We Do What We Must

Disclaimer: All characters have been created by J.K. Rowling. I'm just mucking around with them and not making any money for it. Bummer.

I'd like to say thanks to Charmed_Nay. She's overworked as it is, and she is still able to find time to look over my chapters for me.

Ron couldn't believe what he'd just heard. He slunk back into the shadows of the hallway. His mum was now crying loudly and being held by his older brother, Bill, while Remus put his head in his hands. Voldemort was going to Hogwarts for Harry. Dumbledore wanted Bill, Remus, and any other Order members at headquarters to go to the castle immediately.

"I won't let Harry meet him alone," Ron said determinedly. His heart sank. Where there was Harry, there was sure to be Hermione. "No," he whispered. "I'll be there with the both of you."

Resolutely, he made his way to the room that he had been using to change his clothing. He pocketed his wand and looked in the mirror, startling slightly. His reflection showed how pale and frightened he truly looked. He sat on the edge of the bed and brought his shaking hands up before his eyes. "Steady there, mate," he said. "Can't have you showing them that you're afraid!"

He then looked at the rumpled sheets on the bed and thought of the previous night. Pansy was so good to him, and they had a comfortable relationship. He cared for her deeply. She seemed to really love and want him. It was more than he could say for Hermione. She had moved on to some mystery person. Hermione. Ron would have married her if she'd stayed with him. Whoever she is dating now is a lucky bloke. I hope he treats her right. Better than I did. He frowned slightly. She probably doesn't really have a boyfriend and is just pretending to have one so I won't be hurt. Always thinking about others, feelings, Hermione is.

Ron stood suddenly. "It's time," he said firmly. There was a battle to join. The Order would prevail. They had to or else all would be lost. Pansy wouldn't be safe if they didn't. Hermione wouldn't be safe if they didn't. His family would be destroyed. Knowing he would do anything to protect his loved ones, he left the room and walked across the hall to the room that Draco was using. He knocked once, and the door opened quickly.

"Oh, Weasel, I thought Ginny had come up," Draco said, holding the door open. "What's wrong?"

Brushing past him, Ron made his way to a small chair near the bed. "We need to talk, Draco."

Draco's indignant expression turned to one of surprise at the tone of the boy's voice and the use of his given name. "Something wrong?"

"Yeah, Fawkes came with a message for me mum and the others. They don't want us to know about it, but I heard it anyway."

"Well?" Draco asked impatiently.

"Voldemort is going to attack Hogwarts. They are Portkeying students to safe locations and need all the extra wands that can be there," said Ron unsteadily.

Draco's flesh crawled with unease. "You, uh, want me to go with you?" He wasn't afraid of a fight, but he knew these Death Eaters personally. How would it feel to kill a friend or a friend's parent? Still, he owed his safety and the lives of his parents to Dumbledore and Snape. The least he could do was be a man and fight for them. His main fear was of not surviving. What would Ginevra do without him? He had so many plans for them. He never envisioned fighting in any battles. He'd always assumed that others would do that for him.

"No," Ron said quickly. "I need you to stay here. See to it that my family is safe. Ginny would want to go and be in on it. I don't want her to be any place near it. And," he looked down, "I don't want Pansy to be alone. I doubt she'd want to join in the fight anyway, but I would ask you to take care of her."

Draco couldn't believe it. Ronald Weasley was asking him to take care of his family. He trusts me enough to put his family in my hands. He believes in my ability to make sure they are all right. Many emotions filled Draco. He was relieved that he wasn't being asked to accompany him, but could he let Weasley go on his own? If I remain here, I don't have to worry about being killed or facing those I was once loyal to. If something goes wrong, I can always take Ginevra and not look back. Gratitude at being trusted was something that he was feeling, but he was uncertain as to why that should affect him. The strangest feeling to pervade him seemed to be one of worth, as he realized how much mettle it had taken Weasley to unashamedly ask him for help in the first place. They need my help. I'd bet Potter never thought a day would come when I would truly help out.

"I will," Draco said. "Anything you want me to tell Ginevra?" Ron looked at him blankly. "I thought you'd be sneaking away so that she wouldn't try to follow you."

Nodding, Ron said, "Right. It would be better."

"What do you want me to say and to whom?" Draco asked.

"Tell Ginny that it's for the best that she stay here with Mum. If something happens to any of us, Mum will need her. Tell her that I love her, and I'll be back soon." He stood. "Oh, tell her that I'll make Hermione write if we can't come back right away."

Draco rose and nodded. "Weasley...Ron...I just want you to know that I admire your courage." He extended a hand to his lover's brother. "Take care, mate."

"I will," Ron said, placing his sweaty hand in Draco's. "Tell Mum and Dad that I had to do this. They'll understand." He turned and strode to the door. "Let Pansy know that I wish I could have told her and that last night was the best night I've ever had."

Smirking, Draco said, "I doubt I truly want to know the details, Weasel." He grinned. "I will help them in any way that I can. I promise."

"Thanks," the redhead said, quickly exiting.

For an instant, Draco nearly called back to him and wanted to ask him to stay and not risk his life in battle. Ginevra would be disappointed that her brother was leaving, but it was something that he could understand. Weasley felt strongly about his two friends. For Draco, if it would be Ginevra off that needed help, he would go to her no matter what. It was nothing more than what Weasley was doing. Ginny would understand.

He heard some shouting from below and raced down to the kitchen. Mrs. Weasley was holding Ginevra while Pansy stood beside them, clearly dumbfounded at what was happening. Ron, Bill, and Lupin were near the doorway. When Ron saw Draco, he pleaded, "Talk to her."

Draco went to her side and said, "Ginny, he has to go."

"I know!" she yelled. "And I want to go with him! They need our help! We can't just sit around here."

"You will be needed here," Draco said. "I'm staying with you. We need to stay here and help any that might come needing healing or a place to stay. We don't know what's going to happen."

"Dumbledore said for you all to stay here, Gin, even Mum," Bill said. "We have no time to argue on this."

"We won't argue! Just let me come," she snapped.

Draco put his arms around her and pulled her from her mother's grasp. He whispered, "Ginny, stay with your mother. She shouldn't be alone at a time like this when most of her family is fighting a battle. Let her have one of her children with her. She needs you." He gazed into her eyes intently. "I need you."

She opened her mouth and closed it. It was then that Draco felt her trembling and noted the fear in her eyes. "I don't want to lose them," she whispered.

He pulled her close and held her tightly. "Things will work out. You'll see."

Pansy cleared her throat and spoke for the first time. "Ginny, you have more reason to stay than any other."

Draco's eyes narrowed. What was that supposed to mean? He watched suspiciously as she moved to Ron and hugged him. He turned away, allotting them some privacy. His eyes met those of the Weasley matriarch. "I'll talk to her," he said quietly, moving his sobbing girlfriend away from the others and into another room.

"'S all right," he whispered, rubbing her back. When she quieted, he asked, "What did Pansy mean?"

She sniffed, wiping her eyes as she did so. "I've only just found out."

"Found out what?" he asked.

"I'm pregnant."

"What?"

"Yes."

"How?"

Ginny shook her head in irritation. "What do you mean how?"

"Well... it was only the once that we went all the way, and that was weeks ago." He closed his eyes and nodded though, pulling her back to him. "It's all it takes, isn't it?"

"Yes, I'm sorry."

"No, it's all right. It's not just your fault. I hadn't thought of any protection either. We're both to blame." He kissed her softly, more feelings filling him. "I do love you, you know. We'll be fine."

She beamed brightly. "I didn't know for certain, but I do now." She touched his lips with the pad of her thumb. "I love you." They shared a quick kiss, parting when they heard a throat being cleared. It was Lupin.

"Congratulations," he said, extending a hand to Draco. "I trust you will care for her to the best of your ability."

"You can count on it. I have the means to do so," Draco countered arrogantly, grasping the man's hand firmly. "I guess you heard. Been eavesdropping, have you?"

"No, Draco," Ginny said softly. "He's the one that told me. He sensed it. He told me yesterday and only came back today with a test that I could take to know for certain. Pansy was with me. I didn't want to be alone."

"I would like to break the news to her parents if you don't mind," Draco said in annoyance. The fucking werewolf found out before I did about my own child.

Lupin smiled. "I wouldn't dream of taking that pleasure away from you. I simply meant to wish you well." He paused as if in thought. "That there can be new life in a time of war gives me hope for the future. I hope to see you soon."

"Thanks," Draco grumbled, tightening his hold on Ginny possessively.

"Remus, thank you," she said sweetly. "For everything. Please be safe."

"I shall," he said before leaving, not looking back at them.

Ginny wiped a few fresh tears from her face and looked to Draco. "Are you unhappy about this? I never thought I would have kids until after I had a career and was married."

"I am surprised, but I am not displeased," he said smoothly.

She swallowed. "I'm afraid to tell my mum and dad. I won't be of age for another five months. They'll be so disappointed."

"So we don't tell them right now," Draco said. "We don't know what's going to happen anyway, and we don't need to worry them with this."

"All right," she whispered in agreement.

"Ginny, this means you'll have to marry me. Maybe one day soon," he said quietly. "I planned on it anyway." He gazed at her intently. "You know that, right?"

She bit her lip, opting to say nothing and hugging him. You bet I did, she thought happily. I've been planning on it, too.

At the doorway, Pansy turned around and left them in peace. She was happy that Draco had found someone, and she was equally happy that she'd found someone. While she did love Ron and enjoyed the security their relationship provided, she'd been wondering if she would ever fall in love with him. She had known this day was coming for a while. It was always looming before them...the eminent battle between good and evil. She hoped that Harry killed the Dark Lord...for her father if for nothing else.

Her father had been the reason she'd sought out Ron in the beginning. He wanted her to get close to Potter and his mates to stay safe. Potter never gave her a second glance, but she'd seen a chance with Ron and had taken it. The months that she'd been spending with his family had proved to be more pleasing than she'd ever imagined. She liked the Weasleys. Though they hadn't any wealth, they had something more valuable. Being part of their family and being accepted meant a lot to Pansy. Fear for Ron's life made her worry greatly.

"There is nothing to do, aside from praying," she said quietly. When Ron came back, she would make sure to give the relationship everything that she could. She would let him know how much she cared and appreciated him. She would fall in love with him.

"I agree. We should pray," Molly Weasley said, pulling Pansy into a hug. "They'll be fine," she whispered reassuringly. "Watch and see. Dumbledore and the others... It will all be well." In truth, Molly had a horrible feeling that some of her family wouldn't be going back home... ever. She'd wanted to force Ron to stay home, but she knew he would simply sneak away. She was proud of him for his honor and for standing up for what he believed in.

She sighed as she thought of Bill. There was still no change in Fleur, and there was no word on Gabrielle. Molly knew that Bill felt guilty about what had happened to both girls. She only hoped that he wouldn't let those feelings cloud his thoughts during the battle. She needed to owl her other children, but she secretly hoped that by doing so wouldn't make them want to join the fight. Perhaps she could wait just a little longer before owling anyone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tonks looked around nervously. Dumbledore had sent a message with his Patronus, telling her that Death Eaters may be on the way. They were to let him know right away. "Hestia, come on. Let's get back near the gate."

"We can just Apparate on over at first sight," the woman replied, bending down to pick up a rock. "Look at this. It's yellow and shaped like a square."

"Aren't you... nervous?"

"Nah, I've been through three false alarms this past week. They just like to keep us guessing. They wouldn't dare to come to Hogwarts." Hestia put the rock in her pocket. "My sister's son collects rocks. I'll bring this to him."

"Come on. Let's start walking a little. I'd feel better about it."

Tonks was relieved when Hestia agreed. They began walking in silence. Each lost in their own thoughts. Where was Remus? Would Dumbledore have called for him to come to Hogwarts? Was this really just a false alarm?

"What's really bothering you? Can't be all because of this supposed attack rubbish or the pending storm, eh?" Hestia asked. "You seemed upset even before this."

"Remus asked me to marry him again," Tonks admitted. "I turned him down."

"Why? You're crazy about the man. I say you should do it. Life is too short, even for us, to prolong what is meant to be," Hestia said wisely. "I've had many regrets in my life until a few years ago. I finally made peace, but if I had the chance to do things differently, I would."

"I love him. I guess I'm just holding out to make certain that I am who he wants."

Hestia stopped and looked at her in confusion. "Has he been seeing someone else? First I hear of it."

Tonks shook her head. "No, not really. There was someone that he thought highly of, and I suppose I was jealous. I told him to go to her and that I was leaving. That's when he proposed the first time."

"I see." Hestia nodded. "He was trying to prove to you that you are what he wants. Understandable." She smiled kindly. "Search your heart, Nymphadora. Do you really think he wants another woman?"

"No," she said honestly. "Maybe I'm trying to punish him." She sighed. "Maybe I should grow up, eh? I think I'll talk to him tonight." She looked around. "This situation just makes it worse, you know? Now, I'm wondering if I'll ever have the chance to tell him that I do want to be his wife."

"You will. Mark my words, dear. Why, I'll bet..." Numerous pops of Apparition began sounding around them. "Apparate to the gates!" Hestia yelled.

Tonks looked around in horror. Death Eaters and Lord Voldemort himself were actually there! She quickly Apparated near the gates, and before she could reach it, she heard pops behind her and felt something burning into her back. She dropped down and didn't move.

"She's down," a man's voice said.

"Leave her for now. Let's check on that side. I think I saw three blokes dodging behind that far wall into the shrubbery."

"Come on then!"

She could have sworn that the ground shook as many feet stomped off in the opposite direction. When she felt it safe, she looked up slowly, pain searing through her as she did so. "Hestia?" she whispered. There was no reply. The woman must not have had the chance to Apparate. She began crawling towards the gate and used the wall to help her rise to her feet. She was uncertain as to what they hit her with, but she knew she was bleeding and needed medical attention. But first, she had to warn the castle. Somehow, she'd lost her wand when she'd fallen. Not taking the time to search for it, as a couple of the Death Eaters that had hexed her were now running back towards her, she quickly fumbled with the gate and said the password, letting herself in.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harry swallowed thickly. Only a few minutes had passed since Dumbledore had distributed orders to everyone. The majority of the students and some staff members were already gone, but some were still running about and trying to group together. Hermione seemed paler than he'd ever seen her, and her brown eyes were nervously darting at the chaos around them.

Dumbledore had confidence in him, but he wasn't feeling very brave at the moment. In fact, part of him wanted to take Hermione, flee to headquarters to snatch the others, and go off to another bloody country where Voldemort wouldn't feel them to be a threat. Another part of him, a braver part, would never allow that to happen.

"Harry?" Hermione asked, looking off to the side, not exactly at him.

"I'm here," he said. "I was watching Firenze make way to the forest to take Dumbledore's message."

Her eyes moved to the spot where he stood. "I see Tonks running this way. She just locked the gate. They must be on the way to the castle. Wasn't there someone else with her?" She gasped. "There's smoke coming from the direction of the railroad station! Oh, no."

Harry moved to look. Sure enough, wisps of thick, black smoke rose up into the air. Seconds later, Voldemort's Dark Mark appeared in the sky, glittering eerily against the stormy sky. "Shite," he said, stomach bubbling nervously. "What the...? Look! Tonks has fallen!"

"Get back, girl," Moody's gruff voice said from behind them as he pushed Hermione aside. "Stop looking around with your mouth open. Get ready for what's coming!"

He moved by and began talking to the headmaster. "Hermione, get under my cloak with me," Harry said suddenly. "It doesn't feel right to leave you out in the open like that." He could see that she agreed with him, but she shook her head.

"No, I might cause you to trip. We both need to be able to move. Just stay hidden until you can get to that bastard! I'll just... I don't know. Look for Severus? Stun any arseholes that come near me?" She pulled her wand out, holding it within shaky fingers. "I'm afraid."

"I am, too," Harry admitted, pulling his own wand out. He knew he would throw the cloak off sooner or later to be able to fight freely, but he supposed that sneaking hexes in on unsuspecting Death Eaters would be a bonus. If they came for Hermione, they would be in for it. He steeled himself. "I'm ready for this to be over with."

"McGonagall is helping Tonks up. The others are gathering round. Harry, is that blood? Who would have hurt her? Nobody is even at the gates, and she isn't ev..."

BANG!

Harry pulled Hermione to him, not caring who noticed them. They saw more black smoke rising. This time it was just on the other side of the gates. "I think they are here, Hermione," Harry said, sounding calm. A moment later the gate opened easily. One Death Eater walked through. He must have known the password. "Snape is letting them in! What the fuck?"

Hermione's eyes widened as more Death Eaters came pounding through the gates. "How can you be so sure? They all look alike to me!"

"Maybe he's..."

"Doing what he's supposed to do!" she interrupted hotly. "Don't go accusing him of anything yet, Harry! Oh, my God! It's V-Voldemort! He's here!" Something brushed by her suddenly, and she saw Moody pointing at something and hollering at Dumbledore. "HARRY!" she screamed, running forward.

"Get back, Hermione," she heard him yell from her far right. She ran in that direction, wand ready. She could see Dumbledore moving towards his voice as well.

Everything began to happen so quickly. There were so many Death Eaters filing through. All of the help that Dumbledore had called upon hadn't arrived yet. They were greatly outnumbered, even with the house-elves ready to join in at a moment's notice.

BANG!

A powerful spell hit the castle near the main entrance, causing a few stones to drop down. Hermione ran into Harry's invisible body. "Is that you?"

"Yes."

Dumbledore reached them. "Get inside. Both of you! You are supposed to hide until you can get to him, Harry. I don't want him to see you."

"Dumbledore!" shouted a voice. They turned to look over at the Death Eaters and their leader. "Your time has come!"

Hermione was uncertain who had called out, but her heart was pounding. One Death Eater stood a few feet ahead of the rest and was whispering with Voldemort. Severus, she thought, hoping for the best. When would he do something to help? Would he trick the Dark Lord into thinking all was well? She looked to the headmaster, who smiled at the group before he replied to them.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that," Dumbledore said calmly, wand clutched in his hand.

The moment he spoke the words, Death Eaters began marching forward. Hermione panicked and looked around. Most seemed to be ready for the oncoming, cloaked figures. Their faces were set in forbidding stares as if daring their opponents to challenge them. Others seemed afraid and nervous.

"Oh, my God," Hermione whispered.

"I will kill him," Harry said.

Dumbledore spun around. "Remember what I told you, Harry. Remember all that he and his followers have done to you."

"I will kill him!" Harry shouted.

"Here they come!" someone shouted.

Suddenly, people were running forward and casting spells. Shouts rang out all over. House-elves were ordered to protect the castle, but Hermione saw some of them shooting jets of light from their hands at the Death Eaters before they could reach the castle. Dark cloaks surrounded them quickly, giving as good as getting.

"Stupefy!" Hermione yelled, pointing her wand at a nearby enemy. It seemed they were all coming in her direction. "Do you think they see Harry?" she asked Dumbledore.

"I think they see me," he said quietly, flicking his wand gracefully and moving forward.

Hermione pointed her wand at numerous targets and yelled, "Incarcerous! Expelliarmus! Stupefy! Stupefy! Incarcerous!

One had made it to her side and pulled her back by her hair. "Snape's concubine," he said, pushing her down and trying to move on.

She answered with a neat Stunning Spell. "Yeah, I'm Snape's concubine, but I won't let you take my friends down!" She pointed her wand to the next Death Eater, but someone else Stunned him. She looked around and saw that Harry had taken off his cloak and was brandishing his wand all over the place in defense of her and Dumbledore.

It gave her the courage to get up and do the same. More and more Death Eaters were trying to get to the headmaster. None paid any attention to her or Harry. Hermione had a horrible feeling that it had been planned that way. The Dark Lord likely wanted his servants to take out Dumbledore first, thinking Harry would be easy to kill without his help.

Suddenly, Hermione was disarmed, losing her wand and her footing. She flew back a few feet, landing on her arse. It was a woman. Lestrange. "I don't give a fuck whose concubine you are. You'll not be hexing my mates," Bellatrix said. "A little Stunning Spell will keep you quiet until Snape can collect you!"

"No!" Hermione yelled, rolling over to avoid the red jet of light. She saw that Harry was too busy helping Dumbledore to be of assistance to her, so she tried to get to her feet. The woman pushed her back down and raised her wand. "I said that you must behave, girl. If you keep this up, you'll be killed." Her eyes glinted darkly. "Not that I care, but I don't want any of us to be blamed for your stupidity."

Bellatrix was hit with a hex and flipped over backwards. Hermione looked up and saw Ron running forward. "Ron! What are you doing here?" she called, getting up. "I thought you were at headquarters!"

He hugged her tightly. "I couldn't let you and Harry have all the fun without me!" He released her. "Come on. Let's go help him!"

"I don't have my wand. Bellatrix took it." She turned to go to the woman's body to get her wand, but she was no longer lying on the ground. "Shite! Ron, Bellatrix is gone!"

In the next instant, she saw the angry woman and was horrified to see that her hood had come off. Her dark hair blew about wildly in the breeze as she shouted a hex Hermione had never heard before. A pale jet of light hit Ron a moment later, squarely in the chest. Without a care for her own safety, she turned and ran to him. There was blood on his chest, and it looked as though he'd been shot with a Muggle gun.

"No!" She pulled him into her arms and tried to stop the bleeding with his shirt. "You'll be all right, Ron. I'll get you to Madame Pomfrey. Things will be fine."

"Hermione..." His voice was weak. One of his hands came up to cup her cheek, thumb wiping away a few tears. "I would have married you."

"Tell me later, Ron," she said, crying. "Live. Hold on." She tried to grab for his wand, intending to get him to the infirmary, and raised him up slightly.

"I've always loved you," he said. "Still... even now..."

"Stop sounding as if you are dying, Ron. I can fix this. I can bring you to the infirmary. I need only to reach your wand," she said worriedly, doubting the words even as she said them. His blood was all over, and he looked bad.

"Pansy... Tell her I'm sorry," he whispered weakly. "Love... you." His eyes widened slightly. "Mum...?"

He was gone. Dead.

Hermione sobbed loudly, holding him in her arms. "I'm sorry, Ron! I'm sorry... Don't leave. I swear I can save you." Losing strength in her arms, he began sliding back down to the ground. "Harry..." she called, barely audible. "He's gone, Harry. Harry..."

She looked around her. There was so much noise and chaos. Everything was such a blur. She couldn't see half of what was going on from her spot on the ground, but she hated to leave Ron. Numbness was setting in. Ron was dead. He'd died in her arms professing his love for her. No, this is a dream. It's not real. Her eyes met the dark, heavily lidded eyes of Bellatrix Lestrange, who was smiling smugly and had the nerve to laugh.

"Die, you bitch!" shouted Neville before he cast a Killing Curse at Bellatrix. Hermione watched as the woman's laughter died on her lips and was thrown back when the green light hit her.

"He's dead," Hermione said when he squatted down with her. "She did it." She nodded towards Bellatrix's body.

"I saw it," he said. "We came back. We couldn't let them keep us away."

Hermione looked around and saw that a large amount of the older students had apparently come back and were helping. "Harry! He needs us."

Her spine chilled when she heard a cold, high-pitched voice saying, "Now, you are mine, boy!" The Dark Lord had finally made his way over to them and was leisurely standing only a few feet from them as if he hadn't a care in the word.

She watched as Harry spun around to face Voldemort. "Maybe you are mine," he yelled fiercely. "I'm not afraid this time!"

A piercing laughter escaped the Dark Lord's lips. "Good." He flicked his wand at Harry, and they began dueling effortlessly.

If she'd had more time to think of it, she would have been proud of the way Harry was holding himself, but suddenly, Neville was on his feet, wand drawn and pointed at Voldemort. He had no time to say anything when an approaching Death Eater hit him with a hex. This one seemed to glide over the grounds as he walked. Neville fell back gracelessly and was clearly Stunned. The Death Eater stopped, and his black eyes stared down at her for a long moment.

"He's dead," she said, nodding to Ron, knowing it was Severus who was looking down at her. He nodded and extended a hand to her. "I can't just leave him."

"For now, yes, you will have to." He shook his hand impatiently, wanting her to take it.

She looked from Ron's lifeless, blue eyes and opened mouth to the dark eyes of her lover. She knew she couldn't help Harry by sitting on the ground and holding Ron. Gently, she placed his head down and took Severus' hand.

There were triumphant shouts behind him, and they both turned to look. Dumbledore had already been hit with a hex by one of the many surrounding him. Another hit him from the back, but he was still fighting. Voldemort's laughter drew her attention. Harry had been hit as well. He was folded over on the ground, trying to get back up. "No!" she yelled, trying to run forward. However, Severus kept her against him tightly.

"You will stop this instant," he said in a low, threatening voice. "To interfere is to die."

She couldn't believe it. "Severus, help Harry," she pleaded. "Help the headmaster."

"I will not intervene."

"What?" she asked incredulously. "They need you! Don't you care?"

"The fight seems to be over. I'm sorry," he said, voice cracking slightly. "It is not in our best interest to do anything now." He pointed his wand at her and began whispering something. She felt as if something hot seeped through her skin at her hairline. For a moment, a foggy vision flashed through her mind before disappearing and remaining out of reach to her.

"What was that?" she asked, feeling dazed.

"Shhh, my love. We will be all right. That's all that matters," he said, keeping her against him as he moved towards the Dark Lord and Harry. She saw that Harry had fallen once again. This time he wasn't trying to rise.

In slow motion, Hermione watched as Fawkes appeared over Dumbledore, who had been hit by more hexes. Noting his familiar's presence, the wizened wizard pointed his wand at Harry and silently cast a spell. Before Voldemort's Killing Curse could hit Harry's crumpled form, her friend disappeared with a loud bang. The Dark Lord's curse hit the ground instead. At that same moment, parts of the huge stones near the entrance began falling down, as if hit by another large spell. With a final look in their direction, Dumbledore clutched Fawkes' feathers, and they disappeared in a burst of flames.

"We are victorious!" Voldemort yelled. "Potter has been defeated! I've killed him, and the old man goes off to die alone!" Cheers rang out, but not for long. The extra Aurors had finally shown up and had started helping. "We retreat for now, but we retreat victorious! We can take the castle on any day now that Dumbledore's gone!"

Hermione wanted to laugh and say that he'd missed Harry completely, but her lover's hold tightened on her, keeping her quiet. Allowing Severus to pull her along, they all ran for the gates. Many had fallen from both sides. Some were calling out for help. Everything was even more hazy, especially now that he'd muddled with her mind. Things had happened so quickly mixed with the shock of Ron dying in her arms, seeing Dumbledore nearly hexed to death, and the disappearance of a badly hurt Harry.

Once they were outside of the gates, Voldemort directed everyone to go to their homes until he called upon them later for celebration. He looked to Severus. "Well, done, Severusss. I didn't notice little Longbottom at my back until it was nearly too late. The both of you will come with me." His slitty, red eyes appraised her momentarily before he dismissively looked back to Severus. "I want you at my side so that we are able to prepare for the next stages of this war. Their heroes are defeated. It won't take long for them to fall."

Hermione only half listened to their conversation. Ron was dead. Harry was... gone. Dumbledore was dying. Hogwarts had fallen. Many had fallen. She laughed when she heard the hooves of the centaurs finally coming from the forest to help. Like the Aurors, they were too little and too late.

Ignoring her outburst, Severus nodded. "Yes, Master." Holding Hermione close, he Disapparated away from Hogwarts. The last thing she saw was the crumbling entrance and plumes of smoke filling the air.

Southern's Notes: I hadn't initially planned on killing Ron, but my quill decided it was to be this way. Sorry about that. I'm going to start working on the next part as soon as possible. Voldemort is victorious. Snape has some loose ends to tie up, doesn't he? How will Hermione handle this? What exactly did Snape do to her with that bit of magic? What happened to Harry? Where did Dumbledore go? Lots of questions, eh? I shall do my best to answer them as soon as I can.

Just to give some of you hope, I know some of you are wondering if Bane's visions and Ginny's prophecy have changed. Nope. Ginny and Draco shall help to start a new world. I am certain that Voldemort will be trying to find her next.

I don't know if any of you have seen the movie Troy, but I quite liked it. I find myself listening to its soundtrack lately, and the entire time I wrote this chapter I had the song, The Greek Army and Its Defeat, playing. Haha! Now, in my mind, Voldemort's "theme" is the Greek Army music.

I didn't answer last chapter's reviews yet because I couldn't trust myself to not give away what would happen here, but I will answer them shortly... as always.