The Battle Rages On

THE BATTLE RAGES ON

Disclaimer: All the characters portrayed belong to the wonderful imagination of JK Rowling. I'm just playing – honest.

Thanks, as always, to Snarkyroxy for her marvellous Beta-ing skills.

---

Hermione stirred in the chair, and woke up with a crick in her neck and pins and needles down her arm. Stretching her stiff limbs, she uncurled herself and sat up yawning, wondering what time it was. Hermione smiled, mid-yawn, remembering the rather pleasant dream still vivid in her mind. She had been with Severus, standing in a grove of what looked like oak trees, barefoot and wearing white robes. Although it seemed to be winter, as the ground was frosty and she could see her breath, she didn't feel the cold. Severus was holding her hand, promising to love and protect her and to never betray her trust in him. Minerva was there, she remembered, Remus, Harry and Ginny, too. Severus looked older – in fact they all looked older. A lone tear trickled down her cheek.

Fanciful nonsense, she told herself sharply, rubbing her aching neck.

She glanced over at Harry's bed to see him staring back at her.

'I was just about to wake you and send you back to your own bed,' he said.

Hermione stretched again and yawned. 'Sorry for falling asleep, Harry. Are you okay?'

'Yes,' Harry replied, 'never better. I managed to drive him out – thanks to you.'

'Really? How?'

'Oh, I just focused my mind, like you taught me, and sort of pushed.'

'Harry, that's fantastic.' Hermione stood and walked over to him.

Harry smiled up at her. 'Thank you,' he said taking her hand and squeezing it. 'You know, you're an amazing person, Hermione. Ron's a lucky bloke.'

Hermione smiled at him. 'Think so?'

'Know so. Now go back to bed before he accuses me of trying to steal you off him.'

Hermione laughed at that. 'Get some sleep. It's still early.'

'Will do.' Harry yawned and snuggled into his pillow. 'See you later.'

**********************

At Hogwarts later that day, Minerva sat in her study, still shocked by Remus' report. Yes, she had been angry, and yes, she had shouted, but now she just felt weary, weighed down by the enormity of the task that still lay ahead. So much responsibility on such young shoulders. It simply wasn't fair. As for Tom Riddle, how could he have sunk to such levels of depravity? Splitting his soul? It was an insult to the Mother. Minerva stood up and walked over to Albus' portrait.

'Well,' she said, 'no doubt you heard all that. I hope you're satisfied putting those three children in such danger and leaving me to pick up the pieces.' Minerva paused as if willing the portrait to respond. 'So, tell me, Albus, now what am I supposed to do?'

Albus snored on. Minerva sighed in exasperation and moved to stand in front of the fireplace. What other secrets were being kept from her? She looked around at what, even now, she thought of as Albus' office. It was still much as he had left it – his inkpot and quill sitting on the desk, the strange whirling silver instruments on their tables merrily emitting puffs of smoke and, saddest of all, Fawkes' golden perch standing, forever empty, behind the door. For the first time it really hit her that she was no longer the Deputy Head just filling in for the Headmaster while he was away on business.

'Perhaps that's the problem,' Minerva mused. 'Everyone else thinks he's coming back as well.' Whether she liked it or not, the yoke of leadership had been very firmly placed on her shoulders for the forthcoming conflict. She was Headmistress now as well as the leader of the Order of the Phoenix, and the defence of the school would be in her hands. It was time to convince everyone else of that fact... a task, she thought, that would not be an easy one.

When faced with a dilemma such as this, Minerva often found it helpful to view the problem from a different perspective. Folding in on herself, she changed into her Animagus form. The bespectacled tabby flicked her tail before settling down on the hearth rug. Licking a paw, she dragged it over an ear. Yes, a cat's eye view of the world was very much simpler and guaranteed to help one focus on the pertinent facts. Minerva curled up and purred, taking pleasure in the warmth of the fire. She would have a nice nap first and then give the matter due consideration.

**********************

A day later, after conferring with Harry, Minerva decided to hold a small council of war to discuss the situation. Remus, the Weasleys – with the exception of Percy and Charlie – Moody and Kingsley Shacklebolt were asked to attend. At Grimmauld Place, Harry and Ron started to rearrange the kitchen in readiness for the meeting scheduled to take place later that evening, leaving Hermione to sort out the refreshments. Next to the sandwiches on the dresser, Hermione placed a decanter of firewhisky for the men and some gillywater for the ladies.

Merlin knows they're going to need it, she thought as she Summoned some glass tumblers from the cupboard.

The three former Horcruxes had also been put on display on the dresser. Hermione found herself inexplicably drawn to the locket.

Obviously meant for a man to wear, she deduced as she regarded the heavy, ornate piece of jewellery. She felt compelled to pick it up. Holding it in the palm of her hand, she traced the double 'S' that formed the snake on the front with her index finger. It was quite beautiful, she thought. Although it was not to her taste, the craftsmanship was undeniably of the finest. It seemed to thrum in her hand, calling to her. She unclasped the chain as if in a trance and went to put it around her neck.

'Stop!' Ron shouted across the kitchen. 'What are you doing?'

'I... I...'

'Don't you know anything? You should never, ever put on any jewellery, particularly something that old, without testing it for curses first.' Hermione looked shocked. 'That thing used to belong to the Snake King himself. It could be charmed to strangle anyone but the rightful owner!'

'I... I don't know what came over me,' Hermione stammered.

'Obviously,' said Ron more gently.

'No, really,' Hermione insisted, 'I don't remember picking it up.'

'Hermione?' Harry asked, his voice full of concern.

'I'm okay, honestly,' Hermione replied, still entranced by the locket. She put her hand out towards it again. Ron stopped her.

'I think you'd better move away from it.' Ron led her over to the table and pulled a chair out for her. 'Look, Bill will be over for the meeting later on. I'll ask him to take a look at it, okay? Maybe he can work out what's going on.'

'All right,' Hermione agreed, still feeling a bit shaken by the experience.

'Here,' said Harry, putting a glass of Butterbeer in front of her, 'have some of this.'

Hermione sipped the sickly drink and grimaced. What was it with wizards and sugar?

Ron sat down beside her and picked up the latest edition of the Daily Prophet. 'Have you seen this, Harry?' he asked. 'Apparently you've been spotted sunning yourself on a beach in Majorca.'

Harry smiled wryly. 'Yeah, I wish.'

Speculation as to Harry's whereabouts was becoming a national obsession. On one occasion, Rita Skeeter had gone so far as to suggest that he had been killed in a Death Eater raid and that the Ministry was too scared to admit it. This had caused widespread panic among the wizarding general public, forcing the Minister of Magic himself to give a statement to the contrary.

Hermione had noticed a subtle change in Harry. A few weeks ago, the rubbish that was being published in the newspapers would have angered him. Now it didn't seem to bother him at all. It was like water off a duck's back. Harry had become introspective; he was calm and focused – not like Harry at all, in fact. Hermione didn't think it could just be meditation that had caused this transformation.

I'll tackle him about it after the meeting, she decided.

It wasn't very long before the pops of Apparition were heard, heralding the arrival of their guests. Minerva was keen to take charge and get everyone settled as quickly as possible. There was much scraping of chairs on the flagstones as they all took their seats.

'Thank you all for coming at such short notice,' Minerva began. 'We have a lot to discuss this evening, so we'll get straight on if you don't mind.' She turned to Harry. 'Mr Potter, if you would be so kind.'

Harry cleared his throat and began his tale. Those present who knew nothing about the Horcruxes sat in horrified silence until he had finished.

Molly, predictably, exploded. 'What was Albus thinking to involve you in all this?' she spluttered. 'Did you know anything about it, Minerva?' Minerva opened her mouth but was cut off. 'I've never heard the like... I mean, Inferi, for Merlin's sake! What on earth did you three think you were doing handling this by yourselves? I thought you,' she rounded on Hermione, 'would have had more sense. And as for you, Remus... well, you're no better. You could all have been killed or seriously maimed.' She glared at them. 'Well, what do you have to say for yourselves, hmm?' She turned to her husband. 'Don't just sit there. Arthur, say something!'

'Well, I... '

'And to think one of those... those things was actually in my house – and at Christmas... I mean, Christmas.' She shook her head and shuddered. 'Wicked, wicked.'

As Molly drew breath, Arthur took the opportunity to try and placate her. 'What's done is done, Molly dear. Now, Harry, you say there is still one Horcrux left. Can you tell us what it is?'

'Yes, Mr Weasley,' Harry replied, 'it's Voldemort's snake, Nagini.'

'Well, that settles it,' Molly said emphatically. 'There's no way you'll be able to get near it.'

'But, Mum...'

'Don't you 'but Mum' me, Ronald Weasley. You may be seventeen but I am not going to allow you – any of you – to go after that snake. What did you think you were going to do? Apparate into Voldemort's lair and kill it under his nose?'

'I was about to say,' Ron replied as firmly as he dared to his mother, 'that I think we will have to wait until the actual battle to dispose of Nagini.'

'But, Ron,' Hermione interjected, 'you're assuming Voldemort will bring the snake with him and that Harry will have time to kill it first.'

'I know,' Ron replied, 'which is why I was about to suggest that, assuming he brings Nagini with him, someone else kills it.'

'Nagini hardly ever leaves Voldemort's side,' Harry offered, 'but there's still the problem of the curse.'

'Do you have an opinion on that, Bill?' Minerva asked.

Bill Weasley thought a moment before replying. 'From what Harry has said, I think it would be impossible to put the same sort of curse on a living creature without killing it. My guess is that Voldemort protects this particular Horcrux by keeping it close to him.'

'Hmm,' said Minerva, taking notes, 'in that case, we would have to come up with a plan to lure Nagini away from Voldemort. Ron, Bill, can I leave this with you?'

The brothers nodded in assent.

'Thank you. Now, Arthur,' she turned to Mr Weasley, 'do you have anything to report?'

Ron's suggestion that there might be moles in the Ministry had led to investigations being made, and certain people in key positions being put under discreet surveillance. One such individual, realising that he was being followed, confessed everything. It transpired that Voldemort had threatened to kill his family if he didn't cooperate.

'The man does not bear the Dark Mark,' Arthur informed them. 'There is no way of telling how many people like him there are. It's very worrying.'

'Does anyone have any idea how big Voldemort's army will be? Hermione asked.

This was a very good question. Besides the known Death Eaters and those poor souls who had been coerced into service, it was impossible to estimate how many ordinary wizarding folk secretly supported Voldemort and, out of those, how many would actually fight. The wizarding community was basically conservative – some would say stagnant – and resistant to change. Voldemort wasn't the only one who saw the influx of Muggle-borns as a threat to their way of life. Amongst the purebloods in particular, there were quite a few people who, although they would not go so far as to advocate murder, would be a lot happier if there were fewer Muggle-borns in their midst. They viewed these outsiders with suspicion, coming into the wizarding world with their funny customs and strange clothing, acting like they owned the place. Who did they think they were? If Tom Riddle had been a little less right wing, not so scaly and had had a nice smile, he would have stood a good chance of being elected Minister for Magic.

'No one knows for certain, Hermione,' Arthur answered her, 'but then again, no one knows how many people will come out and fight on our side either.'

Hermione scribbled something on a piece of parchment.

'Any news on the werewolves, Remus?' Minerva asked.

Remus coughed as everyone turned their heads in his direction. 'From what I can gather, support for Voldemort among the werewolves is strong. He has made all sorts of promises in exchange for their loyalty. About half, I believe, will fight for him... in human form, of course.'

'Of course,' said Minerva. 'They would kill indiscriminately otherwise. Well, at least we know Voldemort will not want to attack during the three days around the full moon. Thank you, Remus.' She made a few more notes. 'Alastor, your report please.'

Moody gave his report. 'I have it on reliable authority that Voldemort will be stepping up attacks on Muggles in the next few months, in an attempt to distract the Aurors, while he refines his plans for an assault on Hogwarts. Halloween seems to be his most favoured day for that at the moment.'

Hermione scribbled some more notes on the piece of parchment and frowned. 'Not good,' she said out loud. Everyone turned to look at her.

'Miss Granger?' Minerva enquired.

'I have been doing some Arithmancy calculations,' Hermione explained. 'There are many variables, but from what has been said this evening, I've assumed we will be outnumbered three to one. If Voldemort does attack on Halloween, then by my reckoning he will have an eighty-five per cent chance of victory.'

There was much consternation around the table. 'Are you sure, Miss Granger?' Minerva questioned.

'Yes, I am,' Hermione stated, 'but you may ask Professor Vector to check my figures if you like.'

Harry wasn't listening to Hermione's observations. He was still mulling over Alastor Moody's report. There was only one person who could be his 'reliable authority'.

'Snape's your spy, isn't he?' he asked bluntly.

Moody did not reply. Harry sighed.

'Look,' he said, 'let's all put our cards on the table. There has been far too much secrecy. If I am to go up against Voldemort, I want to know exactly what I'm up against and who to trust. If Snape is still on our side, I need to know.'

Hermione sat bolt upright. How could I have been so stupid? What's the point in being a spy if you have no one to report to? Moody must be Severus' contact. She exchanged glances with Ron, who reached out and clasped her hand. Harry took note but said nothing.

'Alastor?' Minerva asked sharply.

'Before I answer that,' Moody replied, 'I want a wand oath from everyone in this room not to repeat what I am about to say.' The old Auror's doctrine of 'constant vigilance' was rising to ever higher levels of paranoia.

'Mr Moody,' said Harry, his voice filled with an authority that made them all jump, 'I trust every person sat at this table with my life. I will tell you what I know about Severus Snape, and then you will do me the same courtesy.' Harry told them all he knew about the Unbreakable Vow. You could have heard a pin drop. 'Well, Mr Moody?'

'Yes,' Moody grudgingly admitted. 'What you say is true. Snape is still spying for us.'

There was bedlam. Hermione gripped Ron's hand and bit back the tears. It took all her strength not to run out of the room. She couldn't begin to get her head around it. She needed to get away. She needed to think. One thing, though, did occur to her. If Dumbledore had told Harry about the Unbreakable Vow, then his attitude towards Severus didn't make any sense. She would have to ask him about it later.

'Order, order,' Minerva tried to make herself heard above the din. 'Please, everyone, I'm as shocked as you are, but we must try to discuss it sensibly.' She turned to Moody. 'Alastor, why was I not told of this?'

'I gave my word to Dumbledore that I would not tell anyone until it became absolutely necessary.'

Minerva sat back in her chair and raised her eyes to heaven. 'Meddlesome old goat!'

Harry got up from the table and stood by the kitchen sink with his back to the assembly. He needed to clear his head.

Trust, Harry. Severus will help you, but you must fight this battle on your terms – not Tom's.

Harry knew that Albus was right. The longer they left it, the more people would die. They could not afford to wait until October. It was time to drag Tom Riddle into the light – both physically and metaphorically. He turned around to see the others looking at him intently.

'We cannot allow Voldemort to dictate terms any longer,' Harry told them. 'He will undoubtedly want to begin the attack under cover of darkness. At Halloween, it will be dark early, which will give him the advantage. We must somehow take the initiative and bring the timetable forward to the summer, when the nights are shorter.'

'And how do you propose to do that?' Moody asked.

Harry hadn't thought that far. 'I don't know,' he said. 'Does anyone have any ideas?'

They were all silent for a moment. Then Hermione spoke. 'What if he knew we were looking for the Horcruxes? What do you think his reaction would be?'

'He'd be angry, worried and do everything in his power to try to stop us,' Ron answered. Everyone else nodded in agreement.

'Hmm,' Hermione mused, glancing at the Daily Prophet 'What if Harry gave an interview to the press saying something like he was on an important mission. He wouldn't have to be specific but, as they'd want to take a photo, we could make sure one of the Horcruxes is in the background.' She looked over to the dresser. To everyone's astonishment, the locket came flying across the room and landed in front of her. 'Alternatively,' she smiled, holding it up by the chain, 'I could be photographed with him wearing this.'

'Hermione...' Ron said warningly.

'It's okay, Ron,' she replied. 'Bill, would you take a look at this for me, please?' Hermione passed the locket across the table to Ron's eldest brother. After several minutes of intricate incantations and complex wand movements, Bill pronounced it safe.

'I can detect no Dark Magic,' Bill said, 'although it is obviously a powerful object.' He held the locket in his hand. 'Hermione, you said you felt something when you held it?'

'Yes,' she replied.

'Hmm. Interesting. I feel nothing. Here,' Bill passed the locket back to Hermione, 'put it on.'

Hermione fastened the chain around her neck. Almost immediately, she began to feel power surging through her. Strands of her hair began to stand up on end.

'I think you should take it off, Hermione,' Ron said worriedly.

'It's all right, Ron,' Bill assured him. He moved a spare piece of parchment towards Hermione. 'Cast Incendio,' Bill said, 'but gently.'

Hermione pointed her wand at the parchment, 'Incendio!' Everyone leapt back as the resulting conflagration burnt a large hole through the centre of the table.

'Impressive,' said Bill, moving towards her.

'But I didn't put any force behind the spell,' Hermione said in amazement.

Bill tried to touch her but found he could not. There was an invisible barrier surrounding her. He stood back. 'I'm going to cast the tickling charm, okay?'

Hermione nodded.

'Rictusempra!'

Nothing happened. Bill tried a few other jinxes and minor hexes with the same result. 'It's very odd,' he said. 'The locket seems to have an affinity with you. If you were a Slytherin, or related to one by blood or marriage, I could understand it, but you're not.'

Hermione said nothing, although the implications were not lost on her.

'Try something stronger,' said Moody, his magic eye swivelling towards Hermione.

'NO!' Ron and Harry exclaimed together.

'Are you suggesting Bill should cast an Unforgivable, Alastor?' Minerva asked incredulously.

'You can try the Imperius Curse if you like,' Hermione offered.

'No, absolutely not,' said Bill.

'Very well,' said Moody, 'then I shall. Imperio! Put your hands on your head, Missy.'

Hermione's hands remained resolutely at her side.

'Were you fighting it?' Harry asked.

'No,' Hermione replied, 'there was no need.'

Moody raised his wand again, 'Cru –'

'Expelliarmus!' Harry yelled. Moody's wand flew into his hand. 'What the hell do you think you're doing?'

Moody was unrepentant. 'You'll have to become a lot less squeamish about using the Unforgivables, boy. You're going to need them.'

'Now you listen to me,' Harry said squaring up to him, 'No one, and I mean no one, is to cast an Unforgivable on the battlefield.'

'And just how do you expect to kill Voldemort otherwise?' Moody almost snarled.

'I'm not sure, exactly,' Harry replied, 'but I do know this. Voldemort feeds on negative emotions, particularly hatred and fear. The Death Eaters will be using the Killing Curse as it is. If we do the same, we will only add to his power.'

'The prophecy mentioned love,' Hermione offered.

Moody scoffed. 'What prophecy?'

Only a handful of people had been told about Sybill's prediction. Minerva repeated it for the benefit of everyone.

'Before we discuss it further,' Minerva continued, 'let me just say that since becoming Headmistress of Hogwarts, certain things have been revealed to me, some of which I am not at liberty to discuss. However, the combining of the elements referred to in the prophecy is a very ancient spell dating back to the days of the Founders and was designed to protect the school in times of great peril. This, incidentally, confirms to me unequivocally that the battle will take place on Hogwarts' grounds.'

There was a lot of muttering at this piece of information.

'What does the spell involve, Professor?' Hermione asked, unable to contain her curiosity.

'I was coming to that, Miss Granger,' Minerva replied. 'The spell requires a representative from each House, ideally the Head of House, to declare their allegiance while holding something symbolic representing the founder of that House. I intend to stand for Gryffindor – I was its Head a lot longer than I have been Headmistress, and Pomona Sprout and Filius Flitwick will stand for Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw respectively. Unfortunately, Professor Slughorn feels unable to fight and has announced he will be leaving his post at the end of the school year, which means we will have to find someone trustworthy to represent Slytherin.' She paused. 'In view of what has transpired tonight... Alastor, do you think we can trust Severus to do it?'

'A Nundu never changes its spots,' Moody replied.

'Is that everyone's opinion?' Minerva asked.

There was an uneasy silence. Then Harry spoke. 'Dumbledore trusted him and that's good enough for me.'

Hermione was amazed. Harry vouching for Severus? Was he ill? It was simply too weird.

'We must be very certain, Harry,' Minerva said. 'Our victory may very well depend on it. If Severus betrays us at the last minute... well, I don't need to spell it out.'

'I believe we can trust him, too, Professor,' Hermione said.

'So do I.' Ron backed her up.

'Anyone else?' Everyone except Kingsley Shacklebolt shook their heads. 'Kingsley,' Minerva asked, 'do you have any feelings on this matter?'

Kingsley answered carefully. 'Before he killed Dumbledore, I would have trusted Snape implicitly. The fact that he sent Harry one of the Horcruxes suggests to me that he wants Voldemort dead, so I believe we can trust him on that score, but beyond that, I'm not so sure.'

'Thank you for that, Kingsley.' She paused. 'Very well, unless anyone has any strong objections, I am willing to give Severus Snape the benefit of the doubt. But rest assured,' Minerva regarded Moody over her glasses, 'if he betrays us he will die... and by my hand.'

Moody grunted. 'All right, I'll go along with it – but I must insist that this information does not leave the room.'

The others assented. The discussion moved on to the last part of the prophecy. Hermione, Ron and Harry had all long worked out that Ginny was the seventh child to which it referred, but it was Minerva who explained it to the others.

Molly broke down. 'No. Absolutely not. Ginny is only sixteen; I forbid it.' She turned to her husband who put her arm around her. 'Isn't it enough that we will be there, Arthur? That all our sons apart from Percy will be there? Do we have to risk sacrificing our only daughter as well? It's too much to ask, it's just... too much.' It was Molly's worst nightmare. In fact, none of the Weasleys were happy about it, and neither was Harry.

Ginny, who had been wondering all along why she had been called to the meeting, spoke up. 'I have always intended to fight in this war alongside my friends and family. After what Voldemort did to me, do you seriously expect me to stay on the sidelines and watch you all go off to do battle without me?'

'Ginny, love,' said Molly, 'you're too young.'

'Perhaps,' Ginny replied getting up and standing behind Harry, 'but if the prophecy is to be believed, that doesn't matter.' She put her hand on his shoulder. 'If Harry needs my wand and my love to defeat Voldemort, then he has them.'

Her family protested, but Ginny stood her ground. She knew she hadn't heard the last of it, either from her family or from Harry, but she was satisfied she had made her position clear.

The meeting continued late into the evening. Battle plans were drawn up and strategies discussed. In view of the fact that they were likely to be outnumbered, Fred and George were put in charge of 'Diversionary Tactics' – in other words, they were given carte blanche to cause as much mayhem and confusion as they possibly could. Hermione revised her figures as they went along, and announced towards the end of the meeting that the odds of victory had turned slightly in their favour – assuming everything went to plan.

'Just one more thing before we finish,' Minerva concluded. 'Alastor, you must relay the outcome of this evening to Severus. He has to know what is expected of him and he needs to be warned that we intend on leaking information to the press. Also, I am making it his responsibility to kill Nagini if Voldemort decides to leave her behind.'

'Very well,' Moody agreed, 'I will arrange a meeting but you should know that it isn't easy for him to slip away these days. He is constantly watched by those who are jealous of his position. There are plenty in Voldemort's ranks who would happily betray him to improve their standing.'

After a moment's hesitation, Harry said, 'I think I may be able to help there. Would you excuse me one moment?' He left the table and walked quickly to his room. Once inside, he grabbed a piece of parchment picked up a quill and then stopped, suddenly at a loss as to what he should write. 'Take this as a token of my trust – no, too poncy.' He tried again. 'I'm lending you this in good faith... nah, that doesn't sound right either.' Eventually, he settled on 'For your protection. My mother would have wanted you to have it. Use it well. H.P.' Opening his trunk he took out a velvet draw-string bag, placed the parchment inside then went back to the kitchen.

* * *

'Well,' said Ron, flopping down on the sofa next to Hermione, 'that was a turn up for the books. Are you okay?'

'Yes,' Hermione replied, taking his hand. 'A lot of things make more sense now.'

'Yeah,' he agreed. 'Did you see the look on McGonagall's face, though? I thought she was going to cough up a fur ball!'

'Ron!' Hermione giggled in spite of herself.

Harry came into the room, levitating a tray with three mugs of hot chocolate in front of him.

'Thanks, Harry,' Hermione took a mug gratefully. 'Now, are you going to tell us why you've changed your mind about Snape?'

Harry looked sheepish. 'I don't think you'd believe me if I told you.'

'Well,' said Ron, 'if it makes you feel any better, we've had our doubts from the start, but didn't want to say anything either.'

'All right,' Harry said, 'I'll tell you, but this is just between us three.'

So Harry told them of his conversations with Albus. For once in her life, Hermione was speechless.

'Wow,' said Ron, also at a loss for words. 'I mean... wow.'

Harry smiled ruefully. 'Are you going to have me locked up, then?'

'I don't know what to say, Harry,' Hermione eventually spoke, 'but I believe you.'

'Thanks, Hermione, that means a lot to me.' Harry drained the last of his hot chocolate. 'I'm going to my room. I need to do some thinking.'

Ron and Hermione sat in silence for a while after Harry had left. Ron knew he had to ask the question, but was dreading the answer. Where did all this leave them? Hermione, too, had been pondering the same question. Where did it leave them? She loved Ron, but it was a love born of friendship not passion. Hermione had suppressed her feelings for Severus, but they had not gone away. Now war was almost upon them and Merlin only knew where they would all be in a few months time. It was impossible to think of any kind of future with things being so uncertain, but she didn't want to use Ron just for her comfort either – it wasn't fair on him. Hermione had never lied to Ron about her feelings, and so she told him the truth.

'I understand, Hermione,' Ron said in a small voice, 'but please stay with me until the battle. After that, whatever you decide... well, I won't stand in your way.'

**********************

The summer air was still, almost expectant, as if the world was holding its breath. Hermione stood on watch, a solitary figure at the top of the Astronomy Tower. She had volunteered for this duty, needing the time to gather her thoughts. In later years, it would be one of her strongest abiding memories of that fateful evening, those last few minutes of peace as the clock counted down to war. It was inconceivable, Hermione thought as she looked out over the grounds of Hogwarts, that the air would soon be thick with curses, the smoke of battle and the cries of the wounded and dying. It was so peaceful. In those last few seconds, Hermione faced her mortality knowing full well that she might not live to see the dawn, and yet certain that she would fight with her last breath for the cause, for herself and for all Muggle-borns.

As Hermione watched, she saw flames and smoke rising in the distance. Hogsmeade was burning. Voldemort had been incandescent with rage when he saw the photograph of Hermione wearing his locket in The Quibbler, but had not changed his strategy. It had taken an article appearing a few weeks later reporting the amazing rediscovery of Rowena Ravenclaw's tiara to spur him into action. Now, this Midsummer Eve, his Death Eaters were ruthlessly attacking Hogsmeade in a futile attempt to lure Harry Potter away from the castle. Aware of his plans, thanks to Severus, Harry would make Voldemort come to him.

The Dark Mark appeared in the sky. It was time. Hermione was by no means a religious person; her parents had been atheists, and for her father, science was the key to unlocking the secrets of the universe. Even magic, in Mr Granger's neat, compartmentalised view of the world, could be explained by science. It was just a question of finding the right box to put it in. Hermione had smiled at that. She knew that magic was as easy to pin down as quicksilver. It was more likely that there was a magical explanation for science than the other way around. And yet, at the moment when the glowing skull appeared over Hogsmeade, she looked to the heavens and prayed, 'Keep him safe. Please, God, keep him safe,' before turning and running down the steps to raise the alarm.

* * *

'It's time, Draco,' said Severus. 'Are you ready?'

'Yes,' Draco replied. 'Good luck, Severus. Be careful.'

Severus raised his wand. 'Petrificus Totalus!'

Severus gently lowered Draco's rigid body to the ground, cast aside his Death Eater cloak and mask, and Apparated to the Shrieking Shack.

* * *

Hermione stopped to catch her breath on a second floor landing and waited as a convenient staircase swung into position. Hearing voices, she looked over the banister and saw the female members of staff, together with Molly and Ginny, gathered in a circle beneath her.

Minerva spoke. 'We ask for the Mother's protection this evening, and beg her forgiveness for the necessity of this battle and the deaths that will inevitably occur. We pray for the protection of our loved ones and hope that the light will prevail. May tomorrow bring a brighter future for us all, my sisters.'

* * *

'Draco?' Lucius knelt in the dust beside the body of his son. 'Finite Incantatem. What the fuck happened? Where's Severus? He's supposed to be with you.'

'Gone,' Draco croaked.

'What do you mean, gone?'

'Traitor,' Draco replied in a hoarse voice, '... gone... Hogwarts. Couldn't stop...'

'Fuck! I never trusted that bastard. Get up, boy. We have to find the Dark Lord – now.'

* * *

Back at Hogwarts, Filius regarded Godric Gryffindor's sword with envy. 'Are you sure you don't want to swap, Minerva?' He put the tiara on his head. 'I don't think diamonds are me, somehow.'

Minerva's lips twitched slightly at her colleague's attempt at gallows humour, 'I'd love to, Filius; this thing weighs a ton, but you know as well as I do that it's the symbolism that counts.'

'Pity,' he replied, 'it might have come in handy.'

'I'm sure you'll manage fine without it.' Minerva knew that her diminutive Charms professor had more tricks up his sleeve than a wizard three times his stature and would fight with the tenacity of a terrier when push came to shove. 'Ready, Pomona?'

Professor Sprout pushed her hat firmly down on her head. 'Ready,' she replied determinedly. Like all badgers, she was slow to anger but, once enraged, you didn't get in her way if you knew what was good for you.

The three made their way through the crowd to the main doors. There was no sign of Severus.

'We'll have to take our positions without him,' Minerva said, 'and hope he catches up. Miss Granger,' she turned to Hermione, 'make sure he gets the locket.'

'Sonorus!' Minerva waited for the noise to die down before addressing the troops. 'I do not need to remind you all what we are fighting for or the consequences if we fail.' She opened the great oak doors. 'I can only wish each and every one of you good luck and a safe return.' They all watched Minerva as she put her hand on the wall. The stones rippled under her touch. 'The castle is now on high alert. No one will be able to enter or leave, once the doors are sealed, until victory is ours.' She nodded to Harry. 'Positions, everyone.'

* * *

Underground, somewhere between the Shrieking Shack and the Whomping Willow, Severus had run into a problem. Part of the tunnel had collapsed, blocking his escape. Impatiently, Severus blasted the pile of rubble only to have more loose rocks and earth fall on top of him. Cursing and fighting down a rising sense of panic, he began to move the debris more carefully using a combination of magic and his bare hands. He lost valuable minutes creating a space big enough for him to crawl through, but after what seemed like an eternity, Severus emerged the other side, panting and sweating, with his robes torn and his face and hands scratched and bleeding. His Dark Mark began to burn. Ignoring his pain and discomfort, Severus made his way to the exit.

* * *

The Death Eaters were already at the gates as Minerva and the soldiers of the Light left the castle and fanned out to take their allotted positions. She did not seem to be in any particular hurry as she led her small party to the higher ground.

'How long will the wards hold, Professor?' Hermione asked anxiously.

Minerva smiled. 'Those wards were created by wizards and witches far greater than Tom Riddle, my dear. They will not come down until I give the order.'

Filius began to weave complicated clouds of coloured smoke which wafted all around them. They could still see through it although it hid them from view. The ruse wouldn't fool Voldemort for long, but it would buy them a few precious extra seconds. Down by the lake, the Weasley twins were also preparing their smoke screens. Everything was in place. Deciding she could no longer wait for Severus, Minerva gave the signal and dropped the wards on the gates. Then all hell broke loose.

* * *

By the time Severus made his way around the lake, the battle was in full swing. The air was thick with curses and hexes as the two armies fought for supremacy. Severus could see that the castle's defenders were just about holding their own, even though they were severely outnumbered.

Ducking and diving, he made his way as quickly as he could in the general direction of the Quidditch Pitch. Even with his excellent sense of direction, Severus got a bit disoriented as he contended with the endless stream of smoke bombs, Wildfire Whiz-Bangs and various Confundus Charms that Fred and George were throwing in all directions. Disillusioned, the twins rode their broomsticks over the melee, causing as much havoc as possible and deftly parrying the occasional stray curse that flew their way – they hadn't been Gryfindor's Beaters all those years for nothing.

Severus was momentarily taken aback to see a sizeable swamp suddenly materialize between him and the gates, sucking a contingent of Voldemort's supporters into its boggy mud. Severus grinned despite the pain. Evil little bastards. How the hell those two ended up in Gryffindor, I'll never know.

* * *

Voldemort cut a swathe through the throng, oblivious to the fighting going on around him. Flanked by Lucius on the one side and Draco on the other, he moved unerringly towards his adversary. Nagini slithered behind him.

'Parlour trickss?' Voldemort hissed, waving the smoke aside impatiently. 'Is that the bessst they can do?'

A white rabbit hopped out of the cover of the smoke and nonchalantly nibbled the grass. Nagini spotted the movement and swivelled her head towards it.

Rabbit.

It's a trap, said the man's voice in her head.

Nagini smelt and tasted the air with her forked tongue. No, it was definitely a rabbit.

Freshhh meat. Juicccy plump rabbit. Sssucculent fleshhh.

The bunny turned tail and disappeared into the mist. Nagini followed.

'Go after her, Luciuss,' Voldemort ordered, 'If anything happens to her, I will hold you perssonally responssible.'

Lucius bowed. 'Yes, my Lord.'

* * *

From their vantage point, Harry and the others could see that the battle was steadily creeping towards them. Kingsley Shacklebolt and a unit of young Aurors were valiantly struggling to keep a group of Death Eaters from getting any closer.

'We need Severus here, now,' said Minerva. 'Where the hell is he?'

'Here,' he said, removing Harry's Invisibility Cloak.

Hermione's stomach lurched as she turned towards the sound of his voice. Severus. She gasped at the sight of his bloodstained face.

Minerva put all her animosity aside. That was for a later time. 'What happened?' she asked seeing the state of him. 'Can you fight?'

'My injuries are superficial,' he replied, clutching his arm. 'I am quite all right.'

'Glad you could make it, Snape,' Harry said without any real malice.

'Potter,' Severus responded stiffly.

Hermione took off the locket and approached him feeling suddenly shy. 'Here,' she said, reaching up to fasten it around his neck. She stood back. 'Do you feel anything?'

'Pardon?'

Hermione reddened. 'The locket. Can you feel its power?'

Strands of Severus' hair began to coil like snakes around his head.

'Well, I think that answers that question.' Hermione smiled at him.

He did not return her smile. For one thing, she was stirring feelings in him he thought he had successfully quashed, and for another, he was astonished at the sense of power that was flowing through his veins. The pain in his arm ceased.

'It will protect you,' Hermione said simply and turned away, her heart breaking at his cold demeanour.

'Are you ready, Severus?' Minerva asked.

'I am.' He grasped the locket in his left hand.

He had never been more ready for anything in his life.

* * *

Where the bloody hell is Bill? Ron was starting to get worried. He wanted to get this over as quickly as possible so he could get to Harry. Prophecy or no, that was where he belonged. He intended to stand shoulder to shoulder with Harry and Hermione come hell or high water. What if Nagini was too fast for him? I knew we should have used a real rabbit.

Just then, Bill the Bunny scampered through the mist. Sighing with relief, Ron pointed his wand to Transfigure his brother back to normal. As he did so, Lucius Malfoy appeared in front of him.

'What have we here?' said Lucius raising his wand. 'A lone blood traitor?'

Nagini slithered through the mist, saw the rabbit and rose up to strike.

Ron didn't hesitate. 'Sectumsempra!'

'Avada Kedavra!'

* * *

'Remember,' Harry addressed the others as they took their positions. 'We defend. We do not attack.'

Harry stood, calm and composed, waiting to meet his destiny. He sensed Voldemort's approach long before he saw him.

'We meet again, Harry,' said Voldemort. His red eyes appraised the strong young man in front of him. 'Such a pity,' he sighed, 'we could have accomplished much together.' He regarded the two witches flanking him. 'Ginny, my dear, you have grown up. We shall talk later.' Voldemort turned to the wizard at his side. 'Draco, you will dispose of the Mudblood.' He glanced briefly at Severus. 'The traitor, however, is mine.'

Draco did not move.

'Now, Draco.'

'No,' Draco said, tearing off his Death Eater cloak and mask, 'I will not.'

'You disssappoint me, Draco. Crucio!'

Draco fell to the ground, screaming in agony.

Voldemort ended the curse. 'I will deal with you, presently. As for you, Severusss, your death will neither be quick nor pretty as befitsss your treachery.' He faced Harry again. 'Now, where were we? Ah, yes...' He raised his wand.

'I, Minerva, stand for Gryffindor!' A fountain of red sparks shot through the mist and hung in the air. Filius, Pomona and Severus rapidly followed suit, sending volleys of blue, yellow and green sparks respectively to join the red ones above them.

'Pretty,' said Voldemort. 'Shall we get on?' He pointed his wand at Harry. 'Ava – '

'Protego!'

The holly and the yew locked head to head in a struggle for dominance as they had once before. Simultaneously, Minerva dug deep inside herself and, gathering every last ounce of power in her possession, pointed her wand to the heavens.

'Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus!' she shrieked. Gold sparks shot from her wand and merged with the others in the sky. They spun in the air in a swirling vortex for a moment then headed towards the lake.

Imperceptibly, the wind began to pick up as the ground trembled slightly underfoot.

Harry heard Albus' voice as he battled to fight off the venomous hate behind Voldemort's curse. Your parents' love is your shield, Harry. Your friends' love is your sword. Use them now.

The link was at its strongest. Harry realised instantly that Nagini must be dead and that Voldemort was now mortal. Concentrating hard, Harry drew on the love being conveyed to him by his parents, Sirius, Dumbledore and...?

'No, oh gods, no.' Harry faltered.

Voldemort, sensing a weakness, pushed his advantage, sending Harry sprawling on his back.

I said I'd be here, didn't I?' said Ron. Now, get off your arse and fight.

Blinking back the tears, Harry got to his feet again and managed to block Voldemort's curse once again. Focusing on the love he was feeling, he let it fill his entire being with its power.

'NOW.'

Ginny and Hermione summoned up all the love they could muster and added their power to Harry's wand. Voldemort staggered backwards but managed to counter.

Meanwhile, down by the lake, the normal placid waters started to churn, then turned into a rolling boil as, from its depths, a great golden dragon rose up, unfolded its wings and, with a roar that shook the ground, took to the air. Friend and foe alike stared unbelievingly at the enormous beast, then scattered in terror and confusion as the dragon, belching fire and smoke from its great mouth, began picking off the Death Eaters and their unfortunate supporters.

'MORE POWER!' Harry yelled.

Minerva, Filius and Pomona quickly gave Harry their support. Severus, although he knew what was expected of him, doubted that he could be of any use and hung back. Voldemort was really struggling now, but it was still not enough to finish him off.

'SNAPE, WE NEED YOU!' Harry shouted at him.

Hesitantly, Severus raised his wand. Blocking his hatred and revulsion for the wizard who had caused him nothing but grief and misery, he thought instead of the three women he had loved – his mother, Lily and Hermione. Holding the locket again, Severus opened his heart.

For Lily.

The seventh wand was too much for Voldemort. With an unearthly scream, he succumbed to the searing, cleansing power flowing through his wand. The light engulfed him, shattering what was left of his body, gathered up the last fragment of his soul and took him home.

The seven collapsed to the ground with exhaustion and relief, but it was not over yet. As the remains of Tom Riddle scattered to the four winds, the Death Eaters that were still alive fell to their knees, clutching their left arms in agony.

'Severus!' Draco screamed, 'Help me!'

Severus, unaffected by the magical backlash, sat rooted to the spot, unable to comprehend why he was being spared.

'It's the locket,' Hermione yelled. 'Go to him!'

Shaken out of his stupor, Severus ran to Draco and pulled him close to his body. Draco stopped screaming. Severus held on to him until the death cries around them had ceased. Then there was an eerie silence. It was over.

Harry put his head in his hands and sobbed. So that was it. Voldemort was dead, but so was his best friend and Merlin knew how many others. Ginny and Hermione crawled over to him and put their arms around him. He held them both tightly, unable to explain why he was crying. Hermione glanced over to where Severus was sitting, wishing she had the courage to go over and comfort him.

Severus sat not quite believing that it was all over and that by some miracle he was still alive. To the east, the first rays of the sun were appearing over the horizon. It was a dawn he had never expected to see. What now? He looked up to see a young Auror pointing his wand at him.

'Severus Snape, I am arresting you–'

'Put your wand down, sonny.' It was Moody.

'But he's a Death Eater, sir, and a wanted murderer.'

'Yes, and there will be an enquiry. Now put your wand away.'

'Enquiry, sir?' the young man asked incredulously. 'Don't you mean trial?'

'No, I do not.' Moody turned to Severus. 'Until the Wizengamot convenes, I'm placing you under house arrest, Snape, in the charge of Auror Tonks. I must ask you, however, to surrender your wand.'

Silently, Severus handed it over.

Moody pocketed it. 'For your safety, it would be better if you stayed at Headquarters.' He glanced at Harry, who nodded in agreement. 'Good. That's settled.'

'What about Draco?' Severus asked, indicating the young blond wizard at his side.

'You will have to be taken into custody,' Moody addressed Draco, 'but no doubt your family lawyers will have you out on bail in no time.'

'May I see my father first?' Draco asked.

'Well...'

'I think that's the least we can do,' Minerva intervened. 'He refused to harm Miss Granger, and I will testify to that if necessary.' She felt a tug at her robes and looked down to see a white rabbit trying to attract her attention. 'What on... Oh!' She waved her wand and Bill Weasley appeared crouched at her feet.

'Thank you, Minerva.'

'Bill?' Ginny asked. 'Where's Ron?'

Bill shook his head.

A great keening wail broke the silence. Molly Weasley had discovered the body of her youngest son.

*********************

Hermione shivered in the autumn air at the memory. She stared at the stone, wondering what would have happened if Severus had died that day and Ron had survived. Would she have married him? Probably. Would she have been happy? Probably not. Content perhaps – but for how long?

Hermione remembered reading somewhere a long time ago that friendship was love without its wings. She had loved Ron and she still missed him, but her love for him had been grounding, safe and comforting. It was nothing like the all encompassing, all pervading kind of love she felt for Severus. The kind of love that was like jumping off a cliff, risking everything for a few moments of flight and not caring if you crashed to the rocks below, only to find yourself soaring like an eagle. There was simply no comparison.

It was getting late. The children would be home in a few hours, and she had some reading to catch up on. Standing up, Hermione kissed the tips of the first two fingers of her right hand and touched the stone before making her way back to the castle.