Chapter 17
Luna remained quiet and withdrawn, which clashed with the upcoming holiday break joy everyone else was feeling. Harry promised that he and Hermione would let her stay in Grimmauld Place with Sirius and Remus. She was thankful for this, but asked Harry if she could visit her father and Harry agreed. Soon the holidays came and Harry and Hermione were with their friends settled into a compartment. Luna was cuddled up in Neville's lap and Hermione was sitting in Harry's.
"I really need a boyfriend" Susan grumbled.
Daphne just laughed, which eased the tense in the compartment and everyone else smiled, though Luna's was a very weak one.
The ride back was peaceful, which was a nice change for them. Once they got to the station Harry and Hermione along with Neville helped Luna off. They met the adults and after most of them left Harry, Hermione and Luna left with Sirius to St. Mungo's.
When Luna got to the room that her father was in she broke down. Harry and Hermione had to help her up and move her forward. According to healers, Xeno had been under the Cruciatus curse, but not as long as the Longbottoms, so there was a chance that he could recover. What they didn't know is how fast he would recover and when he did what he'd be like. They had given him the Living Draught to help the healing process.
"Do you want to go now Luna?" Harry asked.
Luna could only nod and Harry wrapped an arm around Luna and pulled her away. Hermione was on the other side and helped Harry get Luna moving. Sirius felt for the little blond who was always so quirky and unpredictable, but now looked like a pale sheet and lifeless.
They left St. Mungo's and got to Grimmauld Place. Where Luna would be staying until further notice. Hermione helped Luna to her room while Harry and Sirius went to the kitchen.
"I want that bitch's head on a pike" Harry snarled.
"I feel the same Harry, but I'm sure Neville will want first dibs" Sirius said as he poured them both a cup of tea.
Harry nodded since he knew that Neville had more of a vendetta against Bellatrix than he did. Still he thought of Luna as his little sister and he didn't like anyone harming his family.
Hermione entered the kitchen looking tired and worn.
"How are you holding up Hermione?" Sirius asked.
"Alright, but this Christmas is not going to be very cheerful" Hermione said sitting down.
"No, but we can't let this destroy our Christmas. That's what he wants and we can't give it to him" Sirius said.
"What are we to do Sirius?" Hermione asked.
"We're going to celebrate Hermione" Sirius said.
"How?" Harry asked.
"Leave that up to me" Sirius said with a smile.
Harry and Hermione didn't like that smile the old marauder was sporting.
/Scene Break/
Late that night Sirius got together with Remus and they began to plan the greatest Christmas ever. They knew that everyone needed this to help uplift their spirits. So they looked into every muggle and magical tradition for Christmas they could find and figure out a way they could implement them.
"Padfoot, I know that we should do this, but don't you think we're going a little overboard?" Remus asked.
"Nonsense Moony, this will be the best Christmas ever" Sirius said.
Remus sighed, he knew that it would take hell and high water to change Sirius' mind. So it was best to go along with it or just get out if the way.
/Scene Break/
Harry and Hermione did their best trying to cheer Luna up. Neville even came over and stayed with Luna to keep her company. It broke everyone's heart to see her like this. No longer was she smiling or jumping in with facts about her creatures. She was silent and withdrawn. She had to be taken downstairs so she could eat. Harry and Hermione feared what would happened to Luna if her father died. They knew it would break her.
"I'm so worried Harry, she hasn't said a thing since we got here" Hermione said.
"I know Mione, but I don't know what else we can do. We've been doing all we can to help her" Harry said as he ran a hand through his hair.
"There has to be more we can do, maybe I can ask my parents, they might know" Hermione suggested.
"Okay, send them an owl" Harry said.
Hermione rushed off to write her letter.
Harry sighed and looked out the window at the falling snow.
/Scene Break/
Four days before Christmas Sirius rousted everyone out of bed early in the morning.
"Bloody hell Sirius, it's five in the morning" Harry said rubbing his eyes.
"I know, but we have a lot to do today" Sirius said cheerfully.
Hermione and Harry woke up and had leery expressions on their faces.
"Off we go" Sirius said cheerfully.
Sirius led them out to a tree lot where they'd pick out a tree.
"We got to find the biggest tree ever" he said before letting them go and search.
Harry and Hermione wandered around with Luna in-between them.
"What about this one Luna, you think this is what Sirius wanted?" Harry asked.
Luna looked up and sighed.
"I don't know Harry" she said sadly.
Harry felt a bit deflated. He tried, but failed to help Luna.
Hermione took Luna's hand and dragged her along.
"Come on Luna, we can't have Sirius pick the tree. He'd get a horrid looking one" she said.
Luna followed along, but said nothing.
It took several hours and six different tree lots, but they finally found the perfect tree. Once they got it back Remus and Sirius hauled out the decorations.
"Come on, now it's time to decorate" Sirius said.
Harry, Hermione, and Remus got to work, but Luna sat there looking despondent. Sirius walked over and put a Santa hat on Luna's head.
"There, now you're more in the spirit" he said happily.
Luna looked up then touched the hat that was on her head. She then looked at the others and how they were decorating the tree. Hermione was directing everyone on where to put what ornament. Sirius was ignoring Hermione and placing wherever he thought looked good only for Hermione to move the ornament and place it somewhere else. Remus and Harry seemed to be amused by this. Harry was also trying to decorate Hermione as much as he was the tree, which made Hermione irate, but you could see she was just pretending. Remus would every once and a while hover a piece of mistletoe over the couple and have them kiss, which they seemed to enjoy even though they blushed every time.
This made Luna smile slightly at the scene. She then looked down and decided it was time to pull herself out her funk. She got up and pulled out her wand. Without anyone noticing her she flicked her wand and caused a piece of silver tinsel float in the air. She formed it into a circle, which she made glow and had it hover over top of Sirius's head. Whenever he moved so did the glowing circle.
Hermione was the first to notice and she burst out giggling. This caused everyone to look at her. She just pointed and Harry and Remus saw that Sirius had a glowing circle hovering over his head and they began cracking up.
"What's so funny?" Sirius asked perplexed.
"Sirius, you, you got a, a, a" Hermione said through her giggles.
"A what, what do I have?" Sirius asked now getting a bit angry.
"You've got a halo, Padfoot" Remus said grinning.
Sirius looked up and saw that his old friend was right, but he had no idea who did it.
"I believe it looks quite charming."
This made everyone turn and found Luna standing there smiling. Her first real smile in sometime.
"You did that Luna?" Harry asked.
Luna just nodded.
Hermione was the first to get to Luna and pulled the lithe blond into one of her patent hugs.
"It's great have you back Luna" she said happily.
"Thank you Hermione, but I didn't go anywhere. At least I don't think I have" Luna said then stuck out her bottom lip and cocked her head to the side in thought.
"Come on Luna, let's finish this tree" Harry said smiling.
Luna skipped right to the tree and helped decorate it. Later that night they had Susan, Neville and Daphne over. The three were quite happy that Luna was back. Neville snogged Luna immensely.
"If that is the greeting I get for every time I return then I should leave more often" Luna commented.
Everyone laughed at this and enjoyed the cookies that were around.
/Scene Break/
The next day everyone decided they'd go out shopping to pick out whatever they were missing on their lists. It wasn't very hard to do since everyone had their lists. They first went to Diagon Alley to do their shopping then after that they went onto the muggle side to do the rest of their shopping. Once done they were exhausted and were lying in the living room.
"I am never shopping like that again" Neville said with exhaustion.
"Ditto" Harry said tiredly.
"I thought it was quite fun" Luna said as she perched herself on Neville's lap.
"You didn't have to carry a load of bags dear" Neville said.
"We didn't ask you to carry them, you insisted" Luna shot back smirking.
Neville was about to retort when he found that Luna was right. He just took the bags from the girls without a word. But he needed someone to blame so he decided to blame Harry.
"I was just following Harry's lead" he said.
"What, I never told you to help with the bags" Harry said shocked.
"Yeah, but you carried all of Hermione's" Neville said.
"She's my girlfriend, it's a boyfriend's job to carry her bags" Harry said.
"Yeah, and I get my advice on how to treat my girlfriend from you, so it is your fault" Neville said.
Harry sat there shocked, which in turned made Hermione and Luna laugh so hard that they fell out of their seats.
Chapter 18
As Christmas drew near the excitement in Grimmauld Place was thick with anticipation. Sirius and Remus seemed to have gone all out and the whole house was decorated with Christmas that it looked like someone vomit up the whole winter wonderland on the house. But it didn't seem to bother anyone since it brighten everyone's mood. Luna was back to normal (well normal for Luna) and was humming Christmas tunes she had heard Hermione sing during the day. The little blond had gone to Hermione's home and spent time with the Grangers and learned many Christmas tunes and seemed to have gotten addicted to them.
She was currently humming 'All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth' as she walked along playing with the garland that was strung about.
"Hey Luna" Harry greeted.
"Hello Harry, do you know that you have mistletoe hanging over your head?" Luna said smiling.
"Huh" Harry said then looked up.
Harry then waved his wand and it disappeared only for it to reappear a second later.
"Sirius keeps tagging me with mistletoe and it won't go away until I kiss Hermione" Harry muttered.
"And that's bad why?" Luna asked curiously.
Because he never stops" Harry said with a bit of a whine in his voice.
Luna looked perplexed at this since she knew that Harry liked kissing Hermione so why was he annoyed by Sirius' little ploy.
"Okay, anyway I still need a gift for Neville. Can you help me?" Luna asked.
"Sure" Harry said.
Harry and Luna went into the den and discussed what to get Neville.
/Scene Break/
Christmas Eve and Sirius was in full Christmas spirit. He was decked out like one of Santa's helpers with a bell on the end of his cap and bells on the end of his boots. They jingled and jangled every time he moved, which he did frequently much to everyone's dismay.
"Sirius, you will you stop that or I'll hex you" Hermione said with a growl.
"But Mione, it's Christmas" Sirius said cheerfully.
Hermione sighed and rested her head onto her hands.
Harry felt for his girlfriend and wrapped an arm around her.
Luna however was enjoying the noise and did what she could to keep Sirius moving. She even got into firing hexes at the marauder's feet to make him dance. This caused everyone to laugh at the dancing oversize elf.
"Very funny guys" Sirius said with a grumble as he continued to dance.
"Ah come on Sirius, it's Christmas" Hermione said teasingly.
Sirius pouted, but that made everyone laugh louder.
/Scene Break/
The rest of the holiday season went well with a great Christmas Day followed by a very pleasant New Years. It seemed that Voldemort had taken the holiday off, but the others felt like he was planning something big. Soon it was time to return to Hogwarts and with final hugs and kisses they boarded the train.
Harry, Hermione, Susan, Neville, Luna, and Daphne were all in the same compartment and were chatting about the new term. Susan was groused a bit about not having a boyfriend. But the good feeling soon ended when their compartment door opened.
"Well if it isn't Potty and his group of rejects" Malfoy sneered.
It seemed that Malfoy was fully healed and was arrogant as ever.
"What are you doing here Malfoy?" Daphne asked.
"My father had a talk with a few people and persuaded them to keep me in school" Malfoy said smugly.
"Translation: his father bribed, threaten, and/or hexed his son back to school" Susan said.
Malfoy glared at Susan.
"Quiet traitor, you'll get yours soon" the blond boy sneered.
Susan just rolled her eyes.
"Malfoy leave, you have no power at all since your godfather is no longer around to protect you" Harry said.
Malfoy glared at Harry then exited the compartment.
"This might not be good Harry. We should watch our back who knows what Malfoy will do" Hermione said.
"I agree" Luna said.
Daphne just nodded her agreement.
"Alright, but don't retaliate unless he attacks first" Harry said.
The others all agreed on this and they settled back in their seats wondering what things might happen.
/Scene Break/
The appearance of Malfoy sitting at the Slytherin table brought out a lot of murmurings and speculations. But that all ended when Dumbledore stood up at the podium.
"I hope you all had a restful break and ready to take on a new term. As you can see we have a new potions professor. Let me introduce to you professor Eileen Maxwell. She is from America and highly respected in America as an innovative potion mistress" Dumbledore said.
A polite applause sounded for the new professor.
"The head of Slytherin house is now professor Aurora Sinistra, she used to be Slytherin during her school days. I hope you treat her with the same respect as your previous head of house" Dumbledore said.
That ended the announcements and he sat back down. This meant it was time to leave the hall and head to their dorms.
/Scene Break/
Later that night Harry had a meeting and Adrian was very upset with Malfoy being back in school.
"That little snot is back here. He should be rotting in a cell in Azkaban" Adrian said with a snarl.
"I agree with you on this one Adrian, I will see what happened on my side and find how he slipped through the cracks" Amelia said.
"Thank you Amelia" Adrian said now a bit calmer.
Amelia nodded.
The rest of the meeting was spent working out strategy and how to get more money for the DMLE.
/Scene Break/
The term started off like any other though having Malfoy strut the halls made some students on edge while others were wondering how the blond Slytherin was still here. As for Daphne, she seemed to have acquired bodyguards from the other houses. They seemed to think she needed protecting. This annoyed the Slytherin slightly since she knew she could take care of herself.
"I wish they'd leave me alone" Daphne griped during lunch.
She and the others were sitting at the Hufflepuff table.
"Come on Daph, this has got to be some kind of strange phenomenon. I mean I've never seen the other house protect a Slytherin before" Neville said.
"They'll probably doing it to get in Harry's good book" Susan said.
"Yeah, maybe, but it is still nice to see some school unity" Hermione said.
The others had to agree with this.
Soon the days started to go by fast. Harry and his friends except for Luna were busy working on studying for their O.W.L's due to Hermione's pushing, but it was thanks to Harry that her push was a hard shove, but a gentle push. They studied at their leisure and took breaks when needed, though Harry had to pull away Hermione often then anyone else.
/Scene Break/
They found out that Lucius had paid out some big money to keep his son from facing any charges and for getting him back into Hogwarts. Dumbledore was backed into a corner and was threaten of being booted from his headmaster position if he didn't take Malfoy back in. Now Dumbledore didn't tell them what blackmail Lucius had on him, but they knew it had to be serious for Dumbledore to fold so easily. Though Malfoy was kept on a short leash and practically every staff member and student kept a close eye on the Malfoy scion.
/Scene Break/
Training continued for everyone and they all seemed to be getting better. Harry began adding in simulation battles so the students could get used to battlefield conditions. He was pleased that everyone was working on, but knew that this wasn't a substitute for the real thing.
Days passed on and no new attacks have been reported, which was a good thing, but it also made Harry very uneasy since he felt that Voldemort was planning something big.
/Scene Break/
"My lord everything is going according to plan" a Death Eater said.
"Good, and our spies are still concealed?" Voldemort asked.
"Yes master, everyone is keeping an eye on young Malfoy to see anything else" the Death Eater said.
"Good, very good" Voldemort said smiling sinisterly.
The Death Eater bowed and left.
"Soon the entire world will know my true power" Voldemort said as he cackled.
/Scene Break/
"Harry, I know that you're worried about an attack by Voldemort, but you can let that worry plague you" Sirius said.
Harry sighed as he ran a hand through his hair.
"I know Sirius, but I just have this really bad feeling" he said.
"Harry, if an attack happens then it happens. We can only prepare and wait" Sirius said sagely.
"When did you become so wise Padfoot?" Remus asked smirking.
"Hey, I'm wise" Sirius said petulantly.
"Yeah, as wise as a mutt can be" Remus said.
Harry laughed at this. This was what he needed. Sirius and Remus was there talking to him because Hermione had called them. She hoped that they could shake Harry out his funk he was in. It looked like it worked because soon Harry was laughing as Sirius and Remus told tales of their time in Hogwarts and the pranks they did. This lighten Hermione's heart when she entered Harry's quarters.
/Scene Break/
Exams were closing in and the castle was tense with anxiety. Hermione was drilling all of her friends on things that would be on the test. Her friends appeased her to a certain extent, but knew when to draw the line. They were al ready and prepared for their O.W.L's. That's when Voldemort made his move.
End of Chapter
A/N: That's the end of this chap. This will be my second to last chap of this one. I felt the need to end this one since I was running of steam and I felt it was time to draw it to a close. Thanks for reading and please review.
Chapter 19: the Final Battle and Epilogue
Voldemort had gathered all of his forces for his assault on Hogwarts. He had giants, Dementors and his loyal Death Eaters. He knew if he could overwhelm the castle then they'd have to surrender. Mainly because they had students there and would fear for them. Yes, the plan was perfect. He didn't care about Potter's little army he had. That would be easily dealt with. According to his spies the group was not very organized. He was going savor this moment where he'd take down his two main enemies at once. When the battle ends both Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter will be no more.
/Scene Break/
The first day of exams had just been taken and a lot of the students just wanted to relax. But a violent shaking broke that. Many of the students had fallen to the floor from the shaking and were now wondering what was going on. They got their answer from an announcement.
"All students please return to your dorms immediately!"
Many students went to their dorms except for ones who felt a certain galleon begin to burn in their pockets. They left quickly to the meeting area. There they found Harry standing there looking very alert. By his side was Hermione, who was looking over something along with Daphne. Neville was pacing back and forth. Luna was sitting in a chair swinging her legs without a care in the world. Susan looked very serious as she kept checking her wand. Hermione tapped Harry on the shoulder letting him know that everyone was there.
"I'm glad you all could make it. Voldemort is attacking Hogwarts as I speak" Harry said.
Gasps were heard.
"That was the shaking you felt before. He and other Death Eaters are attacking the wards. The wards are still holding, but for how long I have no idea. Now I know I trained you all, but if anyone of you wants to leave now Then go. I will not hold it against you" Harry said.
No one moved a muscle. This made Harry smiled a bit.
"Good, Dumbledore's Order is here also and with them we are coordinating attack plans. Go to Hermione and Daphne for your assignments" Harry said.
Soon movement was made and students, no warriors began to find out what and where they'd be defending. They were well organized and soon everyone was ready.
"Before you all go I want to wish you all the best of luck and that I am very proud of you all. With that I want to remind you all to fight with all your heart. You will be shown no mercy with the Death Eaters. They are here to torture and kill they will not give you any mercy whatsoever," Harry said.
Every student nodded, they all had grim looks of their faces.
/Scene Break/
Voldemort finally made it through the wards and was pleased at the open field in front of him. This was going to easier than he thought. He began striding forward like he already owned the castle when all of the sudden some of the giants leading the way fell into pit traps. You could hear them roaring in pain and one of the Death Eaters who were close by the giants fell in also. In the pits were sharpened pikes. Voldemort was a bit amused by this and was somewhat happy that there was going to be a fight. He'd hate to just storm in without any opposition.
/Scene Break/
"Harry, we just got word that giants have fallen into some of our traps" Susan said.
"Good, that should help us some" Harry said.
"Giants" one of the DA members said stunned.
"Yeah, looks like Voldemort is going all out on this" Harry said with a sigh.
"Everyone get to where you are supposed to be then wait for the signal" Hermione said taking charge.
This got everyone moving until the only ones left were Harry, Hermione, Susan, Daphne, Neville, and Luna.
/Scene Break/
Dumbledore had the Order gathered and what he could get from the auror corp. in his office. It wasn't many, but there were ones who volunteered. Dumbledore rose and stared at those waiting for him. He looked at every single one and saw that there was a mix of emotions on display. Some were scared, others were anxious, but all had determination in their eyes. This lighten the old wizard's heart a bit.
"My friends, today is the day I feared of. Voldemort has decided to strike Hogwarts. We must do our best to defend this school as we know that if Hogwarts falls the Ministry will fall next. We must not let that happen. Together along with select students here will defend the castle," the aged headmaster said, "I wish you all the best and want to thank you for what you've all sacrificed."
/Scene Break/
Many of the giants were lost in the pit traps, but the Dementors were coming and soon they were reaching the castle when several Patronuses met them. A large stag, an otter, a bear, an asp, a badger, a hare, and a phoenix appeared and stopped the Dementors cold. Soon the seven silver animals charged at the cloaked figures and all you could hear was the horrible screams on agony when one of the silver animals attacked a Dementor. The remaining Dementors fled for their lives leaving only the Death Eaters and Voldemort standing.
Voldemort glared and ordered his Death Eaters to attack anyways. There was hesitancy and Voldemort killed one of his own to motivate the others. Soon the Death Eaters charged at the castle.
/Scene Break/
Meanwhile Harry and the others watched. They were drained slightly from their patronuses, but they trained a lot so they could hold their patronus for a long period of time.
"Well that takes care of the heavy hitters, now all that is left are they Death Eaters" Neville said wiping the sweat from his brow.
"Still best be careful, Death Eaters throw a lot dark curses without hesitation," Daphne said.
The others agreed.
"Well then, the rest is left for the DA, Order and aurors" Susan said.
"We should help them," Neville said.
"We will Neville, but we've got to rest a bit. Those patronuses took a lot out of us and we'd be no good at half strength," Luna said.
Neville sighed and nodded.
/Scene Break/
Soon the Death Eaters met resistance in the form of the Hogwarts students, the Order and some aurors. The battle was on and hexes were flying everywhere. Hermione and Daphne had grouped students together so each member of the group had strength in something like charms, transfiguration, and healing. They worked in these groups and watched one another's back at all times, just like practiced.
The Order and aurors were taking on more of the senior members of the Death Eaters, but still were having trouble with them. Mainly because the aurors weren't using spells to cause injuries to their opponent, the same with the Order. The DA were taking down Death Eaters and made sure they stayed down.
/Scene Break/
Meanwhile the professors had gathered all the students who were not in the fight and placed in the Great Hall. They then left Professors Sinistra, Burbage, and Trelawney in charge while they went to help the defenders. When the professors entered the fight the momentum swayed in favor of the light. But soon Voldemort appeared and began hexing everyone insight.
Dumbledore took this as his cue and entered the fray facing off against Voldemort. Harry and the others also joined the battle and helped the DA fight back the Death Eaters. Susan, Neville, Luna, and Daphne worked together in taking down Death Eaters. Harry and Hermione were their own team and were doing well on their own.
/Scene Break/
"You can't destroy me Dumbledore" Voldemort taunted as he shot a stream of fire from his wand.
Dumbledore blocked it with a giant piece of ice.
"No I can't Tom, but I can tire you out" Dumbledore said as he fired silver spears out of his wand.
"Potter is no match against me, even if you do succeed" Voldemort said arrogantly as he created a silver shield that had the Slytherin emblem on it to block the spears.
"We shall see Tom, we shall see" Dumbledore said.
Voldemort hissed and fired off another hex and Dumbledore twirled out of the way. Showing that he may look quite old, but he still could move quickly.
"Admit defeat Dumbledore. I'm far superior" Voldemort said as he fired off several dark curses in a row.
Dumbledore blocked them all, but knew he was tiring. He wasn't as strong as he once was. The Patronus he did early didn't help any either. Unlike Harry and the others who regained most of their magic after a short rest he needed more given his age. And both he and Tom knew that. He just needed to buy as much time in hopes to have weaken Tom enough so Harry can finish the job.
/Scene Break/
Meanwhile the battle was going on neither side had the advantage. Susan had a broken leg, but refused to leave her friends, so Hannah, who saw her friend in pain, rushed over from her group and healed her. Susan thanked her than went back to fighting with Hannah going back to her group to help out. Luna had scratches on her face from flying shrapnel, but otherwise doing fine. Neville was leading the charge for the DA and kept pushing the Death Eaters back.
The Order was now straggling since they had restricted numbers and had to count on the students to do the bulk of the fighting. They did provide support for them, as did the professors and aurors there.
The Death Eaters were amazed how their opposition was faring. They thought this would be a walk in the park and would have time to torture blood traitors and Mudbloods. But no, they were fighting for their lives. Most Death Eaters had no real experience when their victims fought back. They relied on scare tactics mostly and most couldn't throw up a decent shield up. While most used Unforgivables, which took a lot of magic to use and drained them considerable.
/Scene Break/
Dumbledore and Voldemort fought on both using every spell in their arsenal as they tried to outdo the other. It was an amazing sight if there had been an audience. But most were focused on their own battles to see the spectacular battle going on near them.
"Just admit defeat old man, you're finished" Voldemort sneered as he fired off a dark curse.
Dumbledore was very tired and was unable to put up a shield in time, but was save by a conjured piece of furniture.
"Potter" Voldemort hissed.
"Hey Tommy, I thought you forgot all about me" Harry said cheerfully.
Hermione sighed at her boyfriend's cheerfulness at this time.
"I've not forgotten about you Potter. And what's this, ah the Mudblood whom you love. I'm going to enjoy her very soon" Voldemort said with a sneer.
Harry's eyes harden, "you'll not touch her Tom."
Voldemort fired of a Cruciatus at Hermione, but she dodged it and fired off a hex of her own. Voldemort easily blocked it.
"Pathetic" he sneered.
"Really Tom, you must've taught Snape that sneer since he did the same" Harry taunted and fired off a Reducto.
Voldemort flicked the spell aside and focused on Harry.
"Once I'm done with you Potter, nothing will stand in my way," the dark lord crowed.
"Geez Tom, counting your eggs before they hatch. Arrogant much?" Harry said.
This infuriated Voldemort and he began firing curse after curse at Harry, who dodged all of them. While that was going on Hermione got to Dumbledore.
"Are you alright?" she asked.
"Yes I am Miss Granger, though I realize I am not as young as I used to be" Dumbledore said.
"Come on, I'll take you to safety" Hermione said.
"No, you must be here for Harry. He's going to need you to defeat Tom. I'll make it back on my own," Dumbledore said firmly.
Hermione looked ready to argue, but the look in Dumbledore's eyes told her that she wasn't going to win this one.
"Alright, but be careful sir. We will need your help after this" Hermione said.
"Of course Miss Granger, and good luck" Dumbledore said then left.
Hermione rushed back to Harry's side.
/Scene Break/
"Well lookie here, little Nevie poo has grown up" Bellatrix said in a childish tone.
Neville froze for a second upon hearing Bellatrix's voice, but Luna gripped his arm, which made him return to normal.
"This one's for you Luna" he said then pecked his girlfriend on the lips.
Neville came forward and faced off against Bellatrix. The two exchanged taunts and spell-fire with one another. Neville knew that he had no chance against the cackling Death Eater.
"Ready to join your parents Nevie poo" she cackled.
Neville didn't have a chance as Bellatrix fired off a Cruciatus at him. He braced himself for pain, but felt none. When he opened his eyes he found that Luna had conjured a table and used it to protect him.
"Oh, this gets better Nevie poo is saved by the loon" Bellatrix shrieked.
"You will stay away from my Neville" Luna said harshly.
Luna looked at the Death Eater with hard eyes. Never before had she ever felt such rage course through her. Not even when she was being made fun of or even when that toad of a woman used a blood quill on Neville. But this witch was going to use the same curse on her Neville that she used on her father and his parents. She wasn't going to let that happen. She was going to take down this bitch even if it killed her.
"Make the first move" Luna said coldly.
Bellatrix fired off a dark curse that Luna dodged then fired of a combination of charms and transfiguration spells. It was an odd sort of combo, but Bellatrix blocked most of them and the ones she didn't block she dodged.
"It seems the loon has some skill apparently," Bellatrix said with amusement.
"You haven't seen anything yet," Luna said with a snarl.
/Scene Break/
Back with Harry, Hermione and Voldemort. The three were dueling. Voldemort was holding his own against Harry and Hermione, but the tandem was slowly gaining the upper hand.
I must end this quickly Voldemort thought.
Harry and Hermione both had the same thought since they were tiring also. Voldemort fired off two Avada Kedavra at the couple. Harry pushed Hermione out of the way with Hermione shooting a spell that pushed Harry out of the way too. They fell to the ground letting the two green streaks of light fly over their heads.
"Let's end this Potter" Voldemort said.
"Alright Tom, lets" Harry said getting up.
/Scene Break/
Luna and Bellatrix were firing hexes at one another and it seemed that Bellatrix was winning, but Luna was just luring the Death Eater into her trap. Bellatrix fired off several dark curses and one hit Luna hard. She fell to the ground. Neville was shocked then angered as this woman had taken another person he loved. He was about to charge at the cackling woman when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"It's alright Neville" Luna said serenely.
Neville was shocked. He turned to the body on the field then back to the girl beside him.
"How?" he asked.
Luna just smiled. She had created a mannequin double of herself, which took the curse while she was safe. She then fired off a Reducto with all of her strength. It hit Bellatrix dead center and created a hole through the mad woman. Her face was frozen in shock then fell to the ground dead.
Neville smiled and kissed his girlfriend before he started fighting again. Luna had to lean behind a conjured boulder to rest since that Reducto took a lot out of her. Susan and Daphne flanked her to protect her.
/Scene Break/
Voldemort and Harry were now exchanging spell fire with neither one letting up.
"Give it up Potter and I'll spare your precious Mudblood" the dark lord said.
"No way Tom, I'll never give up. I'm stubborn that way," Harry said with a smirk.
Voldemort snarled as he let loose a killing curse. Harry dodged out of the way fired off a powerful Lumos, which blinded the dark lord for a second. When he got his sight back he couldn't find Harry.
"Where are you Potter? Come and face me," the dark lord hissed.
"Right here Tom," Harry said.
Voldemort turned around to find Harry with the Sword of Gryffindor in his hand. Harry swung the sword with all his might and beheaded the dark lord.
Screams echoed throughout as Death Eaters fell from the excruciating pain the mark on their arm was giving off. They all collapsed clutching their arm.
They won the war and Harry with Hermione met their friends and went in for a good night's rest. Leaving everyone else to celebrate.
/Scene Break/
Epilogue
Exams were canceled indefinitely because of the final battle. The exams would be rescheduled for later in the summer. The losses weren't as bad and they only lost five students. Most were injured so that meant madam Pomfrey was kept quite busy for a while. Though Amelia had healers from St. Mungo's help the matron out with the more severe injuries.
They found out the spy for Voldemort was Pansy and Nott. They were arrested and tried as Death Eaters though they never fought in the final battle. They were found hidden in a secret passage waiting out the siege.
The aftermath of the final battle brought many changes. Harry got Fudge to do something right and had all the Death Eaters who were in the battle charged and thrown into a newly secured Azkaban with Goblin wards and traps. Harry had a long talk with the goblins after the battle and they came to an agreement, which was the goblin got a bigger percent of what was in the Death Eater vaults in exchange for helping ward Azkaban. Fudge wasn't happy with this since he wanted the money in those vaults, but Harry gave the Minister good publicity for it. Which in turned helped goblin wizard relations immensely.
With many of the members of the Wizengamot either dead or in jail Sirius, Amelia, and Adrian passed through many new laws to help muggle-borns and other magical creatures. They knew these laws were going to take time to change attitudes in the wizarding world, but it was a start. Dumbledore worked on the Hogwarts end of things and began working new programs in to help new muggle-borns adapt to their new life and to squash all that pureblood supremacy propaganda.
What happened to Malfoy, well as he and many of the students who were not fighting were in the Great Hall he decided to attack some second years. This caused a mini battle inside the castle though it was Malfoy against the rest of the students. The group of second years hexed Malfoy so badly that he is still in St. Mungo's to this day, but no one knows for sure. No one decided to press any charges against Malfoy since him being beaten by students younger than him was punishment enough that and being confined to St. Mungo's for who knows how long.
Harry and Hermione and their friends had a peaceful time for the rest of their time at Hogwarts. Though they did find Luna and Neville in the occasional broom closet at times.
They graduated with honors and Luna was able to graduate with them because she worked hard and ahead of her year mates. Very rarely has this ever happened in Hogwarts history.
/Scene Break/
Neville and Luna were engaged at the graduation with their thoughts of their wedding would be in the spring. Their wedding was lavish and a great moment was that Xeno was able to walk his daughter down the aisle. He had recovered enough to be released though he would still get muscle spasms every now and again, which would slow down his newspaper somewhat. But Luna stepped in to help her father and Neville joined in also. Luna had many followers because she was able to take down the most cruel witch ever known. She thought the attention was odd and shied away just like Harry did.
When Neville wasn't working at his father-in-law's paper he was running his own greenhouses, which supplied many prominent potion masters due to the exotic ingredients Neville had. Though Neville could charge any price for his plants, he kept them reasonable, which only heighten his renowned fame as a hero of the war.
The Longbottoms had two girls that looked like their mother and a boy who looked like his father. Luna is said to be expecting another child, which she says is a boy and no one questioned her about this.
/Scene Break/
Susan became Chief Witch of the Wizengamot when she took over her house seat. Dumbledore vacated the position to her. She had many supporters along with her close friends. She was a just and firm in her position and let nothing slide when it came to crimes. She was also quite fair and listened to all sort of problems and helped resolve them. Some called her a almost carbon copy of her aunt, who was renown for this, but Susan ignored this since she wasn't one for gossip. She married a muggle-born and had four kids. She had a boy and three girls.
/Scene Break/
Daphne remained single, but she didn't care. She became the Harry's political advisor since Harry had no interest at all playing politics and found it downright boring and annoying. She was a great force and helped pass many new laws. She held the Potter seat by proxy. When she wasn't serving as proxy she helped her father in the Greengrass business and took over when he passed away. She did have a son, who mysteriously had green eyes that matched Harry's. Many questioned if the boy's father was Harry Potter, but neither Daphne, nor Harry and Hermione denied or confirmed these and soon they became whispers.
/Scene Break/
As for Harry and Hermione. Well they became engaged on Harry's sixteenth birthday, and planned for a wedding for the following summer after Harry's seventeenth birthday. Neither wanted to wait til after graduation since they felt like their lives were starting now. The wedding was spectacular and many of the wizarding public saw the pictures. Harry had Colin take pictures and Luna wrote the article, which was printing in the Quibbler. Harry and Hermione spent many years after graduation traveling since Harry had never been out of Britain ever and they both needed a long-awaited vacation. They went to France and visited the Delacours.
Fleur was a gracious host took them around to many sights in the magical part of France. Her relationship with Bill had ended due to one overbearing mother. The couple traveled for a good part of three years before returning back home feeling refreshed and ready to settle down. Though Harry still had no idea on what to do. He was offered many jobs, but Harry turned them down since they only wanted him to increase their own prestigious of having the Harry Potter working for them. So in the end Harry took the empty vacancy as DADA professor at Hogwarts.
Even after the war and all the revolutions the school had made DADA was still lacking and Harry took up the challenge to help mold the future. As for Hermione, she took over as Charms professor when Flitwick wanted to retire. The two Potters were the favorite amongst students since they had their two heroes as teachers. Harry and Hermione had four kids, twin boy and girl, and another boy then a girl.
The couple thought back to how this all started, right after the first task.
The End
A/N: that's the end of this story. Sorry if the epilogue wasn't to your liking, but this was the best I could come up with. As for the kids' names, I thought you could use your own imagination for that. As for the Weasleys, well, I just didn't feel like adding them. Thank you all for reading and please review.