his thoughts before replying. "Hermione you hurt him badly, as did I but he did come around after finding the spells used to control me." Turning to look at Tail Biter who was watching from the next bed Ron said, "Harry did give me a second chance...Well more like offered me an opportunity that I had to work hard for. " Turning to Face Hermione once again he finished, "I see no reason Harry would not give you the same second chance." Holding up his hand to stop Hermione from saying anything. "But you must not demand he forgive you or harp on it constantly, he will forgive you in his own time in his own way, any demands or constant telling him he has to forgive you will push him away." Hermione smiled sadly as the tears stopped flowing down her face. Turning towards where Ron was looking she was startled to the point of sitting up swiftly. "Is that a dragon? Having one is illegal. You could get into a lot of trouble for having one..." Sighing loudly as he realized that while he might remain friends with Hermione it would never go farther, the crush if that is what it was, was now truly dead. "Hermione you are doing it again. Spouting off without having all the facts. You are not my bloody mum so stop acting like you are," Ron ended practically shouting at her. Seeing the crushed and hurt look on her face Ron gestured towards his familiar to hop in his lap so he could be seen better. "Hermione I would like you to meet my familiar Tail Biter," Ron said as he placed his hand on the Dragonlings shoulder. Smiling in affection Ron said, " This prankster is a Dragonling. I have the honor of being his bonded." Lost in thought re-living the moment the two of them found each other and bonded Ron smiled and let out a chuckle Awe struck Hermione stuttered, "Bonded...Familiar...Dragonling..." Broken from his memory Ron started to explain a little of the history of the Dragonlings, their abilities and how Harry and Ar'Ron brought their race back to life and some of the antics Tail Biter had gotten up to since his arrival Hermione just stared in awe and the excitement shown in her face as she took in his stories. Tail Biter feeling the sadness coming off of his bonded reached up with his hand retracting the claws and placed it upside Ron's head and asked, "Why the sadness my bonded?" Looking at his friend Ron thought back to him, "I realized that Hermione and I will be nothing more than friends, and even then we will not be as close as we once were. And that makes me sad." Looking back at Hermione, Ron said as he stood up cradling Tail Biter and the comfort of their bond strengthening his resolve, "We have to get going, this one can out eat me if you can believe that." XXXXXXXXXXXXXX Harry had just reached the doors of the infirmary when he was stopped by Ron's voice coming from inside. Standing on the shadow of the open door he listened to the words being spoken between the two and watched with a sad smile on his face as he watched the two interact. Feeling hands wrap around him and pull him back into the warm embrace of his soul mate Harry let out a contented sigh. "Do you think they will ever become a couple?" Harry asked as he watched his one time two best friends interact with a hint of sadness and of anger at the gullibility of one of the smartest witch's in the sixth year. "I think with this break and Ron being grounded with a familiar that they will become life long friends...nothing more," Ar'Ron told Harry. With one last look at his friends Harry said, "If I don't get a move on I will be late for council meeting this morning. We are going over last minute plans for when Riddle decides to take us up on the trap we set." Watching his other half walk away toward the front doors Ar'Ron decided that today would be a good day to throw a surprise test on his next class, seventh year Gryffindor and Slytherin's. Chuckling to himself at the thought of the utter chaos that he would soon unleash on the prejudiced houses. XXXXXXXXXXXXX Walking into the throne room Bella bowed low and kissed the hem of her lords robe before speaking. "My Lord the giants are at the staging area inside the Forbidden Forest and your Dementors are hidden within the tree tops near the Quidditch pitch awaiting your orders to attack." Scowling down at his servant Voldemort coldly asked, "And the Werewolves and Vampires, what of them you do not mention them?" Trembling slightly Bella replied, "The few werewolves that have joined your gracious crusade are riding herd on the giants. The Vampires did not show at the rendezvous point and have not responded to any of our agents demands for an explanation." Voldemort hissed out in anger, "Your arm" as he picked up his wand from the arm of the throne like chair he was sitting in. Bella was mortified to find that her arm shook ever so slightly as she presented it to her master. And when he touched his wand to her arm it was all she could do not to fall on the floor as the pain ripped through her body as her Lord's displeasure swept through her body as he called his faithful to his side. He smiled in satisfaction as he watched Bella writhe in pain at his feet. The thrill he received when he inflicted pain on others giving him a rush. Removing his wand from Bella's freshly burned mark Voldemort sat back in his chair and waited for his faithful to gather. 'Soon' he thought in a matter of hours he would have the magic of the ancients in his hands and the destruction of Hogwarts would be all but guaranteed. Fifteen minutes later the last of his servants walked through the door and took his place near the front and knelt down on one knee head bowed. Looking over his gathered troops Voldemort stood up and addressed his followers, "Today... Today is the day we destroy Hogwarts and cleanse the world of mudbloods and muggle lovers. Today is the day the Wizarding world bows down to Lord Voldemort. Today is the day the Council of Twelve is no more." Pausing to let the cheers die down Voldemort stalked towards the doors, "Take your positions as we attack in one hours time." XXXXXXXXXXXX Harry walked into the front lobby of Potter castle and took a moment to watch the smooth flow of people going about their business smiling and laughing, they looked so relaxed and care free. Thinking about it this was the safest place on the planet so they were more than likely justified. Harry nodded towards Percy as he started up the steps walking towards the council's working chambers. Entering the chambers Harry noticed Frank behind his desk sorting through the mornings post. "Morning Frank, I see you were stuck with mail duty this morning," Harry told him with a small laugh. Grumbling under his breath from reading the insane letters asking for council approval of the most ludicrous proposals Frank looked up to see the smirking young leader of the council stroll into the room and approach his own work area. Frank watched out of the corner of his eye as Harry leaned over his desk looking at the model of the forbidden forest and Hogwarts. "The plan is a sound one Harry," Frank said as he stood up from his desk and approached the model. Looking up Harry sat down with a sigh before responding. "I know, this plan has the best chance of success. Rounding all Tom's supporters in one fell swoop." Holding up his hand to preemptively stop any interruptions Harry finished, "I am just doing one last run through in my mind to make sure nothing has been over looked." Trying to put Harry at ease Frank told him, "Frankly it should be a walk in the park for the most part." Looking up at Frank with a startled expression Harry was about to respond when Mario and Steven walked in and Mario hearing what Frank said spoke up. "Not so much as a walk in the park as you might think Frank," Mario said as he approached the desk. Frowning Frank replied, "Once Voldemort and his forces enter the trap all Harry has to do is activate the wards and all his forces will be incinerated at once. How much harder can it be that that?" "We think we have finally found the ritual Voldemort is performing," Steven told them. Harry looked up and with a cold look in his glowing eyes asked ,"What has he done?" Warily Steven passed the parchment he was carrying over and told him, "It seems Voldemort found an old black ritual that steals the life force of innocents, which temporarily augments his magical core." As Harry read the ritual he started to feel the berserker in him come to the forefront. Closing his eyes and trying to control his rage the parchment burst into flames as Harry dropped it towards the table. Without a backward glance Harry stood up and walked out of the council chamber and headed for the front doors of the castle. Steven looked over towards Frank and Mario and with fear in his voice said, "We need to get to his majesty as quick as possible." "Steven go to Hogwarts and find Ar'Ron and let him know what happened, Mario and I will follow Harry and make sure he does not blow up the country tracking down Voldemort." XXXXXXXXXX As Harry walked down the steps to the main entry for the castle his magic was swirling around him like a green nimbus. His hair had worked itself loose from the tie and was moving like it had a will of its own. Percy looked up from his desk just as Harry stepped onto the main floor and started towards the front door, people scattering out of his way in fright. Hesitating for a moment, trying to decide what to do he watched as two of the Lords of the Council ran down the stairs wands drawn and ran after Lord Potter. Deciding that the look of rage on his lords face and the looks of fear and worry on the others faces must mean that they had gotten word of an attack Percy decided to sound the alarm. Running over to the wall near the front door, Percy poked his head out and saw smoke rising from off to the left over by Hogsmeade. Knowing he was right in his conclusions he reached for the Runic symbol on the wall and hoping he was doing right placed his finger on it and pushed at his magic with all his might causing the rune to light up and the alarm to sound as the shields snapped into the visible range. XXXXXXXXX "Kingsley...Do you have a free moment I want to go over some of the ideas I want to have built into the training center?" Alastor said as he walked into the room. Dargoth looked up from cleaning his scimitar and smiled at the gleam of excitement in Mad-eye's good eye before chuckling out, "Ah I am sure our recruits will elevate your name right next to the deities from hell they swear by during training." Kingsley laughed at his partners words and started to reply when he felt the beacon activate in his watch. Catching the others eyes he noticed they too felt the beacon activate. Standing up abruptly knocking his chair over in the process he started to activate the port key function when the alarms starting blaring through out the castle. Waiting a moment and not hearing the announcement of where to assemble he took charge. "Alastor contact Amelia and get as many Aurors as possible to the front entry while Dargoth portkeys to the beacon point. I will meet you downstairs in two minutes." Dargoth nodding his head at his partners orders activated his portkey and disappeared while Mad-Eye turned and ran towards his office. As Kingsley rounded the spiral staircase leading to the main floor he noticed Percy nervously fidgeting over by the open door. Hitting the main floor at a run he was soon next to the young man and demanding to know what was going on. Percy was beside himself with worry as he watched the smoke billowing from Hogsmeade turn into flames and was startled to the point of jumping when Kingsley ran up and all he could do was point when asked what the emergency was. Kingsley seeing Hogsmeade in flames placed his finger on the glowing runic symbol as his voice echoed throughout the castle, " Hogsmeade is under attack. All guard shifts report to the entry hall, Healers assemble outside the great doors." Turning back to Percy Kingsley asked, "Where is Harry and the other Lords?" Percy feeling more in control now that someone else was in charge replied ,"They are halfway there by now." Kingsley paled when he learned Harry was out there with no back up and he quickly turned to those few that had assembled and gave them orders to gate to the front wall and to find Lord Potter and stick with him no matter what before turning towards Mad-Eye. Alastor pulled one of the numerous portkeys out of his belt pouch and as he activated it told Kingsley, "I'll find him don't worry." XXXXXXXXXXXXXX Voldemort looked over the mass of troops assembled in the clearing before stepping up to the top of a fallen log so all his faithful could see him clearly. "Bella take my giants, Dementors and your group and attack Hogsmeade. When the Aurors and Torian guards respond keep them distracted until you receive the signal then fall back to the Quidditch pitch," Voldemort commanded. Bowing her head," As you command my Lord" Bella said her tone one of worship. Voldemort smiled at the sound of worship in his servants voice and watched her gather her troops and leave before addressing the rest of his servants. "The time has come for us take our place as masters of the world. Once I posses the treasure of the founders nothing can stop us. The world will tremble and bow down to my name," Voldemort shouted out as he looked at each of his followers. "Go...Go now and when those weaklings that call themselves Lords of the Council try to stop us...Make no mistake they will come...We will kill them all and in the chaos that follows take over. Nothing can withstand the power that is Lord Voldemort," Voldemort said to the cheers of his faithful as they turned and rushed towards the edge of the Forbidden Forest. XXXXXXXXXX "Alright settle down now," Ar'Ron told the group of seventh year Gryffindor's and Slytherin's. After the students settled down Ar'Ron continued with an evil smirk, "Today we will doing something slightly different so put your books away and pull out your wands." Ar'Ron walked over to the wall and pushed one of the black boards out of the way exposing a doorway that opened into darkness. "One at a time you will enter the testing room and you will be confronted with a situation where you will have to take what you have learned so far and apply it practically. You will be confronted with a situation that will be different for each and every one of you, that you have to decide what is morally right for the situation you will find yourself in. In some cases you might find that the only way to save the situation is to use one of the unforgivables" Ar'Ron told the squirming students. Seeing several hands raise Ar'Ron called, "Yes Ms Bell?" "Sir, how could the use of one of the un-unforgivables be the right answer?" Katie asked nervously. "A fair question. Let us assume for a moment that you are facing a situation of a woman in the height of madness in the act of killing her infant child. Unfortunately you have no good view of the infant and the woman is on the edge of a cliff in the midst of her arm moving down towards whatever is in front of her, in this case the Imperious curse would allow you to save the infant and capture the woman no harm to either one. On the other hand if the infant was in plain view a simple Accio followed by a binding charm would do the same thing," Ar'Ron told her. Turning back towards the rest of the class Ar'Ron finished off by saying, "So one situation for the most part identical except for one factor has two differing responses. The whole test is designed to make you think about how you use magic and the consequences that can happen when you use magic for the wrong reasons". Looking over to where the Slytherin's were all seated looking like Christmas had come early. "That does not mean I have given you a free reign to use any un-forgivable as the easy way out. To do so when the situation could be solved another way will cause you great pain," Ar'Ron told them with an evil smirk on his face. As Ar'Ron called for volunteers he was interrupted by the sound of the Torian city alarm blaring through the castle. "Those of you that have volunteered to help with the wounded go to the great hall, the rest of you gather the lower years and escort them back to the dorms and help the prefects keep them calm," Ar'Ron told them as he strode out the door. XXXXXXXXXX Harry was almost to the outer ring wall before the rage he felt started to diminish and he started to take notice of his surroundings. Deciding that since he was this close to the outer wall he might as well walk the rest of the way back to Hogwarts Harry passed through the arch just in time to feel the effects of the explosion coming from Hogsmeade. "It's started" Harry whispered out loud. Then in a louder voice and putting his magic into it Harry vowed, "Voldemort...Today you pay for your crimes...Today you die." Frank and Mario passed through the arch just in time to feel the very fabric of magic ring with Harry's vow and watched him shimmer before fading from sight. "Bloody Hell, how are we supposed to follow him now?" Frank muttered. "Lets head towards Hogsmeade, maybe we can catch up with him there," Mario said as he started towards the smoke billowing from the village. Harry briefly shimmered on the roof of the Three Broomsticks and looked around. Seeing Bella leading the attack and no sign of Voldemort he decided to let his guard forces deal with them and shimmered out in his search for Voldemort. XXXXXXXXXXXXXX Dargoth after activating the port key arrived at the beacon and instead of finding himself at a guard position found himself on the edge of the Forbidden Forest near Hogsmeade. "Commander the attack that is starting on Hogsmeade is a diversion," Swift told the day shift commander. Dargoth looked up at the Centaur and blinked as what he was told sunk in, "Explain" Nodding his head Swift reported, "As I was walking from the clans resting grounds I passed near a clearing not to far from here and noticed a gathering of Giants and Dementors along with a large number of masked, robed wizards. I hid myself and watched as the Dark Wizard Voldemort appeared and spoke to the gathering. He sent the Giants, Dementors and a group of Wizards to attack Hogsmeade as a diversion with the intention of stalling our forces while he attacked the area near where the human foals play their games on brooms." "So Voldemort took the bait, " Dargoth said to himself causing Swift to give him a puzzled look. Pulling a large red runic block from his belt Dargoth started to channel his magic into it causing it to pulse like an obscene bleeding heart. Once fully charged he handed it to Swift with the command, "Swift I need you to go as quickly as you are able towards the Shrieking shack. Once you are on the path that leads to Hogsmeade throw the block on the ground hard enough to break it thus activating the battle portal." Seeing Swift nod his head Dargoth called out before he started off, "After you activate the portal go behind the shrieking shack and you will find a ward node hidden behind an illusion of Devil's Snare. Twist the crystal on top until you hear a click then push it down. This will trap the death eaters in the town and allow Lord Potter to activate offensive wards." Waiting until Swift waved back in acknowledgment Dargoth pulled out a small round beacon from his belt and enlarged it before setting it down at the edge of the forest and Hogwarts grounds and activating it. Then stepping back he pulled out his scimitar and ran it across his palm creating a shallow cut which he placed a clear crystal in the pool of blood activating it When Ledgethorn's face appeared above the crystal he said, "Voldermort's forces have split up. Currently half of them are attacking Hogsmeade thus tying up the guard and Aurora forces. The Prince faces Voldemort and the rest of his forces alone. I have activated the battle beacon." Ledgethorn looked sideways for a moment as if talking to some one else. "We come await our arrival." Dargoth shock his head in the negative, " My place is at the Prince's side. I will not wait any longer. You will have to meet up with me at the edge of the school near the Quidditch pitch." Ledgethorn's eyes widened in surprise at being disobeyed then nodded in understanding "May your blade taste the blood of the enemy with honor," before he broke the connection. Standing up from his ornate desk Ledgethorn walked over to the wall holding his battle armor and weapons and started to don them. After preparing himself for battle Ledgethorn walked over to a large rotating crystal in the corner of his office. Taking the dirk from his side he cut his hand and placed it on the pulsating crystal causing alarms to ring out in every Gringotts branch worldwide and in Hearthome the dwelling place of his people. Satisfied that the shock troops were preparing he sent the signal telling the warriors to transport themselves to the battle beacon before leaving his office for the beacon point by Goblin portkey. XXXXXXXXXXXXX Ar'Ron strode into the great hall to find Draco and the heirs of the Twelve preparing for battle while the older students were busy setting up hospital beds for the wounded. McGonagall spotting Ar'Ron rushed over to where she was hoping to find out if this was the expected attack or something else when she noticed Ar'Ron go stiff and heard him whisper, "Mel'Anin" Looking into the fearful eyes of the headmistress Ar'Ron said, " Such rage. .. Minerva prepare for wounded Voldemort is attacking." Getting a glazed look in his eyes as if he was seeing over long distances Ar'Ron said voice echoing as if coming from a great distance, " Hogsmeade is under attack, there is a large number of trapped and wounded." Turning slightly towards the lake he continued, "Voldemort is leading his forces from the forest towards the Quidditch pitch." Looking around the room once again he noticed the shocked and frightened looks from many of the students. "Draco take your teams to Potter Castle and meet up with the healers." "Listen up you lot the emergency transport stone has been set up outside the great hall near where the first years enter the castle," Draco yelled out as he started towards the doors to the great hall the others following. Looking over at the eager face of Harry's best friend. "Ron your job is to make sure the death eaters do not enter the castle until such time as Harry activates the wards again," Ar'Ron told him. Ron hearing the command to stay behind startled to bristle with anger, " My place is ..." Ar'Ron cut him off angrily before he had a chance to build up a rant, " Your job is to PROTECT the students. Nothing else matters if they break into the school and kill off the students." Tail Biter swatted Ron's leg with his clawed hand enough to bring pain but not draw blood and told his bonded, "Nest Lord is correct. Protect the nestlings and nesting place at all costs." Suitably chastised Ron nodded his head, "Yes Sir." "Headmistress I leave the school in your hands then," Ar'Ron told her as he turned and strode quickly towards the front doors. XXXXXXXXXXX Twisting the crystal on top of the node point it started to pulse in a bright blue light that turned into a steady glow the more he pushed it into the node. Once the crystal was fully inside the node the hole through which it had traveled closed into a seamless top and with a hissing snap a glowing shield snapped into being. Job done Swift turned and trotted towards the gateway he created and the disgorging guard forces. Kingsley was one of the first through the gateway and had expected to see his partner waiting for him, but looking around the only thing he saw was a rapidly approaching Centaur wearing the colors of the Torian Guard. Sliding to a halt in front of the guard commander Swift nodded his head ,"Kingsley, Dargoth has gone after the Prince he mentioned something about a trap, though we face half of the Dark Wizards forces in the village." Torn between the need to protect the village and the urge to go after his partner and his lord Kingsley never the less did his duty as he turned and started giving orders for his people to move out on Hogsmeade. Giving a quick flick to his battle stave to enlarge it back to full size as he entered the village near the burning remains of the Hog's Head pub Kingsley noticed ten Giants entering the village from the right. Seeing the fallen forms of Aurors over by the Three Broomsticks Kingsley called out, "Greengrass take your shift and take out those Giants before they do any more damage. The rest of you follow me and lets take some of the pressure off Amelia's forces." XXXXXXXXXXX Harry shimmered to the top of the Whomping Willow and sending a burst of calming magic into the tree looked around in safety. Looking in the distance he noticed the glow go up around Hogsmeade and his guard forces splitting up taking the battle to Voldemort's forces. Turning he looked and watched as the Centaurs had followed the Death eaters to the edge of the forest and took of positions that would deny them a escape route. Over by Hagrid's hut he noticed Dargoth battle his way through a small clan of Acromantula's and take out the trailing death eaters. Behind him Harry was surprised to see thousands of Goblin Warriors swiftly moving towards the pitch along the Hogwarts side of the Forbidden Forest. Thinking to himself that every Goblin in the world that was able to hold a weapon must be converging on the death eaters. "Lila, you are needed," Harry called out voice echoing across the grounds. The magical embodiment of Hogwarts appeared floating in the air near where Harry stood atop the Wildly attacking Whomping Willow doing its best to protect the occupant in it's topmost branches from the few attacking werewolf's. "My Lord," Lila said waiting for instructions. Watching the Goblin Warriors attack Voldermort's forces he said, "Activate the ward nodes please." Lila glowed briefly transparent as hissing could be heard as the wards around the forest and school went up Voldemort's on the ground about to enter the trench towards the chamber of the founders stopped as he felt strong magical wards go up. Looking around he noticed a figure atop the Whomping willow eyes glowing green, hair swirling around his head. "POTTER" Voldemort yelled out in anger as he strode towards the tree. Harry seeing Voldemort walking towards his position stepped onto one of the now still branches as it gently started to bring him towards the ground. Lila followed the Master of Hogwarts as he stepped onto the ground and strode towards the evil creature once known as Tom Riddle. Stopping 50 meters from the battle Harry waited for Tom to come to him. XXXXXXXXXX Kingsley watched the final Giant fall before turning his attention back to the battle at hand. Sensing someone approaching him from behind he raised his stave and sent a bolt of lightening over his shoulder towards the figure who was creeping up behind him, secure in the knowledge that if it was one of his people they were more than qualified to dispel the deadly bolt. Letting a smirk of satisfaction play across his face as he heard the scream of pain come from behind him as the bolt hit, he caught a glimpse of Bellatrix Lestrange on the next street over and letting a feral grin appear on his face he took off after her looking for a little payback for all the pain she had caused. XXXXXXXXXXXX Gregory feeling fear and flashing back to the night his family was killed curled up in the chair near the fireplace in the common room before slowly gathering his courage and deciding that it is time to make his father proud by helping out instead of hiding away. Leaving the first year dorms he quickly ran down the hallway towards the great hall. Rounding the corner he almost ran headfirst into a group of death eaters, ducking behind a suit of armor he trembled not knowing what to do. "Please someone help," Gregory whispered. Trying to come up with a way to warn the others Gregory peeked around the armor just in time to watch the death eaters go up in flame. Swallowing the lump in his throat he quickly dashed down the steps and ran into the great hall running head first into the Headmistress. "My word...Gregory Romanov what do you think you are doing out of the dorms?" Minerva scolded. Panting Gregory said between breaths, "Death...Eaters...upstairs...they...caught fire and burned up." Fear clutching her heart Minerva yelled out,"Mr. Weasley Second Floor, Death Eaters are in the castle." Ron Weasley looked up from the castle plans he was studying and looked over to where Daphne Greengrass was calming an injured Aurora "OI! Daphne you are in charge of the great hall." After seeing her nod her head and stand up Ron turned to the rest of the Mage students around the table, "Lets go, watch out for each other" he said before running out the doors towards the steps. Gregory seeing Ron run out of the hall with a group of students all wearing the mages symbol started to walk over to where the wounded were coming in through the portal and picked up some bandages to help out. Minerva watched her students run out of the hall wands drawn and felt old, older than her years before noticing Gregory walking towards the portal the injured were streaming through. Getting a stern expression on her face she called out, " Mr. Romanov just where do you think you are going?" Not bothering to turn around Gregory answered, "While I am still a student and not old enough to hold my seat, I am still one of the Twelve and I will help out as much as I can." Gaping for a moment Minerva started to scold the young heir before deciding to back down and let him be as he could more than likely do more for moral than a simple calming potion. XXXXXXXXXXXX Draco stopped on the outskirts of Hogsmeade as he took in the sight of the broken and burning buildings. Shaking himself out of the horror he felt as he took on the carnage that was once the tranquil village he took Hogsmeade weekends at. Taking one last glance at the village he started to give out orders. "Ben take a team and secure the Three Broomsticks. We will use it as our command base and field hospital" Draco told him. Looking up at the golden dome that appeared above their heads "I want you all to be careful, Lord Potter has activated the shield trapping the death eaters here, so they will fight like the cornered vermin they are. Show them no mercy as they shall show you none. Protect the healers as they do their jobs and any civilians you find send over to the Three Broomsticks," Draco told his troops right before they split up and started for their destinations. After setting up the field hospital Draco took a team on search and rescue to the area where the Giants had attacked. After sifting through the rubble he found a small child laying on his side breaths coming in racking gasps as blood frothed at his lips. Taking one of the green Runic blocks from his belt he placed it near the lads lips letting it touch the flowing blood to activate it. Once the green glow of healing energy encompassed the child Draco took one of the portkeys out of his pocket and placed it to the lads side and activated it sending him to the great hall and hopefully to help in time. Standing up not taking notice of the tears running down his face he once again started to banish the wreckage of the home he was in searching for any other survivors. XXXXXXXXXXX Harry stood watching Tom Riddle stalk towards him and out of the corner of his eye saw the Goblins had joined the battle Scimitars slashing spells out of the way all the while Tom drew nearer. When Riddle was only a few meters away Lila spoke up, " My Lord a group of death eaters has snuck into the castle and is fast approaching the students guarding the great hall." Smiling Voldemort decided to taunt the lights so called savior. "So potter you will die knowing you have failed to protect he Blood Traitors and Mudbloods" Controlling the rage he felt and channeling it into his magical aura Harry responded to the taunt in a way that brought fear to Voldermort's cold heart, "Lila activate the offensive wards and set them to incinerate." The embodiment of Hogwarts smiled in satisfaction to be able to do something to protect her precious children glowed softly than brighter as all over the area the wards activated and screams of pain could be heard all over the area as all who carried the dark mark caught on fire and burnt to a crisp. Voldemort fearing for his life tried to activate his emergency portkey to no avail. Letting all his hate and rage fueled by his fear of his life he screamed out, "Avada Kedavra" as he pointed his wand directly at Harry Potter the boy he had failed more times than he could remember to kill and conjured several sharp knifes that he sent close behind the killing curse. Secure in the knowledge that he would not be able to dodge what he could not see. Dobby and the Protectors Own having silently guarded their Prince from any sneak attack fidgeted nervously as the battle between the light and dark started. Dobby catching sight of the daggers following behind the killing curse popped in front of them stealing himself not to whimper in fright as they embedded themselves in his chest as he fell to the ground his life fading fast. Harry reached out his hand and caught the killing curse and held it up as the sickly green curse curled into a pulsing ball in the palm of his hand and saw his friend pop in front of him and using his sword deflect one of the daggers meant for him before the others embedded themselves in his chest and he fell to the ground lifeless. The rage he felt go through him broke the bonds that he placed on his inner berserker and his magic flared ever higher and he started to float above the ground as his magic swirled ever brighter around him. The ball of energy in his hand that was the killing curse suddenly turned into cold blue flames as he hurled it at the frightened running form of Voldermort hitting him square in the back knocking him to the ground. Stalking towards the fallen form of Voldermort writhing on the ground all the while still half meter above the ground Harry approached the pain filled form of the half man that had caused so much pain and suffering. Letting his magic create a glowing globe of energy surrounding the fallen madman Harry's voice could be heard all through the city and school, "For your crimes against me and mine I sentence you to a slow and painful death in the heart of the sun." Holding his arms out towards the glowing globe that encased the evil known as Voldemort he raised the globe above his head before focusing all his magic on banishing the cage towards the sun. Ar'Ron knelt down by the side of his love's fallen friend. Placing his hands on the wounds of the little Impare' after banishing the daggers Ar'Ron felt Dobby's life start to slip away. Tapping directly into the well of magic Ar'Ron channeled the magical stream directly into the dieing Impare' capturing the soul as it started to leave the broken body and holding it there as he repaired the damage. "It is not time for you to leave yet little friend," Ar'Ron told Dobby as he fought to open his eyes. "Dobby Protec..." Dobby started to say before once again he passed out. Motioning for the others of the Protectors own to come closer, "Take Dobby up to the Potter Castle Infirmary and to Healer Ellisia" Ar'Ron told them as he stood up. Nodding their heads in awe at the sight of one of the True Ones bringing back one of their own from the abyss of death popped away with the injured Dobby. After the Impare' had left Ar'Ron stood up and walked over to his love and placed his hands on his shoulders sharing his energy with his exhausted mate. "It is finally over," Harry said as he watched the glowing meteor depart from sight. Replaying the final moments in his mind Harry jumped and turned yelling, "Dobby" "He lives Mel'Anin," Ar'Ron told him gently. "I have sent him back to the castle to Ellisia." Calming down Harry started to walk towards the battle and the approaching Goblins when he noticed the crumpled form wearing the red and gold of the Torian Guard next to the slightly moving form wearing the royal purple of his house to the left. Rushing over he knelt down on the ground between the two fallen goblins and removed one of the healing runic blocks and placed it on the chest of Griphook, his first Goblin friend. Noticing the lack of blood Harry conjured a dagger and slit his palm allowing the blood to drip on the block activating it. When the healing green glow of the forest on a sunny day engulfed his fallen friend he turned to the fallen form of Dargoth. Tears flowing freely as he placed his hand on Dargoth's chest and realized it was to late, the little warrior had already passed on, gone down fighting like the fierce warrior that he was. Gathering the fallen Scimitar Harry placed it on his chest and crossed the fallen warriors hands across it and straightened his fallen comrade out. Looking up he noticed through his tears Ledgethorn standing with the rest of the Goblin High council. Ar'Ron creating a portal directly to Potter Castle Infirmary Conjured a stretcher and Placed Griphook on it before floating it through the portal where it was met by one of the Elven healers. Turning to address the Goblin high Council he said, "Healers await on the other side of the portal for the wounded." Ledgethorn nodded his thanks before making a motion to one of the Goblin healers to start the flow of injured through the portal. Turning back he looked on in awe at he young Elven prince crying over the fallen Goblin Warrior. Clearing his throat Ledgethorn softly said, "You show him great honor My Prince." Trying desperately to control the grief he felt Harry slowly made his way to his feet and conjured a stretcher and levitated Dargoth on it before raising it to a comfortable height to be able to reach over and activate the beacon on Dargoth's watch. A few moments later a tired and worn Kingsley appeared near their side after being summoned by the guard beacon. As soon as he arrived he felt a tingle from his watch and watched the face had turned jet black. Slowly he hobbled over and placed his hand on the forehead of his partner and friend and started to silently weep. Ledgethorn was startled out of his shock at the sight of a wizard weeping over the death of a Goblin when he heard Harry softly speak. "I am not sure of Goblin Customs for the dead, but all that lost their life fighting in my name shall be honored as was my grandfather and if Dargoth's family would like I would be honored if he was laid to rest among my ancestors," Harry said as his tears dried up. Turning his head to look towards Potter Castle Harry told them, "There is in the center of where my family is laid to rest that is set aside for those who have lost their lives with honor protecting my family." Facing Ledgethorn once again Harry finished by saying, "Make sure his family knows that they will be taken care of. If they need anything, and I mean anything they are to come to me." Practically as one Ledgethorn and the council bowed deeply, standing up Ledgethorn turned and ordered the Goblin Warriors to head towards Hogsmeade and help with search and rescue. Harry thanked the leader of the Goblin Council and stood there taking comfort in the embrace of his soul mate as he gazed out over the scarred ground thinking about the best way to rebuild and things to come.