Light and Dark of the Raven

Sorry for the huge wait, I hope you enjoy this/think it was worth waiting for :o) Please let me know what you think of the battle scene; I get nervous writing them.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed, I haven\'t got time to say thanks to everyone so THANK YOU!!!

Enjoy....

Chapter 23-The Pieces Are Set, the Play is in Motion

Draco and Hermione landed deftly beside Voldemort, on top of the darkened hill where the Shrieking Shack stood, eerie and mysterious in the mists of the dawn. Below then the lights of Hogsmeade twinkled in the dark morning light as the inhabitants set up shop, unaware of the day that awaited them. Hermione moved closer to Draco, clutching his hand tightly as they watched the pretty little village.

“This is it isn’t it Draco? The end.”

“It will soon be over my love. This doesn’t have to be the end.” Draco smiled, turning to her. He was alarmed when she gasped. “At least not for us.”

“Oh Gods Draco. I’m sorry.”

“What for?” He asked, confused at her sudden apology.

“Your face.”

Draco’s hand instinctively flew to his cheekbone and there he felt a ridge; a scar, two inches long and running along his right cheekbone.

“Why didn’t it heal?” He asked her.

“I honestly don’t know. There is no reason for it not to.”

“Ah well, now we match. You have one and I have one.”

“Yes, but mine’s not visible and we know why it’s there.” Hermione argued.

“Don’t worry about love. I’m not bothered. Honestly. It will act as a constant reminder not to piss you off.”

Hermione smiled weakly and turned once more to survey Hogsmeade. Draco knew she was thinking of all that they would have to do today and all the innocents that would lose their lives because of their charade.

“A prize for the taking My Lord.” Ron said, breaking the silence with a smirk. Draco couldn’t help the shudder that passed through his bones.

Voldemort clapped his hands and the Death Eaters gathered around him.

“In a few moments we will begin to empty that pitiful village beneath us. However, do not forget your purpose. You must enjoy yourselves; I would be concerned if you did not, but remember our real prize. Potter and Dumbledore are not to be approached until our allies arrive.”

Draco knew of whom he spoke. Dementors, dragons, giants and trolls were being magi to to Voldemort’s side and were due to arrive, ready for the battle in only a few hours time. Once the allies were gathered, Voldemort would send a vision of himself to Dumbledore, demanding he surrender himself and Potter or fight to the death. Obviously Dumbledore would not hand over Harry and surrender himself and so that battle would begin.

“But first,” Voldemort continued, “the ritual.” He held out a hand. “My dear Raven.”

Hermione took Voldemort’s outstretched hand and he positioned her opposite him.

“Bellatrix, the knife.”

Bellatrix stepped forward and handed the Knife of Asriel to the Dark Lord. Voldemort raised the knife and spoke the ritual words;

“Great Asriel, bringer of darkness as we celebrate, possess me and allow me the power to make what is yours and your subjects my own, so that I may apply your magic to defeat those we oppose.”

He motioned for Hermione to hold out her hand and she did so, biting her lip slightly as Voldemort slashed the knife across her palm, causing her blood to flow freely. Draco watched as Ron stepped forward and collected the blood in a small vial before drawing the sign of Asriel upon Voldemort’s forehead with the thick liquid. Ron stepped backwards and Hermione let Voldemort’s lips meet hers as their fingers entwined. The winds rose, the leaves died and fell from the trees to dance around them and the coldness of the Dark God was felt by all, and all around them a ghostly voice spoke;

“It is done.”

The pair parted and Draco went to Hermione’s side.

“Another scar?” He questioned.

“Probably.” Hermione responded, looking at the cut and concentrating on it in an attempt to heal it. She sighed, “Yes. Another one. Come on, it looks like we’re getting ready to move in.”

Draco felt sorry for the beauty that stood before him; so dark but so pure. She was constantly at conflict with herself, more so than he was, for she was more than a spy, she was a tool of the Gods, to be controlled by them. Her light and dark sides were pulling in opposite directions and she was reluctant to go in either. Draco took her hand and they went to stand beside the Dark Lord.

“My dragon, I must entrust you with this.” Voldemort said, turning to Draco. “I do not trust a single brain cell amongst the others and know you will do all you can to keep it safe. It will act as a tool of protection against people who wish you harm; I need you alive.”

“Why do not keep it yourself for protection My Lord?”

“I do not wish to keep it about my person as I have the protection of the Dark God himself; Asriel will not allow his subject to come to harm. You must keep it to protect yourself and your betrothed. I would be most annoyed if anything should happen to wither of y

Draco felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Snape, his eyes were dark and cold but the slight smile on his thin lips held a glimmer of hope and a silent promise of success. Draco returned the smile and found comfort in the reassurance of his mentor.

“My children.” Voldemort shouted, “Begin your reign of terror. Go!”

The Death Eaters slipped on their masks and moved silently down the hill, some apparating, others prowling, each choosing their own method of attack. Draco and Hermione left the crowd as soon as possible to begin moving into the houses. They had their own plan. They saw Ron move off with Voldemort; he had no choice about that and Snape disappeared, as usual, by himself.

They slipped silently into the nearest shop; the Three Broomsticks, using Dark Magic courtesy of Draco, and headed softly up the stairs to Madam Rosmerta’s room where they shook her gently until she awoke. Draco covered her mouth with a strong hand and removed his mask with the other as Hermione removed her own mask and shook free her long curls.

“Ssh.” Draco hissed as the bar mistress awoke, “Keep quiet and we will get you and your guests out alive. Make a sound and you’re dead. Understand?”

Madam Rosmerta nodded, her eyes wide with terror as she was confronted by two student Death Eaters.

“Madam Rosmerta, do you have a key that will open all the rooms that have guests in them?” Hermione asked, “I understand you used charm keys but they are kept downstairs and too much moving around will cause us unwanted attention.”

“Yes I have the key.” Came the answer, and the older witch removed a delicate key from a chain around her neck, handing it to Hermione.

“Thank you.” Hermione smiled. “Now, myself and Draco will sneak you all downstairs and into the back yard, from there you will be able to apparate to Hogwarts gates. You MUST get inside and find a member of staff straight away. Any delays will cost you your life.”

“It’s happening isn’t it?” Madam Rosmerta asked, her voice fearful.

“Yes.” Draco said flatly, he couldn’t be doing with any tiptoeing around at times like this; that cost lives, and they needed al the lives they could get. “And if you want to live you will go to Hogwarts, if you want to die you will stay here and if you want to fight then you can come down from Hogwarts with Dumbledore and The Order in a few hours time. But if you make any attempt to be heroic and brave now you will die. The village is swarming with Death Eaters...and we are the only nice ones.” He smirked.

Madam Rosmerta nodded her head once more, only this time with more determination and the three made their way along the guest floor, awakening each of the guests and exping ing the situation. Once all the guests had been collected the small company made its way down to the back yard of the pub where they began apparating to the safety of Hogwarts. Hermione took out her wand;

“Morsmodre.” She whispered and the green, glittering mark of the Dark Lord rose above the roof of the student’s favourite watering hole. Madam Rosmerta let out a quiet sob and a gasp before whispering “Thank you.” And disappearing.

“I hope they’re all that simple.” Draco smiled weakly, clutching Hermione’s hand tightly. She squeezed him reassuringly as they made their way through the pub to the front and he felt himself swell with love and confidence.

“We still have one problem though; bodies.” Hermione pointed out. “And as much as I hate to say it there’s only one thing we can do.”

“Torch the place?”

“Yep.”

“Won’t that draw attention from the castle? Dear old Voldie won’t like that.”

“He won’t like you calling him that either.” Hermione giggled.

“Ah, it suits him; kind of cuddlier. Just like all maniacs hell bent on world domination for no reason should be. Anyway, on with the burning.”

“We could change the colour of the flames. If we make them black the castle won’t be able to see them and He won’t think we’ve drawn attention to anything, and I’m sure our Lord will approve of the colour.”

ck lck like his heart. Ten points to you. Together then.”

The pair waved their wands and the pub was soon consumed in black flames. They held hands and watched in silence as many of their school memories were consumed in the evil flames. Within minutes the magical fire had reduced the tavern to a smouldering ruin and they extinguished the blaze, pocketing their wands and turning to the next house, which still lay in darkness.

Silently Draco cast Dark Magic once more to get passed the advanced locking system and found themselves in a small living room.

“Ssh.” Hermione hissed. “There’s someone here.”

Draco strained his ears and eyes into the darkened room and sure enough eh saw a bundle of robes leaning against one of the couches. The bundle was quietly crying. The bundle also had a mass of long, silvery blond hair.

“Ron?” Hermione braved, stepping forward and laying her hand on her fellow Gryffindor’s robes.

Ron looked up and Draco saw his eyes were red rimmed from crying and he wiped his nose, most un-Malfoy-like, on the sleeve of his expensive robe. Draco wrinkled his nose in disgust.

“Y’allright Weasel?” He drawled.

“No I’m bloody not. I can’t take this ‘Mione. It’s wrong. I’ve killed ten people tonight; men, women and children and I can’t do it any more.”

“Where’s Voldemort?” Draco asked.

“He said there was one house he wanted to visit himself; some wizard family that have caused him a lot of trouble, especially the first time he was around. He told me to come in here and finish off this family.”

“And have you?” Hermione probed.

“No, not yet, but I know I am going to have to.”

“Leave it to me Weasel.” Draco found himself saying, and he turned on his heel and headed up the stairs. He never was one for emotional breakdowns.

Upstairs he quietly searched the rooms and found a young wizarding couple and baby. Gently he shook the shoulders of the sleeping father, hushing for him to be quiet as he opened his eyes. The man was apparently stupid or deaf, but either way he still yelled;

“Death Eaters!” before frantically shaking his wife, “Morchana, wake up. It’s happening, they’re here. Take Imlade and leave. I’ll fight him off, there’s only one.”

“OK,” Draco drawled, “two things; one, do you think I can’t hear you planning? And Two; don’t you think that if I was going to kill you I would have done it whilst you whispered-is that really the right word?-to your lovely wife?”

The couple stared at Draco.

“Have I grown another head?” Draco asked, feeling his shoulder, “No? Well then stop staring. Truth is I’m going to get you out but you need to shut up and do as I tell you or you will die. All of you, including the sprog in the cot.”

More staring from the man but a slight nod from the woman. The yobabybaby began to cry and Draco instructed her to pick him up and quieten him as best as she could. Morchana did as instructed.

Again Draco ran through the ritual he and Hermione had conducted at the Three Broomsticks. He ushered the young family down the stairs, past Hermione and Ron and into the dark back garden where he instructed them to apparate to Hogwarts. The parents looked at each other nervously and then at Draco;

“What about Imlade?”

“Oh fuck! Um...give him to me.”

Morchana held the infant closer to her chest, shaking her head and staring at him with eyes, wide and full of terror at handing her child over to a Death Eater.

“Look,” Draco sighed, impatiently, “I will not harm him but have you got a better idea? You give him to me and I’ll be up at Hogwarts soon, hopefully within two hours. I promise.”

The wizard nodded to his wife and with shaking hands she handed her new born baby over to Draco, her large violet eyes filling with tears. The man placed a comforting arm around his wife’s shoulder and together they apparated to Hogwarts. Draco sighed, swore to himself and looked down at the young baby in his arms; the infant scrunched his eyes up before letting out a soft sob as he inhaled an unfamiliar scent.

“Ssh.” Draco cooed softly, smiling softly as Imlade gripped Draco’s slender finger in his small, chubby one. Draco began to hum softly, rocking the baby back and forth, resulting in the cries dying down to a slight whimper before becoming soft breathing as he fell asleep.

Draco admired the perfect image of the small child; untouched by evil in the world; well, almost. His small head was covered in wisps of blonde fluff and his skin was a smooth to touch as a rose petal. One day...

Draco shook himself from his dreaming and took the child inside where Hermione was pulling Ron up from his position on the floor, they turned to face him.

“What the hell have you got there?” Hermione squealed.

“Is that a baby?” Ron gasped.

“No, it’s a chicken.” Draco answered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Look, what was I supposed to do? They couldn’t take him with them could they; can’t apparate with two people and I’m not going to leave him here for them to find. We’ll have to work something out.”

“Like what?” Ron asked, smoothing out the creases in his robes.

“Couldn’t we make him invisible?” Draco asked. “There must be a spell that can do that that won’t harm him.”

“I don’t think there is one. Not for a baby that young. It’s more likely to damage him than protect him” Ron pointed out.

The two stared at Hermione, who had remained silent throughout this, was standing with her eyes closed and her arms by her side. Her face was serene yet she was obviously concentrating on something and, as they watched, they air around her began to glow red. She was trying to contact The Ancients. They watched for a few more moments as Hermione’s mouth moved in silent words and her brow creased. Finally she sighed and opened her eyes, smiling.

“They’ll help.”

“Who will?” Ron asked, slightly confused.

“The Ancients and The Innocents. They said they will guard the child from view, all we have to do is secure the baby to myself or Draco with a harness and they will make it so mortal eyes can not see it.”

“What if he drops it?” Ron asked, “How will we know if we can’t see it.”

“They’ll tie it to us with a force so only we can sense it.w cow come on, wn’t n’t have much time.”

Hermione busied around, ripping sheets and fashioning a harness from the material and small cushions she could find. She then set about securing the baby in her creation and fastening it carefully to Draco’s back.

“OK.” She said, “He’s safe. Now to finish the job.”

The three walked outside and as Ron and Hermione set fire to the house with dark flames, Draco cast the spell to make the Dark Mark float above the once family home.

“Excellent work my children, Raven.” A cold voice said behind them and they turned to face Voldemort, flanked by Bellatrix and the rest of the Death Eaters. “A family home too I believe. Oh how I love my cold, heartless killers. Although I must point out to the rest of my loyal followers that these three were the only ones to show any kind of imagination. I believe only these three actually damaged any property? Am I right?”

The gathered Death Eaters said nothing and Voldemort eyed them with contempt. “I thought not.”

“We should make a break for Hogwarts.” Draco whispered.

“I agree.” Hermione whispered back. “But we can’t leave Ron here.”

“OK, we need a story. One that Voldie will believe and that can get us all away.”

“How about we want to clear the air before the battle. He wants to wish us well into our new life in private. We could say we were going back to the Manor?”

“Your brilliance astounds me sometimes.” Draco said, grabbing her waist and pulling his girlfriend into a passionate kiss before turning to face the Dark Lord.

“My Lord,” he began, “My fiancée and I long to have a private conference with my Father and Severus before we go into battle, to clear the air completely. I believe my Father wishes to settle any conflict that may still be present and Severus is eager to give us his blessing teingeing my mentor and an old friend of my Father’s. With your permission we would like to retreat to Malfoy Manor for a short period of time; until our allies arrive.”

“As you wish my dragon.” Voldemort smiled, “I feel we will have much to celebrate soon. A wedding, a victory and, I’m sure that within months, an heir to my conquest. You may go.”

“Thank you My Lord. We will apparate from thriekrieking Shack.”

Snape joined and and the four made for the Shrieking Shack. Once inside Draco panicked;

“Now what are we supposed to do? We can’t get out.”

“Why are we here in the first place?” Snape asked, casting a frosty look over the young students. “Why didn’t we simply apparate from where we stood.”

Hermione concentrated again and the baby became apparent, tied to Draco’s back.

“Bloody hell Draco.” Snape muttered and Draco quickly explained the situation to his teacher.

“Well then my dear boy, you underestimate who you are with.” Snape smiled. Miss Granger, Mr Weasley, if you would be so kind as to enlighten him.”

Draco stared as Hermione and Ron opened a door on the far wall and gasped as he saw a tunnel on the other side.

“This will take us straight into the grounds of Hogwarts.” Snape explained. “I will go ahead and stop the Willow.”

“Willow?” Draco asked. “As in Whomping Willow?”

“The very same Malfoy; careful not ose ose an eye.” Ron sneered before following Snape into the darkness.

“He’s only joking; well sort of.” Hermione grinned before also disappearing.

Draco gave a weak smile follfollowed into the darkness.

----------------------------------------------

Once safely in the castle grounds the small company made their way up to Dumbledore’s office where they found a very solemn looking Order. Harry stepped forward and embraced Ron and Hermione before giving Draco an appreciated hand shake.

“Glad you’re alright.” He said, “Really I am.”

“Thanks.” Draco said. “However, before we go any further I need to find the parents to this little guy. I promised I would return him.”

“I’ll send him with one of the House elves.” Dumbledore said, taking the now crying baby, who stopped instantly. “They always do seem to like me.” The Headmaster smiled, cooing at the gurgling infant.

A house elf appeared within moments and Draco breathed a sigh of relief to know that the child would soon be safe with its parents. It was only then that he surveyed the people in the office. The people there were not, as he had first assumed, only members of The Order. As he stared around he noticed that amongst those stern faces he saw were many students. He put names to the few he recognised; Cho Chang, Neville Longbottom, Hannah Abbot, Ernie Macmillan, Justin Finch-Fletchley, Colin and Dennis Creevey, Seamus Finnigan, Eloise Midgen. and, to his surprise and silent horror, Jennifer Gemra. A few past pupils had also returned but Draco there were no Slytherins, ,past or present, other than himself and Snape and he was not at all surprised that he got a few odd looks. He gripped Hermione’s hand before walking over to his ex.

“What the hell are you doing here?” He asked, his voice full of concern.

“Me?” She hissed, “What about you? What the hell are you doing here?”

“I’ll explain in a minute.” Draco promised. “Do you know what you’re letting yourself in for?”

“No, but I doubt anyone here does.”

“Fine, you win. You always were too argumentative and stubborn. Just be careful; promise?”

“Promise. Anyway, I’m only in it to kick that Pansy bitch’s ass.”

Draco laughed slightly and pulled Jennifer into a firm hug before walking over to Dumbledore where Hermione was already deep in conversation with him.

“So where are all the students?” Hermione was asking, “Why are some of them here?”

“Just what I was about to ask.” Draco put in.

“This morning there was a break out of Slytherin students. They all apparated from Hogwarts and are likely to be arriving at Voldemort’s side this very moment. I then informed the remaining students of the situation. Those who could go home, due to their parents lack of involvement with the battle, did so. Those whose parents are fighting and do not wish to participate themselves are secure in the GrHallHall, along with the Hogsmeade residents you saved, and those who wish to fight you see before you.”

“It’s quite an array.” Hermione marvelled and Draco nodded his agreement; it was reassuring to know that not all the wizarding world had abandoned hope and would stand for what they thought right.

“And now onto ourselves.” Dumbledore said, his wizened face becoming serious as he turned to all present and contemplated their situation. “I believe Mr Malfoy that you have been entrusted by Voldemort to guard the Knife of Asriel?” Draco nodded, suddenly nervous. “May I please have it?”

Draco stepped forward and handed the tool to Dumbledore.

“But Headmaster. The Dark Lord has already completed the ritual. Surely...”

“It didn’t work.” Hermione spoke softly.

Everyone except Dumbledore stared at Hermione and she continued.

“Asriel would not go to Voldemort. He did not wish for his magic to be corrupted. Although Asriel is the Dark God, his magic is pure and powerful. To be corrupted by someone such as Voldemort; neither alive nor dead and with the soul intention of destroying everything on the planet, Asriel would not go.”

“How do you know this?” Mad-Eye Moody suddenly snapped.

“Because he told me. I spoke to him. In my head. He told me that although he is the God of evil and he is in conflict with The Ancients and The Innocents, he does not wish for the world to be destroyed. It was most surreal; it’s as though this world, our lives, everything we know, is a development of the Gods, and Asriel does not wish to lose us. If his power were to be transferred to Voldemort, who is corrupted and impure and wishes to rule all, where there would be no light and, eventually, no life, then the gods themselves would cease to exist because no belief would subsist and they would have nothing to keep them alive; or whatever it is that they are.”

“Then why did they choose you dear?” Molly Weasley spoke up.

“I don’t know.” Hermione answered truthfully, “He didn’t say. He said that one day I would know.”

“But we felt Asriel there.” Snape pointed out. “And we heard him.”

“A decoy.” Dumbledore exclaimed, “of course, the Gods are excellent at doing such things. Anyone claiming to have spoken to the Gods, with the exception of our dear Hermione here, is actually talking to their own psyche; some very interesting conversations have been noted. It has happened numerous times throughout our written history. Legend says that very few possess the ability to speak with the true Gods. Apparently if you do your whole head implodes. Most irregular. But I am swaying from the point, please continue Miss Granger.”

“So does Voldie know about this?” Draco asked, receiving a stern glance from Dumbledore for using the new nickname.

“No, he doesn’t and he mustn’t. As long as he believes he has my powers he assumes he can win and as long as he thinks that we have the advantage.” Hermione said sternly.

“Then we have an excellent benefit which I feel we should now take use of.” Dumbledore twinkled. Harry, Hermione. If you please.”

The pair stepped forward and Draco watched as the ritual was performed again, only this time a very different outcome was reached. As Harry and Hermione parted from the kiss, their hands remained linked together and Hermione threw back her head, her eyes clouding over and the aura around her body frantically changing colour from red to green and back again. The air became pure white and the two were engulfed by the power. A flash of silver lightning from above and the ritual had truly taken place. The pair let go of each and stumbled backwards, panting and flushed.

“Woah.” Harry said, clutching che chest. “Hermione, how the hell do you cope? It’s like a million horses galloping around my heart.”

“I know.” Hermione muttered before swaying and falling to the floor.

Draco rushed to her side and gently supported her head as her eyes tried to focus.

“Are you OK?” He asked.

Hermione smiled weakly up at him.

“I’m fine. Honest. I just feel a little…empty.”

“Will you be OK to fight Miss Granger?” Snape asked suddenly and Draco noted a confused look pass between most of the room.

“Thank you Severus but I will be fine. I do feel however that we should be going. The allies for Voldemort will be here by now and he will want us back.”

Dumbledore nodded.

“Indeed, Mr Weasley take your potion.”

“Are you sure you will be able to cope with this Mr Weasley?” Snape’s voice dripped with doubt as Ron downed the Polyjuice, “I mean you have hardly been a ruthless killer up until now. Sure you wouldn’t care to switch shoes with someone?”

“You mean you?” Ron spat, standing his ground before the daunting potions master, “No thank you. I volunteered for this and I will do it. I apologise only for the fact that my heart is not cold and black, meaning that I have some awareness of my actions, and some regret.”

“You think I don’t regret what I have done?”

“I did not say that.” Ron pointed out, “but I suggest you take a good look at your own actions before criticising mine.”

Snape stared at the bold Gryffindor and said nothing. Dumbledore broke the silence;

“Mr Malfoy; I believe this is yours.”

And Draco nearly keeled over himself as Dumbledore handed him the black, high necked coat given to him by his Father at Christmas.

“Thank you.” He stuttered.

“I only advise you wear it Mr Malfoy because it was given to you by your Father and your Father is supposedly present at the moment; albeit if it is with Mr Weasley inside.”

Draco put on the coat and stared at Hermione’s latest attire. Her upper half was encased in a black corset with deep green panels, covered in black lace. She wore low trousers that came to rest on her hipbone, declaring her one of the Dark Lord’s and along the sides of both trouser legs ran a spilt from hem to hip, where the sides tied together with black lace and green ribbons. On her feet were the ever present six inch heel stilettos and her midnight curls flew around her head in elegant disarray. Her long fingernails were blood red to match her lips and her blackened eyes flashed around the room, like a cat surveying its surroundings.

“I hope you approve.” She smirked to Draco and he nodded her approval.

Draco nodded and swept her into his arms.

“I love you.” He said, kissing her deeply; much to the shock of most of the room.

“And now you must go!” Dumbledore declared, waving his arms and lowering the wards.

The war had begun.

Draco stood beside Voldemort as the allies of the dark side assembled for the final time. In a few moments time Voldemort would send a mental vision of himself to Dumbledore and the war would begin.

They stood, a huge army of darkness and evil, on the hill of the Shrieking Shack. The trolls and giants fighting over who was the more powerful, the Dementors gliding around and putting everyone ill at ease as they could not settle near those images of death, and the Death Eaters plotting how they were going to maim every member of The Order on the spot as they arrived. Over their heads Hungarian Horntails and Chinese Fireballs circled and dived, breathing fire and creating a thick, black cloud of smoke and ash over the abandoned village of Hogsmeade. The houses that Draco and Hermione had burned were nothing but smouldering piles now and many more were being reduced to cinders as the dragons had their way.

“My loyal Death Eaters, my strong allies,” Voldemort addressed the milling crowd and all fell quiet. “I welcome you to what will go down in history as being our finest hour. I suggest you enjoy what will be your first night of death and destruction. But rest assured that there will be many more to come.”

The Death Eaters let out a raucous cheer and Draco’s heart jumped slightly as he joined in, whooping and hollering like the good Death Eater he was. One Voldemort’s other side, Hermione planted a kiss on the dark Lord’s cheek, whilst whispering sweet, malicious nothings of the evil she would commit that night, into his ear. Her eyes met Draco’s through her dark curls and long lashes and Draco saw the fear she truly felt at what they were about to face.

“I love you.” She mouthed.

“I love you too.” He mouthed back.

Voldemort lifted his arms to the sky in a dramatic motion and raised his wand in salute, whispering the incantation that would allow Dumbledore to see him and his great army.

“I come to you Dumbledore to command you to submit yourselves and Potter to me or challenge me in battle tonight in the village beneath your school, where you will meet your doom.” The Dark Lord waited for Dumbledore’s response and, upon hearing it, lowered his arms declaring to the Death Eaters and allies that, as had been expected, Dumbledore had refused to surrender and that the battle would commence within the hour.

The Death Eaters broke into cheers and whispers as Draco walked to Hermione’s side and took her hand, leading her to a soft section of grass where they sat down, holding hands and not saying anything.

“I’m scared Draco.” Hermione confessed. “I’m scared I will be of no use to anyone. I don’t have the Gods anymore.”

“You don’t need them ‘Mi.” Draco answered honestly, “You’re the best witch in Hogwarts. Hell, you’re the best overall at Hogwarts.”

“Even better than you?” Hermione smirked.

“Well, I don’t know about that.” He smiled before confessing, “You know you are.”

“Remind me to get that in writing; I bet people wopay pay good money to hear Draco Malfoy confess to being the second best.”

Draco lightly punched her arm and she snuggled up to his body, seeking comfort in his familiarity, and Draco gratefully held her close, breathing in her scent; she smelt of cinnamon and vanilla, spicy and soft, light and dark; she would never escape it. She herself was in two halves and until she chose one she would be at conflict.

He sat in silence pondering Hermione’s future as she leant against him, reminiscing to him about her adventures with Harry and Ron. Draco was sure to pay attention to what she said, but his mind was working on other things as well; namely how to ensure Hermione made the right choice. It was obvious to him how this had come about. Her powers had always been extreme; she really was the best at Hogwarts, and the natural darkness that was within everyone had begun to work once her powers had been discovered; that is, they had begun to tell her how else her powers could be used, and her psyche had listened slightly. She obviously hadn’t given in completely or she wouldn’t still be like she was, she would have been completely given to Lord Voldt ant and there would have been little hope left for any of them. But, as it was, they had been lucky and she had never decided where she belonged. Now was her time. During the battle the decision would be made and a side would win, a side would be chosen.

“It’s nearly time.” Hermione whispered, breaking Draco’s train of thought.

He turned to her and took her face gently in his slim fingers, lifting her chin so her lips met his. He kissed her softly and tenderly, letting all the feelings he felt for her flow out of his being and into hers in that single moment. He felt her smile softly and her chest rose and fell in a slight sigh if happiness

They pulled away and their eyes met in silent conversation; each promising to be there when the smoke cleared and it was over. They couldn’t leave each other, not now. They had come too far and done too much together; a team. She smiled again and Draco kissed her softly once more before pulling her up from the ground and together they headed over to Voldemort.

The Dark Lord stood in front of his proud Death Eaters and loyal allies watching the area at the foot of the hill in anticipation. Draco and Hermione walked over to where Snape and Ron stood;

“How are we supposed to go about this?” Hermione asked. “I mean, how do we declare we’re on the other side?”

“Do we say before or during the battle? Or after and hope none of Voldie’s following notice us slaying them?” Draco asked. He had to admit he hadn’t though about this moment. He had simply, and stupidly, assumed it would all flow together and be OK.

“Well,” Began Snape, “I giv given it much thought and to be honest I feel the best, if the most dangerous way to do this, would be to simply announce it at the beginning of the battle. That way it is out of the way and we are no longer living a lie.”

“It’ll be dangerous though; we risk getting killed on the spot. And I can’t very join The Order looking like He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named’s biggest follower.”

Draco rolled his eyes at Ron;

“Honestly, it’s quite simple. When did you last take the potion?”

“About forty five minutes ago.” Ron confessed, looking sheepish at not thinking ahead.

“Right, well I don’t think I need to say any more. Let’s just hope The Order arrive soon and not later as then you’ll be a Weasley amongst Death Eaters and even I don’t wish that upon you.”

Hermione smiled at him.

“Hey,” he said defensibly, “He bugs me but I don’t want him dead.”

“So that’s the plan is it?” Hermione said, “We walk over? It will never work; we’ll be killed before we’re half way there.”

“Hermione.” Ron exasperated, “How many times in one life time can you forget who your are? Apparation!”

Hermione said nothing but instead scowled at Ron before flouncing over to Voldemort. Ron wandered off to think for a while and Draco was left standing with his old mentor, watching Hermione flirt and giggle with Voldemort. On the Dark lord’s other side stood Draco’s mother, talking to Bellatrix. Both were eyeing him with immense distaste.

“You know what Severus; I don’t think my mother gives a flying fuck if I live or die tonight. If I die it’s one less thing to shame the family.”

“And if you live?”

“I’ll be disowned. I swear I’ll cry laughing when she realises who her husband is. Her face is going to be a picture.”

Severus said nothing and Draco noticed her was staring at his mother in an odd way; a combination of sadness, pity and anger. Draco filed the image away to study later, but right now it looked as if things were beginning to happen. He ran over to Hermione and Voldemort with Snape and Ron soon joined them. The sent silent messages to each other and each new what had to done.

“My Lord,” Hermione purred to their Master, stroking a long, red finger nail down his cheek, causing the skin to split and spill crimson, “There is something I must tell you before the battle begins.”

Voldemort turned to her;

“What is it my Raven? What troubles you?”

“Oh no Master, nothing troubles me I just thought you should know that,” Hermione’s palm connected with Voldemort’s face, her fingernails slashed beneath his eyes and her knee met his groin all in one swift movement “we quit!”

The four of them apparated to where The Order were beginning to appear, thank fully Ron was now back to himself; looking slightly odd in robes that were too big for him on the shoulders and too short in the arm. Hermione waved her wand and Ron smiled at her thankfully when the robes shrank and grew to the appropriate size. Dumbledore was the first to arrive, along with Harry, Tonks, Lupin, The Weasleys and Mad-Eye, and one by one the res the the members appeared.

“Ah you made it here in one piece.” Dumbledore marvelled.

“I doubt Voldie will though.” Draco smirked, “Hermione’s just disabled his sight and reproductive system.”

Dumbledore and Harry eyed Hermione with pride whilst Tonks smirked and pulled Hermione into a hug.

“How you doing?” She asked the younger witch and Hermione smiled.

“I’ll be fine. I’m just firing myself up for this.”

From nowhere a flash of green flew past Hermione’s head, catching her hair as it flew into the air before exploding into nothing.

“Looks like they’re staring without us.” Draco sneered, whipping around and hurling spell after spell at the oncoming Death Eaters who had begun to advance down the hill.

“So my loyal followers show their true colours.” Voldemort shouted, advancing with Dea Death Eaters, “And they turn out to be not so pretty. Oh my dear Raven, what fun we could have had, ruling the world together.”

“Eat dirt moron!” Hermione shouted, hurling a spell at Voldemort who deflected it easily and instead began to focus his attention on Harry. “I’ll deal with you later you traitorous little bitch” He spat. “I shall have a lot of fun disembowelling you and watching your pretty little face contort in pain as I watch those who are loyal fuck your dirty Mudblood brains out.”

Hermione glared at him and spat on the ground before focusing her own attention on the advancing attack. The Dementors were gliding around, looking for any witch or wizard who was not paying attention, in the hopes of sucking out their soul, and the trolls and giants were thumping around, flattening any stray witch or wizard. The Dragons were soaring over head and the sky soon became dark as a black fog descended on the two sides and the curses began to fly.

Houses became flames as the dragons vengefully destroyed them, and Draco’s lungs soon became infested with the thick, black smoke they produced. His eyes smarted as he penetrated the gloom frantically, searching for Hermione or anyone on their side, but he appeared to be alone. The others must have scattered in order to confuse the enemy. A flash of light to his left indicated that his only companion was not if the friendly variety and Draco whirled around to face his adversary.

He faced a Death Eater in full regalia, mask and hood and dark robes; had he been anyone other than Draco Malfoy, he was sure he would have fled at the sight of one. But he was Draco Malfoy, and not only was he not one to flee; he was also a damn good fighter and would duel until he won. He raised his wand into the duelling position and hurled countless curses at his attacker. He wasn’t sure if they were allowed to use the unforgivables or if he would be permitted use of his Dark Magic, considering the extraordinary circumstances. He mentally kicked himself twice; once for not asking Dumbledore and a second time as a well aimed curse by the Death Eater nearly his his head off.

He swore severely as he shook of the head-confusing curse, in an attempt to clear his thoughts, and aimed his wand at the advancing enemy, firing a scorching charm at them. The Death Eater fell back with shock and Draco immediately summoned the wand of his adversary. He snapped the wand in two and towered over the defeated wizard, sneering at him.

“You’re disgraceful.” He smirked, “Following a crazed lunatic as if he were the best thing since transfiguration. You are sad and strange, and you have my pity.”

The Death Eater made a futile attempt to attack Draco using any branches, bricks and rubble he could lay his hands on but Draco was quick to place a binding curse on the flailing Death Eater, before muttering the killing curse. A flash of light and the Death Eater was dead. Draco turned away; he didn’t care who it was. As long as they remained anonymous he felt little guilt; they were faceless to him, inhumane; and that made it more acceptable.

Draco picked his way carefully and silently through the rubble of Hogsmeade, pressing himself against the small wall that remained of the book shop. As he edged around the corner he felt heavy breathing and hot breath behind him and turned to face a twenty foot giant, looking highly annoyed at something.

“Shit. It just isn’t my day is it big guy?” Draco muttered, before leaping into action and grabbing hold of the giant’s belt in order to reach a higher position; the skull being the weakest part of a giant, it made more sense to get closer to it.

The giant, being of the slow witted variety, took a while to register that an extra weight had attached itself to his belt and, by the time it had, Draco was already on his shoulders trying to figure out the best route to the giant’s head. The scenery before Draco blurred and whizzed in front of his eyes as the giant fought to hit Draco from it, but Draco held tightly to one of the massive ears and secured himself there before deftly leaping onto the lumpy skull.

Draco clung onto the wisps of hair that grew sparingly on the giant’s head, and more than once found he had pulled one out and was about to fall until he grabbed another. Without giving his actions a second thought he hurled curses at the giant’s thick skin in order to penetrate and make some kind of headway in gaining the advantage of the battle. The giant flailed beneath him, trying to swat Draco from his perch and Draco was finding it increasingly difficult to hold on with one arm and throw curses with his wand in the other. des desperate move Draco summoned up the dark power that he normally would never call upon. He cursed himself for using it twice recently and vowed that he would never again once the battle was over. The giant swayed on the spot and began to slump as black lightning crashed in the skies and struck the giant squarely on the forehead. As the giant crashed to the ground Draco leapt wildly from his shoulders and onto the low roof of one of the few surviving buildings. He felt his ankle crack beneath him and a sharp pain in his chest as he crashed onto the tiles but he thanked the Gods that he was safe.

“Draco!” A female voice shouted from the ground, “Draco!”

He looked down and saw Cho Chang waving at him, flailing her arms for him to come down;

“Quick. It’s Jennifer; I think Pansy’s going to kill her.”

Draco jumped deftly from the roof, swearing violently at the pain in his ankle; he would have to fix it later but now was not the time, and came face to face with the catfight of the century. Pansy had Jennifer in a headlock and was mercilessly trying to cast the Crucio but Jennifer was fighting back with vengeance and was firing repeated knock-out charms haphazardly at the Slytherin girl’s head, resulting in Pansy occasionally loosing consciousness but not letting go of Jennifer. Draco and Cho ran to the fighting pair and hauled them apart.

“I’ll fucking kill her!” Pansy screamed, “Little bitch; taking my Draco away.”

“He wasn’t yours Pansy and he’s not mine either.” Jennifer shot back, attempting to reason with the crazy girl.

But Pansy was beyond all reason and began hurling unforgivables at the trio, hitting Cho with the killing curse. Draco watched, stunned, as the pretty ex-Ravenclaw fell to the ground, her face a mixture of shock, anger and fear.

“You evil bitch.” Draco screamed, preparing to kill Pansy himself.

“No,” Jennifer said, “you see to Cho; get her out of the way.”

Draco’s eyes met Jennifer’s and he nodded; she had to do this. For all the times that pansy had made every other girl’s life hell. For all the bullying and the manipulating she had done and for all the lives she had or nearly ruined Jennifer raised her wand in combat. Draco knelt next to Cho’s dead body and watched.

“Oh, so you’re going to fight me then are you? Ravenclaw?” Pansy spat.

“You say my house as if it were an insult.” Jennifer mused. “I’d save my breath if I were you.”

But Pansy would not; she was not the kind to keep her mouth shut when duelling, instead opting to taunt her opponent, pick out their weak spots to deflate their self-esteem and then knock them off guard. Pansy played dirty. Unfortunately for Pansy though, Jennifer knew that.

The pair circled each other, all the while Pansy insulting whichever part of Jennifer she could; her looks, her background, her parents, her house, even her friends, but Jennifer stood tall, taking none of it to heart, her face set in stony determination as Pansy fired the first curse; an unforgivable. From then on the rules did not apply and each dodged and threw off the Crucios that flew back and forth. Jennifer writhed in pain as one hit her in the shoulder but Draco had to marvel at the way she handled herself and managed to catch Pansy off guard whilst she was gloating. And as Pansy fell to the floor Jennifer muttered two words;

“Avada Kedavra.”

Pansy fell and Jennifer stood, shocked at what she had done, staring at hx-scx-schoolmate (if that was the right term to use) before falling into Draco’s arms in silent tears. When she was spent Draco eased her away and together they levitated Cho’s body to the side of the building; they would collect it later.

Numerous flashes of light were being fired all around them and with a final hug and “I’ll see you at the end.” Jennifer fled into the night, her wand at the ready.

Within moments of Jennifer leaving Draco’s side a vision entered his head, it was Dumbledore.

“Assemble at the centre of Hogsmeade. It will end there.”

Draco didn’t need telling twice and, after healing his ankle crudely with a charm, he made his way to the centre of Hogsmeade, his wand at the ready and firing one or two killing curses on the way. He was not sure if they met their targets but, as he was still alive, he assumed they must have done.

Carefully Draco edged around the buildings, ensuring he would come out on the right side, and sure enough he found himself creeping up towards a fallen tree where Snape and Hermione were crouching at the back of a crowd. Draco gripped Hermione’s hand tightly and McGonagall approached them. Over her shoulder they could see through the fog ridden air the silhouettes of the many wizards and witches who were trying their best to ward off the Death Eaters as Dumbledore and Harry duelled frantically with Voldemort.

“How many have we lost?” Snape asked, fear in his voice.

“More than any of us would like.” McGonagall sighed, her hair in disarray and her eyes were filled with open fear. She began to recall names; “Neville and Luna fell early on, as did Dennis Creevey and his father, Charlie Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood and Padma Patil that I have counted regarding students.”
at aat about staff and The Order?”

“Just as bad; Tonks, Kingsley, Mad-Eye, Flitwick and Sinstra. It’s not looking good but Dumbledore has a plan worked out. I just pray that it works.” She turned to Draco “I believe your Mother has fallen as well.”

“I wouldn’t expect her not to.” Draco admitted, “She’ll have died the way she wanted to and I doubt I would be the most favoured child in history had she survived. But…We’ve lost Cho too.” He added in a mutter and Hermione let out a gasp.

“Oh Gods, we’re dropping like flies. We were outnumbered anyway but now it must be at least ten to one.” She cried her hand over her mouth to quiet her sobs.

Draco pulled her into a tight hug and saw over her shoulder, numerous dark figures gliding towards them.

“Dementors!” He yelled, pushing Hermione out of the way.

The four of them began to conjure up the happiest memory they could ain order to ward of the Dementors but Draco struggled. His patronus fizzled at the end of his wand as he searched through his childhood memories to find a single happiest moment. He found none there. To his left he saw Hermione; her face was flushed but determined and the ever stray stran hai hair had again escaped the binding she had attempted to put it in and she pushed it back wildly as her otter attacked two Dementors.

He had found his happy thought.

“Expecto Patronum!” Draco yelled and a panther leapt from the end of his wand, diving forward and taking down another two Dementors.

“It’s about to begin.” McGonagall whispered as her monkey patronus and Snape’s crow finished the Dementors off, and the three inched forwards, their wands at the ready. Between them and Harry and Voldemort lay numerous Death Eaters and they resorted to dirty tactics of sneaking up and attacking from behind in order to pull the numbers back slightly. Draco glanced to his left and noticed that Lupin was moving in with other members of The Order and students on their right, and Mr and Mrs Weasley were on the left with even more. They were going to encircle the Death Eaters who were attempting to surround Harry and Dumbledore. They would be caught by their own trap.

Silently the light encircled the dark and it was all too late that the Death Eaters realised the position they were in. A small handful threw down their wands, defeated; they would be taken to Azkaban, but others stood defiant, refusing to abandon that which they believed in. The students and The Order each cast Expelliarmus, catching every wand as it flew to them. Voldemort’s followers were defenceless and all fell silent.

“You will falter Albus and you will lose.” Voldemort’s voice rose above the. “I have the gift of the Gods and you have nothing but a boy with a scar and a grudge.”

“Alas, Tom you do not know that which you are dealing with. You have nothing but your disillusioned dreams. It is we who hold the power to defeat all for it is Harry that Asriel has chosen.”

“Never!” Voldemort screeched, “The Dark God would not choose that protector of light to use his power.”

“Harry offers Asriel more than you ever could.” Dumbledore roared back and Draco saw the anger that had scared so many previous wizards; the Headmaster’s eyes flashed with blue fire and his whole being seemed to grow and sparkle with his own energy.

And as Draco watched so did Harry’s as Asriel began his work to save wizarding kind. Yet when the power began so to did the interference from the other Gods and Harry lit up with the essence of them all. His body flickered red and green as the powers took over. He began to levitate from the ground, deflecting all the curses that were sent his way by the distraught Voldemort who, in vain was attempting to break the circle in which he had been caged but no amount of threatening or cursing would allow him to pass. In his rage he stood before Ginny Wea who who proudly in front of him, her eyes never flickering;

“Move girl.” Voldemort spat.

“Never.”

“Then die.” Came his response, and in the same instant that Voldemort said the words Harry threw a portion of his power to the circle of captors and, although Ginny fell to the ground, she was breathing, caught be only half of the intended curse as Harry’s shield pushed the rest of it back.

Voldemort screeched in rage and turned to the centre of the circle where Harry was now hovering and it was then that The-Boy-Who-Lived carefully took aim with his wand, pointing it to the centre of Voldemort’s heart and loudly, so all around could hear, he spoke the two words that the wizarding world had been longing to be spoken to the Dark Lord for nearly 20 years;

“Avada Kedavra.”

As the green light swooped downwards from Harry and towards its goal Voldemort let out a strangled cry;

“No!”

With mere seconds to live th-Who-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named wheeled around to where Draco, Snape and Hermione stood.

“Traitors!” He yelled to them and with a wild, inarticulated yelp he threw a curse wildly at them. Hermione was hit and Draco could see a crimson line of fire on her skin where the curse had hit across her stomach.

Everything happened in rapid succession. Draco knelt next to Hermione who gave him a weak smile;

“I’ll see you in a bit.” She whispered, “I need to rest.” Her eyes closed.

Draco frantically gripped her hand and felt her wrist; her pulse was faint but steady.

Tears stung his eyes as he watched the Dark Lord fall. The winds rose around him as the green light of the killing curse engulfed him into the storm. His cries peaked and died just as suddenly and as the ashes fell Dumbledore stepped forward and to collect them in a black ornate box with silver inscriptions. Harry fell to the floor panting and, as the survivors gathered around him and Hermione, Dumbledore turned to Draco;

“Mr Malfoy,” he said solemnly, “I must ask for your help one last time.”

Draco walked to the old man.

“I must ask you to seal this box with the greatest knowledge of Dark Magic that you possess.”

“Sir, may I ask, why do you not seal it yourself?”

“Alas, Draco I am too old to be doing such things; the spell that seals this box must be done by someone able to guard over it for along time and pass it onto the next in their family. Only then will it be truly safe. I have little time left on this physical plane and have no kin to pass this onto, so I ask you to do it for me. I ask you because, out of everyone here; including Harry, you know most of all what terrible things the wizard in this box was capable of doing.”

Draco nodded, a lump in his throat at hearing the wizened words of the favoured Headmaster and he called upon his strength for the last time. The storm clouds gathered and combined with the smoke and flames as Draco asked for use of the power for this final necessary task. His being filled to the core with the pure Dark Magic and he could feel it longing to escape its restraints, but he channelled the energy into the pretty little box with a promise from himself and the power that it would never be opened.

As the spell was completed the storm clouds parted, the fog lifted and the rosy hue of dawn crept into the devastated village, Draco glanced into the crowds where he saw Hermione. He heard voices;

“She won’t wake.”

“T’s s’s something wrong.”

“They’ve interfered with her.”

He tried to listen further but the noises blurred together, he tried to move but his legs gave way, tired of all the fighting and running and stress they had endured. His eyelids wouldn’t stay open and his mouth wouldn’t speak as he collapsed, exhausted to the soft earth.

AUTHOR’S NOTE; THIS IS NOT THE END!!!!!! I WILL FINISH THIS STORY SO PLEASE DON’T ASK ME ANY MORE. THERE ARE ABOUT FIVE CHAPTERS LEFT SO I WILL NOT BE ABANDONING IT. PLEASE, NO MORE REVIEWS ASKING ME TO FINISH IT. IT WILL BE FINISHED. Have I made my point? Lol. Honestly, I love that you enjoy the story so much but I am really not cruel enough to just leave it unfinished. I know this Chapter took forever but I hope you can see why; it’s three times as long as usual and it’s taken me over two weeks to get it as right as I think I can. The rest of my updates will be back to the usual length and should be more regular :o)