Chapter 16
Daphne and Tracey entered a firestorm of questions, that they finally managed to answer enough of for the rest of Slytherin to understand that Daphne was betrothed by contract to the House of Potter. At this revelation, the Slytherins subsided and went back to their normal pursuits.
Meanwhile, Harry had returned to the Gryffindor common room to find Professor McGonagall waiting for him. Harry inquired, "To what do we owe the pleasure of your company, Professor?"
"Your father couldn't charm me, Mr. Potter, and neither shall you. Unfortunately, the confrontation in the Great Hall cost us time. You have to take the placement test if you intend to join the fifth years in Arithmancy."
"I would be happy to. Is Professor Vector waiting for us?"
McGonagall nodded and led Harry from the room. Along the way to Vector's office, McGonagall initiated a conversation, "Mr. Potter, I believe that it falls upon me to inform you that not everyone in the Order supports what Headmaster Dumbledore has done to you."
"Remus hinted as much when he came to see me this summer, but I fear that I have to reply to your overture much as I did his. I can't afford to trust anyone in the Order with any information about my plans. Dumbledore has too much control, and too much access for me to be willing to take that chance."
"I can understand that. However, I want you to know that there are several of us that you can count on if you need help."
"I know that. If I didn't trust you that far, I would have never returned to Hogwarts, despite the restrictions placed on the Headmaster. I have no doubts that he is going to try everything in the book to get me back under his thumb. My actions this summer have severely damaged his influence and political power, but I have done nothing to curtail his power. Since, I would prefer not to have to kill the Headmaster in a duel, it behooves me to avoid him, and rely on your interference along with the Board to hold him in check."
"Mr. Potter, I know that you are powerful for your age, but do not allow that to go to your head. Albus Dumbledore defeated Grindelwald, and is easily the most powerful wizard in the world."
Harry scoffed, "That is a farce that is perpetuated by Dumbledore himself. I know for a fact that he isn't as strong in relation to the rest of the world as he claims to be. I know that as Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts you are privy to the knowledge that HMI's exist even if you are not allowed to see the scores. Dumbledore was a mere 187, while Voldemort scored a 243. Grindelwald was even more powerful than that."
"If Grindelwald was more powerful, then how could Albus have defeated him?"
"He didn't. The Americans recovered Grindelwald from Nurmengard years ago, and got the true story of what happened. I won't go into details, but suffice to say, Dumbledore isn't what he appears to be."
The two of them continued down the corridor, and Dumbledore stepped from the shadows. He chuckled, "187. That boy is in for a rude awakening."
Upon arriving in the office, Professor Vector stood and greeted them. She continued, "Mr. Potter, this is the examination that I give at the end of fourth year. You must score at least 85% to be admitted to my O.W.L. class. At the end of the year, you must get at least an E on your O.W.L. and pass the sixth year final exam with at least 80% to be admitted to my N.E.W.T. class next year. Is that acceptable?"
Harry nodded, "Certainly." He took the exam from her and sat down at a table and began. McGonagall and Vector erected a privacy barrier, and chatted while he took the exam. Once, he was finished, Vector graded the exam while he waited. She finished and looked up surprised, "This is impressive work, Mr. Potter. Who taught you?"
"My betrothed's mother and her cousin. They told me that I was a natural."
"That is apparently true. I would have said it was impossible to learn the first four years of material in so short a time, but the 97% you scored on the test suggests otherwise. I look forward to seeing you in class, Mr. Potter."
Harry grinned, "Thank you, ma'am." He turned to Professor McGonagall, "Is there anything else that you need me for?"
"No, Mr. Potter, you may return to your common room."
Harry hurried back to Gryffindor Tower, since he didn't relish being caught out and about by the Headmaster without backup, or witnesses, as the case may be. When Harry got back into the common room, Hermione asked, "What did Professor McGonagall want you for?"
Harry replied, "She was taking me to Professor Vector for a placement test. I got 97% and will be joining the fifth year Arithmancy class."
Ginny perked up, "That means you'll be in my class. It will about time that I have another Gryffindor in there with me. It has just been me and a bunch of Ravenclaws for the last two years. The Hufflepuffs and Slytherins have that class together."
"Well, at least I will know someone. I was afraid of being stuck in a class full of people I didn't know."
"Luna is in there, too. She'll be ecstatic. She and I have had a table to ourselves the last two years, despite the fact that they seat three."
Neville asked, "So, what classes did you continue to N.E.W.T., Harry?"
"Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology, and Potions."
Hermione interjected with alarm, "What about DADA? You can't leave that out."
"I can, and did. I have no intention of subjecting myself to Tonks teaching that important of a subject, while she is still in the Order and reporting to Dumbledore."
Neville laughed, "Harry, all you have to do is order her not to tell Dumbledore anything about you, and she will be honor bound to comply. She is a member of House Black."
Harry looked chastened, "I hadn't thought about that. Sirius did reinstate the Tonks' to House Black through Andromeda. Oh well, it doesn't matter, I have a private tutor engaged for that. She couldn't teach me how to channel power at my level anyway, and that is what I need to learn."
Hermione inquired further, "So, did you get an O in Potions? You must have to get into the class."
"Hermione, if you want to know what my O.W.L. scores were, just ask."
"Okay, I want to know."
Harry pulled the sheet out of his pocket, "I'm actually surprised that you didn't ask sooner. I kept it out of my trunk just for this." He handed the parchment over. Hermione perused it quickly with Ginny leaning over her shoulder.
O.W.L. results for Harry James Potter
Astronomy E
Care of Magical Creature O
Charms O
Defense Against the Dark Arts O
Divination P
Herbology E
History of Magic D
Potions E
Transfiguration E
It was at this moment that Dean and Seamus came back down from the dorm, and Dean asked as he put his arm around Ginny, "Harry, what is up with Ron? He's been insulting you since he got into the dorm, and he tried to break into your trunk, but it wouldn't open."
Harry sighed, "I guess hoping that I wouldn't have to deal with him was wishful thinking."
Ginny nodded, "I know you don't want to Harry, but you are going to have to talk to him. I'm actually amazed that he has managed to go this long without making a scene."
"True. Guys, I'm going to head up. If you wouldn't mind, I would like witnesses. I don't want him to be able to accuse me of anything untoward."
Dean pecked Ginny on the cheek, and the three boys followed Harry up the stairs to the sixth year dormitory. Harry erected a shield in front of himself before going through the door. It turned out to be a good thing he did, because Ron shouted, "Potter!" and then fired a curse at him. The shield deflected it and Harry disarmed Ron. He turned to Seamus and said, "Sorry, mate, but would you go get McGonagall. She will need to be here for this." As he turned back, Ron clocked him with a solid right, that Harry responded to with a Binding spell that wrapped Ron up in ropes, and then Silenced him so that they didn't have to listen to the vile things coming from his mouth.
Neville took a look at Harry's face, while Seamus hurried off after McGonagall, "That's going to leave a mark." Neville pulled out an old handkerchief, "Here, your lip is bleeding."
Harry waved it off, "I can heal it, but it will be better to let McGonagall see it first." They waited patiently for several minutes until Seamus returned with McGonagall in tow.
She asked, "What happened?"
The four boys explained the sequence of events to her, while her lips drew into a very thin line. She took Ron's wand from Harry, and then released him from the binding, "Mr. No Name, you will follow me to my office. We will be contacting your mother concerning your behavior here tonight." She left with Ron in tow, who gave Harry a look of loathing as he walked out.
Then, the four of them got ready for bed, and went to sleep. Ronald did not return to the dormitory that night.
The next morning, the Gryffindors met up in the common room, and trooped down to breakfast collecting Luna, Tracey, and Daphne along the way. Daphne pecked Harry on the cheek and went to the Slytherin table with Tracey, while Luna wandered over to Ravenclaw. McGonagall had just finished handing out the timetables and returned to the Head Table when a yell broke over the early morning chattering, "You bastard!"
Harry caught sight of Ron brandishing his wand, and dove sideways to his right taking Ginny and Neville to the ground with him. The Blasting Curse Ron had cast passed right through the space Harry had been occupying moments before, and slammed into the wall behind them, peppering several people with shards of stone. Dean proved to be the one with the fastest reaction time to the dilemma. He jumped to his feet and nailed Ron with a Stunning Spell, before Ron could change aim and cast anything else. The Heads of House stormed down upon Ron, and revived him while Dean helped Ginny up, and Harry and Neville got back to their feet. Sprout was making sure no one was seriously injured while McGonagall, Flitwick, and Slughorn surrounded Ronald. McGonagall asked, "What precisely were you thinking? I informed you in no uncertain terms last night after the conversation with your mother that another attack without provocation would result in your expulsion."
Ron scoffed, "Mum said Dumbledore wouldn't let you expel me, and she told me to do something about Potter, since he served us with an Eviction Notice. He's going to leave us without a place to live."
Harry interjected, "Since your mother is living in my home without paying rent, or having my permission, you could hardly expect me to allow it to continue."
Ron lunged forward towards Harry, but Flitwick hit him with a Body Bind, and then floated him from the Great Hall. Harry turned to find Ginny in tears. He said gently, "Ginny, I know this is hard on you, and I'm sorry."
"It isn't your fault. This is all on him and Molly. I just wish it didn't reflect so poorly on my family. This will break Dad's heart."
Harry climbed up on the table, and cast a Sonorus Charm on himself, "May I have the attention of Hogwarts? I want it to be known that I, Harry James Potter, Lord of the Houses of Black, Peverell, and Potter hold the Weasley family blameless for the actions of Ronald and Molly No Name."
Ginny smiled weakly at him as he climbed down from the table and said, "Thank you."
Harry met Daphne, who had attempted to get over to him, but was blocked by the crowd, as he led the exodus of injured to the Hospital Wing. He grinned, "What a first day at Hogwarts, huh?
"Indeed."
"So, how was the common room last night?"
Daphne replied, "Not that bad. They had a lot of questions, but as soon as they found out about the betrothal contract, not even Draco said anything more."
"Well, that is one potential fire out. Only about a hundred more to go."
Chapter 17
Several days into the term, Harry received an owl at breakfast from Rupert.
Harry,
Dumbledore removed the Fidelius from Grimmauld. The goblins have secured per your instructions, and we will be able to go in this weekend with you to get the item in question. You will have to inform McGonagall that you are leaving on Head of House business. I have sent a missive to Slughorn giving Daphne permission to accompany you.
Harry got up and walked across the hall, and handed the note to Daphne, as he greeted her and Tracey. The Great Hall still paused to stare at the sight, but quickly went back to their breakfast, since they had mostly acclimated to the idea of the betrothal. Once Daphne had finished the letter, Harry kissed her on the forehead, and said, "I'm going to go let McGonagall know. I figure there will be less trouble if I give her a couple days warning."
He walked up to the Head table and leaned over to speak to Minerva, "Professor, my apologies for interrupting your meal, but I just received news that will require me to be in London this weekend on business, and I felt that it was prudent to inform you as soon as possible. Also, my betrothed will be accompanying me, and her permission should be making its way to Professor Slughorn in his capacity as Head of House, shortly."
As if Harry's statement was prophetic in nature an owl winged its way down to Slughorn at that moment. Minerva's lip thinned, "While I cannot forbid you to leave, due to your status, Mr. Potter, I trust that this information will not make itself known to the student body."
Harry grinned, "I can assure you, Professor, that they will not hear of it from me, but it would be slightly difficult to hide the fact that I am going to be missing for two days to the Gryffindors, and you should know how efficient the rumor mill is at this school."
Minerva grimaced, "True. Very well, Mr. Potter, you may leave after classes on Friday, but be certain to return before dinner on Sunday."
"That shouldn't be a problem. My business should only take a short while to deal with."
Meanwhile, in the Death Eater camp, Voldemort had discovered that the Gaunt shack had burned down, and began secretly checking his other Horcruxes over the last several days. His discovery from his Death Eaters that Lucius had allowed his diary to be destroyed had several of them feeling the brunt of his displeasure in the form of the Cruciatus Curse. The discovery of the fake locket in the seaside cave had him raging for hours, and cost three Death Eaters their lives.
After calming down, Voldemort sat contemplating his other Horcruxes. The cup couldn't be checked, because the Lestranges couldn't go to Gringotts without a fight ensuing with the goblins, and even Voldemort knew he wasn't ready to make an enemy of the goblins, yet. The diadem also posed a problem, since he knew there was no way to enter Hogwarts undetected for him, given that the old man had keyed the wards to his magical signature. Also, creating more was out of the question because the particular ritual he used to return to a body bound his soul to the homunculus. Splitting it wasn't possible unless he allowed his body to be killed again. This left him with no option, but increasing the protections around Nagini, the only safe Horcrux he had access to.
Back at Hogwarts, the weekend came, and Harry and Daphne walked down past the gates, and Disapparated. When they popped into Greengrass Manor, Daphne asked, "When did you learn to Apparate?"
"Aaron taught me in my tutoring session."
"How are those going?"
"Great. I actually managed to hit him with a spell in our last duel. That man is so bloody fast that it is almost impossible for a spell to actually connect. However, practicing with him is an excellent way to improve your aim. I can nail a bird in flight with a curse from thirty yards, now."
"That's impressive. I'm guessing that you can take out regular opponents with ease, now."
"Probably, but Aaron and Daryn both have warned me not to get cocky. They say even at my power level, it only takes one lucky shot to change a battle. That's why Aaron puts so much emphasis on dodging and being aware of my surroundings. That training is the only reason I picked up on Ron the first morning of term."
"Does it bother you that you thought he was your best friend and he betrayed you."
"Yes, but I realize that he was basically brainwashed by his mother. Ron just wasn't strong willed enough to resist the temptation. I can't really fault him for that. He's been punished for his crimes, and I would prefer to put it out of my mind."
Daphne patted him on the knee, "I understand, Harry. I won't bring it up again."
The two of them sat in silence for a moment, and then slowly began leaning closer together. At that moment, Eleanor walked into the parlor, "Oh, wonderful, you're here."
The two teenagers jerked apart, and Daphne moaned, "MUM!"
Later that evening, Daryn, Rupert, and Harry popped into Grimmauld Place. Daryn showed Harry how to key the wards for access to certain people and bar others. Harry asked, "What about the house-elf?"
Rupert answered, "According to the goblins, it died upon discovering that you were the new Head of the House of Black."
Harry shrugged, "Oh, well. Dobby."
Dobby appeared, "What can Dobby be doing for Master Harry?"
"We're going to be searching for an item in this house, but after we find it, I would be most appreciative if you would give this house a thorough cleaning."
"Dobby would be glad to, Master Harry. Just do be letting Dobby know when you is finished."
The three of them moved forward into the house when the curtain flew back from the portrait of Mrs. Black and she began screaming foul epithets at Harry. Daryn flicked his wand and silenced the portrait. Harry turned to look at him, "No one has been able to silence that portrait."
Daryn replied, "It just took enough power to overcome the Anti-Silencing Charm that was placed on it. Whoever cast it was apparently powerful, but you could dispel it, now. Before your block was removed, though, it would have been impossible."
Harry nodded in acknowledgement, and then the three of them continued their search. After about two hours, Harry called out, "I've got it." Rupert and Daryn joined him, and then Harry called Dobby and informed him that he could begin cleaning. The three of them returned to Greegrass Manor, where Daryn destroyed the Horcrux, and then they went inside for a late snack before bed.
Harry walked Daphne to her room, where she paused and commented, "I hate being left behind while you go off on dangerous missions like this."
Harry brushed her cheek, "I know, but until you turn 17 and the restriction for underage wizardry no longer applies, you couldn't really help. I promise that I will include you as soon as I am able to."
Daphne smiled, "See, you're not so bad at this betrothed thing. You're learning quite quickly about how to keep a girl happy."
Harry leaned closer, "Its because I had a good teacher that was extremely patient with my ignorance."
"That's okay, I didn't mind…" Daphne was cut off from finishing her sentence as Harry pressed his lips to hers hesitantly, but in response she wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed herself against him. The two kissed for several moments before they broke apart.
Harry murmured, "Wow. That was everything that I thought a first kiss should be."
Daphne snuggled in his arms, "Was that your first kiss, or just your first kiss with me?"
"Technically, Cho kissed me, and I was too stunned to kiss back, and she was crying when she did it, so I'm not sure that one even really counted."
"We'll say that it didn't, since that was my first kiss, too. Harry, at first I was upset at you about our betrothal, but then I saw how many problems were heaped on you that I couldn't help realizing that this was just as unfair to you as it was to me. Now, I'm very glad that our ancestors signed that contract, because I think I might be falling in love with you."
Harry smiled tenderly, "I can't put what I feel into words what I feel since I've never really been loved before, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I know that I will do anything I can for you."
"That's good enough for me." Daphne leaned in, and the two kissed again.
After a few moments, a cough interrupted them, "That's enough for one night. I don't need to be a grandparent any time soon."
Harry turned red, while Daphne yelled, "Dad, that was our first kiss, we're hardly going to jump into bed right after it."
Rupert grimaced, "I really don't need to hear my nearly adult daughter referring to jumping into bed with a man."
Eleanor came up behind him and lightly smacked the back of his head, "You deserved it for interrupting their first kiss. How else did you think you were going to get grandchildren?"
Daphne smirked, while Harry continued to remain beet red. He stammered, "I think I'll go to bed. Good night, Daphne." He hurried away.
Daphne gave her father a pointed look. He held up his hands, "I'm sorry. I wouldn't have opened my mouth if I had realized how special a moment that was. I assumed the two of you had been kissing for awhile." "We hadn't. I've had to be very careful with how I proceeded with Harry. He's so timid and unsure about emotions, since he hasn't experienced a lot of positive ones. However, as long as you apologize to him, I think we will be fine."
Eleanor took Rupert by the hand and said to Daphne as she turned to lead him away, "He'll apologize. Don't worry about that."
Rupert followed her with a look of regret plastered on his face, while Daphne laughed as she headed into her room.
Daphne and Harry spent the rest of the weekend with her parents, only leaving the manor long enough to draw up proxy papers that allowed Rupert to vote his seats, so that he needn't leave Hogwarts every time there was a Wizengamot session.
Harry and Daphne returned to Hogwarts on Sunday just before dinner, and sat at their house tables. Neville turned to Harry, "So, how was getting out of the castle for the weekend?"
Harry grinned, "I got a lot done. It was also nice to spend a little more time with the Greengrasses. I have grown quite attached to them. Speaking of attachments, I have invited Daphne and Tracey to hang out in our common room tonight. How do you think the rest of the house is going to react?"
Neville shrugged, "Act like you don't care, and most of them won't do anything more than grumble. If any of them attempt to do anything, we'll back you up, and they won't try much."
Harry gave Neville a clap on the shoulder, "You're a good friend, Neville. I'd have a Longbottom guarding my back any time."
Hermione shook her head, "I think you might be pushing your luck a bit, but I can't see any reason anyone will do more than complain, now that Ron has been removed."
As predicted, Daphne and Tracey entered the common room to several looks of surprise, but at seeing how warmly they were welcomed by Harry and his close friends, no one did anything more than grumble quietly. Some of the Gryffindors even entered the conversation attempting to make the two Slytherins feel welcome.
Later that evening, Harry escorted the two witched back to the dungeons, and commented, "Well, I must say that went rather well."
Tracey nodded, "I was surprised. There is enough animosity between Gryffindor and Slytherin that I expected there to be a confrontation, but several of them even talked to us."
Daphne smiled, "It was a step forward, that was for sure. Ron not being in Gryffindor anymore helped. He wouldn't have reacted favorably."
"No, he wouldn't, but you just broke your promise."
Daphne looked chagrined, "Sorry."
Harry pecked her on the cheek right next to the corner of her mouth, "You're forgiven. However, I'm afraid I must get back to the tower before curfew."
He walked away as Daphne and Tracey entered the common room. Draco stepped out of the shadows a moment later, and muttered to himself, "This is worse than I thought."
A/N: I don't attach these to every chapter, but I do want to take a moment to thank everyone for reviewing and welcoming me back to fan fiction so heartily after so long an absence. As to The Stress of Being Harry Potter, I have located the chapter outlines, and as soon as I am finished with this story, I will be going back over the original ten chapters. Once, I have revised those, I will begin working on finishing the story. I intend to keep a posting schedule for that one, just like this fic, but it will probable be at least a month for revision and me getting ahead, so that I don't jeopardize the posting speed, before I begin posting new chapters for it. Rest assured that it will be finished this time around.
Chapter 18
Later that evening, an Order meeting took place in Hogwarts. It was obvious just from looking around that there were several more members missing. Remus commented to Minerva, "It seems more and more people are losing their faith in Dumbledore. I'm beginning to think that for our own safety that we might need to remove him from the Order."
Minerva replied, "He won't take well to that. The question is what do we do if he refuses to step down. None of us can make him."
Moody interjected from behind them, "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Let's see what the focus of this meeting is. If he's still concentrating on Potter, we will bring it up. If he actually wants to talk about Voldemort, then we will allow the status quo to continue. As to what to do if he refuses to step down, we resign."
Dumbledore entered the room and called the meeting to order, "We have grave issues before us. Mr. Potter is becoming increasingly hostile to me, and something must be done to bring him back under the influence of the Order. If we do not, I fear that we will only be trading one Dark Lord for another."
Tonks asked, "What can we do about it, Headmaster? You thought that I would be able to help by being the DADA teacher, but he isn't even taking my class."
Dumbledore replied, "I will admit to being stymied by Mr. Potter's behavior, and that it is why I am putting the question to the Order to see if any of you have any ideas on how to bring Harry back to us."
Moody answered, "I say that we don't do anything about Potter, and actually concentrate on what we were convened for, and discuss Voldemort's activities. He has become increasingly active as he recovered from whatever Potter did to him at the Ministry. Muggles are dying left and right, and it won't be long until he is targeting wizards again."
Dumbledore waved him off, "Voldemort is secondary at this point. Getting Harry back on our side is imperative."
Remus stood, "Harry is on our side. He's just not on yours. We were going to give you one more chance this evening to actually address the real problem of Voldemort, but you obviously don't care about actually stopping him. I move that we vote Albus Dumbledore out of the membership of the Order of the Phoenix."
Moody and Minerva both agreed and it was called to a vote. Dumbledore sat back with an unconcerned expression on his face. The vote passed with a bare majority, and Moody looked at Dumbledore, "So, Albus, will you yield the Order to us?"
"Of course not. I began this Order and it will not continue without me."
Minerva sighed, "Then, you leave us no choice." She stood and resigned from the Order, with Remus, Moody, and everyone that voted to oust Albus following shortly behind. After seeing the arrogance that Dumbledore displayed by not stepping down, several of the ones that had voted for him resigned as well. As all of them filed from the room, this left Albus with an Order consisting of Hagrid, Tonks, Mundungus Fletcher, and Dedalus Diggle.
Dumbledore stood, "Despite the others lack of faith, I will persevere and so will the Order. Those of you that have stood with me, I thank you. We will be proven right in the end when Mr. Potter proves to be a greater threat than Voldemort.
Hagrid asked uncomfortably, "Do ya really think 'arry woudda go Dark?"
"I think that it is a very real possibility, Hagrid, and no one besides me is truly responding to the threat. However, in light of this event, you are all dismissed, while I plan what we might possible be able to do next."
Remus and Minerva went straight to Gryffindor Tower, and woke Harry. He followed them down to the common room, where they filled him in on the events of the Order meeting.
"Professor, you've known Dumbledore longer than anyone except Aberforth. What do you think his reaction is going to be to this?" asked Harry.
Minerva shrugged, "At this point, I don't know. I would have said six months ago that you were crazy if anyone had dared to predict the events of this summer. I've seen Albus lose control several times, and make demands of people that he never would have before. He has to be getting desperate at this point. He's lost his positions in the government, the majority of those loyal to him have deserted him, and his position as Headmaster is precarious at best. He's always been cool under pressure, but I honestly think at this point it was because he always had a plan within a plan that no one else knew about, and no one has ever truly threatened his designs until now."
Harry mused, "So the short of that is that he's liable to do anything. Great. Well, I somehow doubt he's going to attack me in my sleep, so I'm going to get some rest. Tomorrow, I will hopefully not have to deal with the old man, but I think we all know that is wishful thinking. Good night."
The next morning, Draco confronted Harry on his way down to breakfast. He already had his wand drawn. "Potter, I was willing to overlook you and Daphne being together when I found out about the betrothal contract, but I won't allow you to destroy Slytherin. Taking the girls into Gryffindor was too much. I challenge you to a duel."
Harry drew his wand, "Very well, ferret. You made the challenge, what are the terms?"
"The loser leaves Hogwarts, forever."
"Done."
The two squared off against each other as Hermione hurried into the Great Hall to get a teacher. The duel began with Draco firing a Bludgeoning Curse, which Harry deflected back at him, and followed it with a Cutting Curse that tore into Draco's wand arm.
Harry bowed, "Shall we continue, or do you concede, Malfoy?"
Malfoy switched his wand into his other hand, and launched a volley of spells. Harry dodged all of them, and as he was about to return fire, Dumbledore burst from the Great Hall and nailed him with an electric blast. Harry went down, and resorted to pure instinct. He took Malfoy's knees out with Blasting Curses, and launched a Flame Curse at Dumbledore that was overpowered enough to be a cone of flame almost a foot thick.
Dumbledore managed to dispel the flame, and then had his hands full blocking the volley of Stunning Spells that Harry's friends had launched at him. In his overconfidence in the situation, however, he forgot that there were people behind him, and Flitwick and McGonagall nailed him in the back with Bludgeoning Curses.
Harry staggered back to his feet, and leveled his wand at Dumbledore, "You've finally done it, old man. You won't weasel your way out of this one."
McGonagall had her own wand trained on Dumbledore, "Albus, what has happened to you? I've known you for over 60 years, and you didn't use to be this way."
Albus cackled, "None of this would have been necessary if that pompous little shit would have done as he was told and died fighting Voldemort. Then, I could have defeated Tom, and the world would have slowly been mine."
Neville commented, "He's cracked."
Dumbledore looked at Neville, "No, Mr. Longbottom, I have not cracked. I know exactly what I am doing. Unfortunately, none of you are capable of understanding what I am. I shall take my leave, but I will be back." Dumbledore raised his arms and Fawkes appeared in a burst of flame, and the two of them disappeared just as quickly.
McGonagall walked over to Harry as Daphne rushed up to him, "Mr. Potter, you need to get to the Hospital Wing. I will see to Mr. Malfoy."
Daphne replied, "I'll get him there, Professor."
Neville took Harry's other arm, "I'll help you, Daphne. I don't think he's going to be a lot of help. He's practically falling down."
Harry winced, "Yeah, that hurt." Then, his eyes rolled up in his head.
They got Harry up to Madam Pomphrey, where she began to treat him. He woke up several hours later, and as he sat up he saw that Rupert and Daryn had joined Daphne and Neville in their vigil over him.
Harry sighed, "So, how much does everyone know?"
Rupert replied, "Daphne and Neville filled us in on the details of your duel with Malfoy, and Minerva told us about the Order walkout which most likely precipitated Dumbledore's move."
Daryn picked up from there, "The only good thing that came from it is that Dumbledore has been removed as the Headmaster in an emergency meeting of the Board. Also, given the dangerous nature of having Dumbledore and Voldemort running around allowed Amelia to get martial law passed the Wizengamot in the session that was called this morning directly following the notice from the Board and Minerva."
Rupert continued, "The powers granted to her as Minister during martial law allowed her to appeal to the I.C.W. for aid in apprehending Dumbledore and Voldemort. As such Daryn is empowered to act on our soil in a warrior capacity and the Americans are also sending in a dozen of their elite Aurors."
Daphne asked, "How elite?"
Daryn chuckled, "These guys are all Sorcerer Class and the squad leader is about as strong as Harry."
Harry nodded, "Good. We will probably need the help. I have a feeling that as soon as Voldemort knows that Dumbledore isn't here, he will attack. It might be the Ministry, but I have a feeling that knowing that the Prophecy exists will bring him here."
Daphne cleared her throat, "Harry, that's another thing. Do you remember the comment that you made in Diagon Alley about the Prophecy?"
"Sure, I was speculating that the Dark Lord in the Prophecy could be Dumbledore instead of Voldemort, but there is still that thorny little problem of 'mark him as his equal.' Dumbledore has done some really serious stuff to me, but he hasn't marked me to my knowledge."
Neville pointed, "Look at your left shoulder."
Harry pulled the neck of his hospital pajamas down, and saw a starburst shaped scar. He looked up in surprise. Daphne said regretfully, "Madam Pomphrey managed to close the wound, but something about the magic that Dumbledore used wouldn't allow her to do anything about the scar."
Harry sighed, "I guess that means that it really can be him. Although, I think the only way we're going to know for sure is if someone besides me kills one of the two."
Daryn interjected, "Well, if anyone wants to be able to kill Voldemort, we have to get to Nagini, first."
"Given that Voldemort keeps his familiar with him, the only way we're going to get that snake is when he actually commits himself to battle."
Neville nodded, "True, but that means that we need a way to kill it. Not everyone can control Fiendfyre."
Harry looked surprised, and Daphne said, "We figured that he had earned the right to know what was truly going on, so we filled him in while you were unconscious."
"Well, we can always go down into the Chamber of Secrets and get some Basilisk fangs for each of us."
Daryn stood, "Good, the three of you deal with that as soon as Harry is released from the Hospital Wing. Rupert and I have a meeting with Amelia, so she can license the American Aurors to operate on British soil."
The two men waved goodbye and left Hogwarts, picking a very unfortunate time to be gone.
Meanwhile in Little Hangleton, Voldemort had finally decided that the only safe way for him to check on the diadem was to assault Hogwarts. He called his Death Eaters to him, and told them to prepare for the assault. He stood before his servants as they assembled before him, "We have spent the last months fighting a guerrilla war, and that stops now. We will attack Hogwarts, and in one fell swoop destroy my two greatest enemies. Following that, the rest of Britain will fall with ease without their heroes. Each of you have your duties, any who fail me will suffer the brunt of my displeasure. So, it is time for us to show these Mudbloods and Blood Traitors what it truly means to be a wizard." The Death Eaters cheered, and gathered around their Portkeys to depart.
A/N: There are two more chapters of story remaining and then the epilogue which will be short. After that I can get to work on Stress. Happy reading.
Chapter 19
Once Harry was released from Poppy's tender mercy's they headed directly for Myrtle's bathroom. They were intercepted by Hermione and Ginny. Hermione asked, "Where are you going?"
Harry replied, "The Chamber of Secrets."
Ginny paled, "Why?"
"We need to retrieve some fangs from the Basilisk."
Hermione practically shrieked, "What could you possibly need basilisk venom for?"
Neville gave her a dark look, "Hermione, remember what we told you about demanding information."
Hermione took a deep breath, "Can we help?"
Harry nodded, "The two of you can stand watch and be prepared to help us get back out."
Hermione and Ginny nodded with resolve and followed them. Harry used Parseltongue to open the sink, and the three of them slid down into the hole. They made their way down the tunnel and used magic to remove the rubble and clear the passageway. Bubblehead Charms quickly followed as the smell began to grow worse as they neared the Chamber.
After arriving in the Chamber, Harry hurried over to the remains of the basilisk and began pulling fangs and placing them in the pocket of his robes. Neville and Daphne began to poke around, when Neville called out, "Harry, I think you need to see this."
Harry and Daphne hurried over to the corner of the room that Neville was in to see a very large egg. It was pulsing with a faint light. Harry paused in surprise, "That's a phoenix egg. What the heck is doing in the Chamber of Secrets?"
At that moment a split formed down the side of the egg, and then it cracked in two and a magnificent phoenix emerged from the egg. It sprang into the air and made a circle around the three of them in the air and then landed on Harry's shoulder.
Daphne whispered in awe, "It's beautiful."
Harry commented, "It isn't as large as Fawkes. I wonder if its female or just because its young."
Daphne place hands on her hips, "And exactly what is that supposed to mean?"
"Well, dear Daphne, had you paid attention in Hagrid's class, you would know that the female of most species is smaller than the male." He stuck his tongue out to emphasize the childishness of her behavior.
She flushed, "Well, then let's get out of here."
Neville interjected, "No kidding, this place is just plain creepy. I don't know how you managed to hang out down here long enough to kill that thing, Harry."
Harry laughed, as the three of them made their way out of the Chamber and down the passageway. When they got back to the entrance the phoenix sprang from Harry's shoulder back into the air, and offered its tail feathers to him as it hovered before him. Harry wrapped an arm around Daphne's waist, and looked over at Neville, "I suggest you grab on, Neville, we're in for a ride."
The two boys grabbed the tail feathers and the phoenix flew up the chute and let them down to the ground in the girl's bathroom. Hermione asked, "Where did the phoenix come from?"
"We found the egg down in the Chamber. I think it bonded with me, but I'm not sure."
Ginny asked, "What is its name?"
Harry shrugged, "I have no idea. I don't know if I'm supposed to name it, or if it already has one." Suddenly, the phoenix struck Harry at the base of his neck with its beak. Harry recoiled in surprise, and then the wound healed itself without any action by anyone.
Then, Harry could hear a voice in his mind as the phoenix began to sing. He grinned, "The phoenix's name is Whimsy. She just completed the bonding, and she says that we will be companions for life."
A klaxon broke the peace of the moment, and the students looked around in alarm. The phoenix flamed away, and then several second later flamed back, and began to sing. Harry's expression grew grim, "Voldemort and at least a hundred Death Eaters just crossed the outer wards. We have to try to organize a defense. Ginny, find Professor McGonagall and tell her to lock down the castle. Hermione, get the Gryffindor upperclassmen organized, and see to the protection of the lower years. Daphne, head to Professor Flitwick, and have him ready the Ravenclaws that are willing to fight. Neville, to Professor Sprout." He held them long to pass out a fang to each of them. "Remember, if you see Nagini, stab her with a fang. It is the only way to destroy her."
Hermione opened her mouth, but Harry cut her off, "I'll explain later, but we don't have the time. You have work to do. Go." Daphne gave him a quick peck on the lips, and the four of them hurried away. Harry muttered to himself, "What I wouldn't give for the Sword of Gryffindor." Whimsy flamed away as Harry headed for the Entrance Hall, and reappeared moments later holding the sword and its scabbard. Harry grinned, "I could get used to this. Thank you, Whimsy." He took the sword and strapped it to his back, and then continued on his way. He made it to the Entrance Hall just as the doors began sealing themselves.
Shortly thereafter, he was joined by the Professors, and the upperclassmen slowly began to trickle in with wands already drawn. McGonagall began, "I flooed the Ministry just before locking down the castle, but they will have to Apparate outside the wards and make their way across the grounds on foot. The lockdown will buy us a few minutes, but someone of You-Know-Who's power won't take long to bring the doors down."
"A few minutes is all we need, Professor. What did we do with the underclassmen?"
Hermione answered, "I sent a few members of the DA to take them to the Room of Requirement."
"Good. I want everyone to know that if you get a shot at Nagini, take it. That snake is critical to Voldemort's defeat. I've distributed several basilisk fangs, but Fiendfyre will kill it, as well as the Killing Curse."
Sprout gasped, "The Killing Curse is illegal."
Harry replied, "Only on humans. We're talking about a bloody snake. We have to kill that thing to kill Voldemort."
Flitwick paled, "Are you saying that he created a Horcrux?"
"Six, actually, but we've destroyed all the others."
McGonagall looked as if she was going to be sick, "He made six?"
Sprout asked, "What is a Horcrux?"
"We'll explain later. Just know that it is Dark Magic, and we need that snake dead."
At that moment, Voldemort's amplified voice boomed into the castle, "Dumbledore, surrender yourself and Potter and I will allow the rest of the students to live. Refuse and I will exterminate everyone in this castle."
Harry looked at Neville, "He doesn't know that Dumbledore isn't here. I wonder if we can use that to our advantage. If we can keep him looking for Dumbledore, then he might not pay close enough attention to Nagini, and someone can get to her."
Neville nodded, "I'll do my best to get that snake, but first we need a battle plan."
Blaise Zabini stepped up, "I looked out the window, and most of the Death Eaters are just standing around waiting on You-Know-Who. If you would talk to him, then the rest of us could station at windows, and lay down some serious cover fire, and hopefully thin out their numbers."
Harry nodded, "You heard him, people. Find a window, and get ready to fire. I'll delay Tommy-Boy as long as I can, so hopefully the Aurors will get here." Harry headed to the second floor, and kicked out a window to answer Riddle. "Tom, I'm up here." Voldemort looked up, and Harry continued, "We have no intention of surrendering. Dumbledore is getting ready to take you down, and I'm going to send your Death Eaters on to the next great adventure."
Voldemort snarled, "That pathetic fool will never defeat me."
Suddenly, Dumbledore appeared seemingly from nowhere, "Of that we shall see, Tom, and when I am done with you, I will destroy Potter and once again, I will be the greatest wizard alive."
With Voldemort's attention on Dumbledore, Harry hurried away from the window, and screamed, "NOW!" Spellfire erupted from every window, and the battle for Hogwarts began.
Harry quickly found Neville, "I'm going out to try and mix up the fight with Voldemonkey and Dumbledork." He handed the Sword of Gryffindor to Neville, "Use this to stop Nagini, and then you can stab her with the fang. I saw her behind Voldemort on the greenhouse side, if you take the Herbology exit from the castle, you should be able to sneak up behind her."
Neville nodded, "I'll get the snake, Harry. You can count on me."
"I've always known that, Neville. Good hunting."
The two of them parted ways and headed for their tasks. Harry made it to the Entrance Hall, just in time for it to come crashing down, and the Death Eaters poured in and began to engage the Professors, and students of Hogwarts. Harry randomly took a few Death Eaters down, as he made his way out the door to where Voldemort and Dumbledore were exchanging spells. Harry fired off a pattern of Bludgeoning Spells to attempt to take Voldemort off guard, but Voldemort blocked them, and then dove out of the way of Dumbledore's attack.
As Harry advanced on Riddle, he was surprised as Dumbledore attacked him. Harry blocked the spell and spouted, "What the hell are you doing? I knew you were a damn fool, but I didn't know you were crazy."
"I am not crazy, boy. I intend to destroy the both of you, and then my supremacy of Europe will be unchallenged. Dumbledore stopped me long ago, but I will not be defeated this time."
Voldemort took advantage of the shock Harry found himself in to renew his offensive, and the Dark Wizard landed Cutting Curses on both of them. Dumbledore turned to counterattack against Tom, when Harry whipped his wand straight down and launched a wave of force that knocked both of them from their feet. "What are you talking about? You are Dumbledore."
Dumbledore cackled as he climbed back to his feet, "No, boy. I am Gellert Grindelwald. That fool that betrayed me hasn't been in control of this body in years. Voldemort stood, and the three most powerful wizards in Europe began circling each other.
Inside the castle the battle was going poorly for the staff and students, as the Death Eaters slowly pushed them back out of the Entrance Hall and made them split up as they were forced into retreat down corridors, and into classrooms. At the same time, Neville was sneaking up on Nagini, and the Aurors finally arrived from the Ministry.
Daryn was in the lead, and upon noticing the standoff between Dumbledore, Riddle, and Harry ordered, "Into the castle. No one attempt to interfere with that battle. The Aurors nodded and made their way inside to take the battle to the Death Eaters. The relief was apparent on the students' faces as the Aurors attacked the Death Eaters from behind. The Americans being particularly brutal as they used Slashing and Blasting Curses to make certain the Death Eaters would never be able to support another dark wizard.
Daryn stood in the entranceway and managed to keep his eye on both battles. The standoff between the three outside had become a battle to the death as they flung curses back and forth. Daphne ran up to Daryn, "Why aren't you helping him?"
"I dare not. With the uncertainty behind the Prophecy and which of those two it is referring to, I might just make the situation worse. I'll step in if it looks like Harry might lose, but while he's holding his own, I'll not interfere."
"Well, I'm going to help him." Daphne started to march forward, but Daryn reached out and stopped her.
"Daphne, the only thing you will do is distract him, and get both of you killed. Stay put, or I will stun you."
Daphne slumped in defeat, and watched the battle unfold with tears running down her cheeks. Daryn sighed and placed an arm around her shoulders.
Meanwhile, Neville had managed to get to Nagini and opened fire on the snake. Daryn noticed the spell fire out of the corner of his eye, "Come, Daphne. We may not be able to help Harry directly, but we can help Neville take out that snake." She squared her shoulders, and followed Daryn towards Nagini and Neville.
As the tide of the battle within the castle turned and the Aurors and students began subduing the wounded and those that surrendered, while the Americans continued to eradicate all that resisted, Neville's battle was going poorly. Daryn bought him some time with some well placed Bludgeoning Curses, but didn't dare to use Fiendfyre with Neville so close. At the same time, Voldemort screamed at the top of his lungs, "AVADA KEDAVRA!"
Daphne and Daryn turned to see Harry dive out of the way of the curse, but unfortunately that placed him right in the path of a spell cast by Dumbledore. He was knocked several feet, and as he rolled back to his feet, it was obvious he was bleeding from several places. The duel resumed, and Neville used the distraction of the moment to draw the Sword of Gryffindor and slice Nagini in half. Voldemort saw this and summoned Neville to him, as the Horcrux within Nagini screamed as it died.
Another curse from Dumbledore broke Voldemort's concentration, and Neville fell to the ground behind him. The three powerful wizards began circling each other once more, although Harry was more staggering than walking.
Harry commented within the lull, "You're mortal, Voldemort. We got your Horcrux."
Voldemort sneered, "I have more than one, Potter."
Harry grinned, "I know. The locket, the cup, the ring, the diary, and the diadem are all gone."
Voldemort paled, when Grindelwald/Dumbledore spoke, "There is still one more, boy. You are his final Horcrux."
Harry replied, "You are a fool, Grindelwald. I was never a Horcrux. I was merely the victim of an attempted possession. The Americans took care of that for me over the summer."
"You will still die, boy. You have interfered with too many of my plans, and you know my secret. Both of you must perish."
By this point, Voldemort had recovered, and the offensive between the three wizards continued. However, Voldemort made a grave mistake in forgetting about summoning Neville. As he moved past the boy lying on the ground, Neville lunged to his feet and shoved the Sword of Gryffindor through his side, and pierced Tom's heart. This surprised Grindelwald/Dumbledore and Harry used it as a distraction, and managed to nail his left arm with a flaming whip and cut it off. Harry's follow up curses were blocked, and Fawkes appeared, and flamed Dumbledore away from the battle.
Harry slumped down to his knees, and looked over at Tom, who was spitting up blood as he slowly died, "So, Tom, was it worth it? Was your path to power worth all this? You're dieing anyway, so your attempt at immortality failed."
As the last of his life slipped away Tom murmured, "No, it wasn't worth it, but that bastard attempted to ruin my life. What else could I do?" Then, Tom Riddle, also known as Voldemort breathed his last, and was still.
Neville looked at Harry, "I guess that means Dumbledore is the Dark Lord in the Prophecy."
Harry shook his head, "No, not exactly."
Chapter 20
As Harry and Neville talked, Daphne and Daryn rushed over to them. Daphne grabbed Harry in a hug, while Daryn helped Neville to his feet. Daphne asked, "How badly are you hurt, Harry?"
"It isn't that bad. The curse mostly just caused a lot of bruises and several cuts, but none of them are serious. Madam Pomfrey will have me patched up in no time. So, how did the battle inside go?"
Daryn replied, "I don't know, yet. The Aurors were taking command of the battle when Daphne and I came outside to try and help Neville." Daryn called over an Auror and asked for a status report.
The Auror nodded, "The battle is over, but we don't have a count on casualties, yet. However, we should within the next ten to fifteen minutes."
"Good work, Auror. Report when you have the numbers."
Harry sighed, "I just wish this was the end of it."
Daphne rubbed his back, "I know, but since Neville killed Voldemort, that means that Dumbledore is the Dark Lord in your prophecy."
"No, he isn't. That wasn't Dumbledore. He informed me that he was Gellert Grindelwald."
Daryn protested, "That's impossible. Grindelwald's body died, and we have his spirit chambered in America."
"Yes, but you never found his Horcrux, and based on the diary, we know that a Horcrux can possess someone."
Neville asked, "Then what is Grindelwald's Horcrux?"
Harry turned to Daryn, "Didn't you say this summer that Grindelwald claimed that Dumbledore took his wand?"
Daryn paled, "It never occurred to us that someone would make their own wand a Horcrux."
"If you think about it, its actually ingenious. Its an unsuspected object that you always keep with you, and no one would ever question a wizard that was paranoid about keeping their wand safe," mused Daphne.
Harry stood shakily with Daphne's help, "Well, we can plan what we are going to do about the old man, later. Right now, I'm eager to get inside and see how bad the injuries are, and let Madam Pomphrey fix me up, too."
With that being said, the four of them made their way into the castle.
Healers from St. Mungos had been flooed in and were aiding in Madam Pomphrey in dealing with the wounded. Poppy herself sealed Harry's cuts and then told him to rest for at least two hours, and then he could go. Then, she hustled off to help with other patients.
After waiting for a short time, the Auror captain came up to Daryn, "We have the numbers, sir."
Daryn sighed, "Let's hear it."
"At final count there were 117 Death Eaters, 39 of which surrendered. Another 18 were wounded and treated, and 60 were killed. On our side, 11 Aurors were wounded, one critically. We don't know yet if he will live. Among the students, there were 7 casualties, and 22 wounded. 3 of the wounded are bad enough that they may not make it. 4 of the Professors were wounded, and Rubeus Hagrid was killed."
Harry gulped as tears sprang to his eyes, "Do you have a list of the casualties among the students?"
The Auror nodded, and handed over a list. Daphne, and Neville looked over Harry's shoulder to read the list with him. Cho Chang, Blaise Zabini, Katie Bell, Colin Creevey, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Luna Lovegood, and Terry Boot. Daphne wrapped Harry in a hug, and said, "I know this is terrible, Harry, but you did everything that you could do."
Neville clapped him on the back, "Without you, mate, it would have been a lot worse, so don't beat yourself up about it."
A much needed distraction in the form of one Hermione Granger came rushing up. Unfortunately, her tiding were anything but good, "Harry, Ginny was hurt badly. They don't think she's going to make it. Mr. Weasley, Bill and the twins are with her."
Harry got up and followed her over to Ginny's bed. He grabbed a healer along the way and asked, "What is the problem? Why can't she be healed?"
The healer replied, "She has a cut that was caused by some kind of Dark Magic, and we can't make it seal. We've given her the maximum amount of Blood Replenisher that we can, so as soon as she loses enough blood, its over. There's nothing that we can do."
Suddenly, Whimsy burst into the room in a flash of flame, and landed beside Ginny. Bill wasted no time, and pulled the covers back revealing the cut, and removed the bandages to give the phoenix access. Whimsy began to sing, and then dripped tears onto the wound and it began to seal."
Harry turned to the healer, "How about now?"
"If the cut is sealed, then she should be fine."
Mr. Weasley was bent over his daughter crying, as he looked up at the phoenix, "Thank you, and thank your bonded for me."
The phoenix trilled, and then sprang into the air and landed on Harry's shoulder. Bill asked, "When did you get a phoenix, Harry?"
"Earlier today." Then, he looked at Whimsy, "Can you help anyone else, Whimsy?"
The phoenix trilled again, and then flew out over the Hospital Wing dispensing tears and song to the rest of the wounded. The healers raced around following the bird to make certain their patients were dealt with.
The next day in a session of the Wizengamot, Lord Lestrange was leading the crusade to have the American Aurors arrested for using such brutal tactics against Purebloods. Harry stood calmly, "Lord Lestrange, you cannot detain the American Aurors, despite what you believe about Pureblood superiority. They were duly authorized by the Minister of Magic to operate on British soil."
Another member of the Dark faction protested, "She didn't have the authority to sanction the killing of upstanding Purebloods."
Rupert responded to this, "Yes, she did. This body declared martial law, and awarded her that power. You can't complain about the results of such action after the fact."
Lord Lestrange stood again, "Then, I call for a vote of No Confidence against Minister of Magic, Amelia Bones." The vote was cast, and it wasn't even close. Only 43 votes were cast for the proposal.
Harry stood up, again, "Now that we're through with his infantile posturing, we can actually discuss what we are here for, and that is the apprehension of Dumbledore."
Amelia sent for Daryn, and he entered the room to speak before the Wizengamot. The Darks decided to make one more push to have their way, and Lord Lestrange stood, "How do we know that Albus Dumbledore was the perpetrator, here. It is well known that Dumbledore possesses a phoenix."
Two phoenixes burst into the room, and one landed on Harry's shoulder, while the other landed on Daryn's. Amelia looked at Lord Lestrange, "You were saying?"
The Darks finally backed down as they realized their agenda was not going to come to fruition. Any further support for the Death Eaters could very well see them removed from power within the Wizengamot. It was decided that the American Aurors would continue to remain in Britain, and help with the search for Albus Dumbledore.
After the meeting, Daryn pulled the American Aurors aside, "If you find Dumbledore, do not engage him unless it is absolutely necessary. There is a Prophecy that states that Harry is the only one that can defeat him, and I don't want to put that to the test. Summon us if you find him." The Aurors all nodded and then departed on their mission.
Harry and Rupert entered with Amelia. Harry nodded to Daryn, "So, did you tell them?"
Daryn nodded, "Yes, I informed them of the Prophecy. That means that outside this room only they and the rest of our family know along with Neville."
Amelia intoned, "That is how it must stay. I don't even want to think about what might happen if Lestrange and his ilk got their hands on the information that Grindelwald isn't dead."
"Hopefully, the Aurors will find him soon, and this will all be over with," said Harry.
The next couple of months passed at Hogwarts with no word of Dumbledore, and then finally Harry received a message from Daryn that he had been located. Harry walked over to Daphne and allowed her to read the note before vanishing it. He gave her a pointed look, "I have to go."
She nodded, "I know. Come back to me."
"Of that you can be certain." He gave her a quick kiss and then made his way out the door. Daphne went to Professor McGonagall to inform her of Harry's destination and absence.
Harry met up with Daryn at the edge of the wards, and asked, "So, where are we going?"
"He's holed up in a cottage that was purchased years ago in Arianna's name. You won't have much time to actually take him out, or he will flee again, because phoenix wards don't hold for long, even when cast at my level."
"Understood." He grabbed onto Daryn's arm, and the two of them Apparated away.
The Auror captain came up to them as they arrived, and said, "We're prepared to try shooting down his phoenix, once the ward collapses, but that is all we can do."
Harry drew his wand, "Thank you for all your help, but it is time for me to end this." He walked up to the cottage, "Grindlewald, its time. Come out."
Dumbledore/Grindelwald exited the cottage with his wand already in hand. He called out, "Phoenix wards. It seems that you desire to kill me."
"I just don't want you running away. I don't desire to kill you, but you have made it necessary. There isn't a prison in Europe that could hold you, and the Purebloods would never allow us to turn you over to the Americans."
"Very well, then. Prepare to meet your end, Potter."
The two of them both began offensively with Blasting Curses and were forced to dive sideways to avoid the curses, and then the duel began in earnest. For several minutes, neither could gain an advantage, but then Dumbledore/Grindelwald landed a Cutting Curse and then followed it with a barrage of Bludgeoning Curses that took Harry down. He chuckled darkly, "It seems that your power is somewhat overvalued. I have been dueling for years. You will never beat me based on power, especially since I am more powerful. While I cannot exercise all of my power in Dumbledore's body, I do have access to most of it, and that is enough to destroy you."
As he gloated Harry was unobtrusively summoning a boulder from behind him, and it struck Grindelwald in the back and knocked him to his knees. Harry followed this with a volley of curses that wounded Grindelwald before he could regain his feet and continue the duel. After several more exchanges, Harry slowly began to go more and more on the offensive, and Fawkes flamed into the area, to help him escape, but it was not to be.
The Auror captain demonstrated some remarkable reflexes and nailed the bird with a curse that forced a Burning Day. Harry smiled at Grindelwald, "It seems that you won't be using Dumbledore's phoenix to escape."
Grindelwald snorted, "Fawkes was mine, not Dumbledore's. He never attracted a phoenix. If he had it wouldn't have stayed loyal to me after I possessed him."
"It doesn't matter. I'm going to destroy you either way." The duel resumed, and Grindelwald finally began hurling Killing and Cruciatus Curses at Harry. A Cruciatus connected and Harry fell to the ground in pain. Daryn intervened by lobbing a Bludgeoning Curse at Grindelwald that broke the Cruciatus as he deflected it. Harry wasted no time in taking advantage of the lapse, and launched a burst of Fiendfyre that consumed Grindelwald's right forearm, wand, and hand. A horrifying scream was heard as the wand was destroyed.
Harry stepped over to the fallen body, when it began to speak, "Thank you, my boy. I have been under his control for so long, I had forgotten what it was to speak to someone."
Harry replied neutrally, "Dumbledore. We will get you some medical attention."
Dumbledore shook his head, "No, prolonged possession of that nature has damaged my magical core beyond repair. I wouldn't survive long even with a Healer. Let me die, now. I have no desire to live any longer. If I hadn't interfered with my fate, then none of this would have happened."
"What do you mean?"
I bound Riddle's core because of a Prophecy, that I thought was about him as a Dark Lord. Unfortunately, the Prophecy was about Grindelwald, and I just didn't allow myself to see it until it was too late. Tom Riddle would have been our savior, if I hadn't interfered and sent him down a dark path in desperation for a solution for what I had done to him. I will accept my death with the knowledge that most of this can be laid at my feet." These were the last words spoken by Albus Dumbledore as his eyes rolled up in his head, and he lost consciousness. He died a few minutes later.
Harry turned to Daryn, "Will the Aurors take care of things?"
Daryn nodded, "I'm sure Amelia and Rufus will want to talk to you about it in the coming days, but for now, let's get you back to Daphne." With that the two of them Apparated away.
A/N: All that remains is the epilogue, and Wizarding Savior will come to a close. Happy reading.
Chapter 21
Wizarding Savior?
Epilogue
Harry returned to Hogwarts, and Daryn went to find Daphne as Harry headed for the Hospital Wing. Daphne met up with him there, with Neville, Hermione, and Ginny in tow. He was sitting on a bed in hospital wing pajamas.
Daphne curled up next to him, and asked, "How long are you confined?"
Harry grinned, "Just tonight. Hopefully, I might get lucky, and this will be my last visit for the year."
A snort came from the background, "I will believe that when I see it, Mr. Potter."
The four teens sat around chatting with Harry until Pomphrey practically pushed them out of the Hospital Wing.
The next day Harry had meetings with the Ministry, where Amelia, Rufus, and Amos Diggory were all informed of what really happened, while the story that would be spun for the press and the masses was hammered out. Harry and Neville were both awarded with medals for their defeat of the two dark lords, and the two of them went on to have a dramatic impact on the wizarding world through their lordships in the Wizengamot.
Twenty years after the defeat of both Dumbledore and Voldemort, Daphne and Harry stood on the platform to Kings Cross as their children left on the train, the youngest of which was a first year.
Harry turned to Daphne, "So, when you saw me in that corridor that night, could you have imagined that things would have happened as they did?"
Daphne leaned her head on his shoulder, "No, but I wouldn't have it any other way, because I got you out of the deal."
Harry reflected back on the occurrences of the last twenty years. Hermione became the first Muggle Born Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, Ginny played Quidditch for the Harpies, Neville was now Chief Warlock, and Harry was easily the most influential member of the Wizengamot, after Draco Malfoy attempted to overthrow the government, and Harry defeated him and claimed the Malfoy seats through right of conquest. This led to the introduction of elected seats on the Wizengamot, and slowly but surely, Harry and Neville were bringing true democracy to the wizarding world. Daphne was now the Potions Mistress at Hogwarts, and Bill Weasley was Minister of Magic.
Molly and Ron No Name had disappeared from wizarding society shortly after Ron's expulsion, and no one made any real effort to find them. The Weasley, Potter, and Longbottom clan certainly didn't mind their absence from the lives of the happy clan.
A/N: Thus brings an end to Wizarding Savior. I have enjoyed the interaction with my reviewers, over the last seven weeks, and I look forward to more as I begin to re-work and continue Stress. Happy reading.