The sky overhead was clear and sunny, beckoning children to come out and bask in its rays. A horrible reflection of the true state of the world, whether people knew it or not, thought a teenager sitting outside number four Privet Drive. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The world was a bleak and cold place where murderers can run rampant and loved ones can die in a flash. True justice was rarely delivered when deserved. And so, the journey began...

Harry Potter sat outside staring at the sky, contemplating the events that had transpired since he joined Hogwarts. He had fought Lord Voldemort four times now, only to escape by sheer luck but not without losing those dear to him. Harry could still remember his horrific nightmares from the previous summer of Wormtail crying the two terrible words that wiped life from Cedric Diggory. Sirius Black, the closest person Harry could call a relative, had also been mercilessly attacked by Bellatrix Lestrange and lost his life in the Department of Mysteries. And most recently, the tragedy still fresh in his mind, Albus Dumbledore, the greatest Headmaster in the history of Hogwarts, was now dead. Everything until now had been a build-up factor towards one ultimate goal: the destruction of Lord Voldemort once and for all. But Harry now had two clear goals in mind: Voldemort…and Snape.

“SNAPE!� Harry yelled loudly to the empty silence of the street around him. He didn’t care who heard him. Hatred welled up inside him as he bitterly thought about his former Potions Master who had relentlessly tormented him for the past six years. And finally, to add insult to injury, Severus Snape took the life of Dumbledore. Harry no longer had dreams of a dark graveyard and a flash of green light crumpling his Triwizard friend, but instead of his only mentor being struck down, tumbling out of the Astronomy tower.

Hogwarts…the place seemed so distant now. Once he had called the castle his home. But there was no Hogwarts without Dumbledore, and Harry now had no home, especially not Privet Drive. He returned only because Dumbledore had requested it the summer before. A final request granted, but Harry could not grant everything. No matter what Dumbledore said, he would never forgive Snape. Harry knew that Voldemort would have to be top priority, far more dangerous, and truly the one who finally killed his parents. But Snape was a close second.

…Hours later, Harry sat in his room anxiously watching the time. He smirked to himself as he remembered the first time that he had watched a clock ticking away towards this one date. Six years before, he had sat in a broken down old shack, about to turn eleven, and his entire world changed. Hagrid the half-giant rescued him from his dismal life with the Dursleys. Hagrid…Harry would surely miss him, and all that he had done for him. But now, Harry was about to take care of business himself. The clock chimed twelve. It was now July 31. The moment Harry had been waiting for all summer was here at last.

“Accio trunk!� he cried as he raised his wand. A loud commotion was heard as Harry’s trunk burst out of the cupboard downstairs and landed beside him. “Scourgify!� he yelled as he swept clean Hedwig’s cage. Piling his belongings together, he began to descend the stairs, unsurprised by the unpleasantness awaiting him.

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY IT, BOY?!� Uncle Vernon cried as his face purpled. Dudley was crouched in the corner, clearly terrified by his cousin’s use of magic. Aunt Petunia looked strangely calm.

“I’m done here. I’m leaving,� Harry responded with no trace of emotion.

“You’re not allowed to do magic, boy! You’ll be in trouble now! Put that nonsense back in the cupboard and go back to your room!� Harry shot a clearly malevolent grin back at his uncle.

“I’m of age. I’m allowed to do magic. I’m leaving. I’m not letting you lock me in a room, keep me under a cupboard, keep my past away from me, or anything else anymore. I’m leaving. Get out of my way,� Harry calmly retaliated as he pointed his wand at Uncle Vernon, who seemed beside himself. Harry could see his mind straining trying to decide what to do. On the one hand, he was losing his nephew finally, but Vernon Dursley never liked not having control of any situation. Seconds passed in a tense silence…and finally he stepped aside. Harry trudged forward dragging his trunk and Hedwig’s cage.

“Good-bye Harry…and good luck,� Petunia said to him softly as he reached the door. Harry turned around, completely in shock. He considered her for a second and then quietly uttered thanks. Not wanting to delay his exit at all, however, he continued outside and stood on the sidewalk, taking in his surroundings.

“So, this is it,� he said to the night. Harry prepared to thrust his wand out to once more call the Knight Bus, when a loud CRACK rang through the silence. Whirling around prepared to strike, Harry was completely surprised by the sight before him: none other than his two best friends, Ron and Hermione.

“Happy birthday, Harry!� Hermione said as she rushed up and hugged him.

“Happy birthday, mate,� Ron said, patting him on the back.

“What are you doing here?� Harry said incredulously.

“You didn’t think we’d miss this, did you, Harry?� Hermione said.

“Yeah, we’ve got the most evil wizard of all time to destroy,� Ron said, as if things of this nature occurred every day. “So let’s get out there and smash some Horcruxes.�

“I know you can’t Apparate legally just yet Harry, so grab my arm. I’ve been practicing,� Hermione said as she extended her hand.

Harry reached out and ran them through his mind once more…the cup, the locket, the snake, something of Gryffindor or Ravenclaw’s…CRACK!

CRACK! The trio reappeared in a grassy field. Harry looked around, unfamiliar with his surroundings.

“Where are we?� Harry inquired of his friends.

“We’re a mile or so off of Godric’s Hollow,� Hermione replied.

“What? Why did you Apparate us here?�

“It’s one of the newer Ministry guidelines. It’s unwise to Apparate directly to your destination, in case a Death Eater is lying in wait…or worse. So, as long as you don’t mind a bit of a walk, we can be on our way to go see your parents, Harry.�

His parents. Despite the hatred for Voldemort and Snape, Harry could always count on his friends to be there for exactly what he needed. And this time they definitely did not fail him. The three began to walk in the direction of the village that Harry’s parents had once called home.

“How’s the summer been so far?� Harry asked.

“Not too bad, considering. No deaths of anyone we know lately. What more could you ask for in times like these?� Hermione replied. Harry nodded and continued in step with Ron and Hermione, who he now noticed were holding hands.

“So, you two, huh?� Ron glanced over with a slight smirk on his face.

“Yeah. Kind of hard to believe after everything last year, isn’t it?� he answered.

“Not so much. About time is more what I was thinking.� Harry said, the smirk now upon his own face. It left abruptly, however. Harry had been waiting for this to happen for a long time, for his friends to finally realize they were right for each other. Unfortunately, this happy occasion caused another thought to surface to his already troubled mind…�So…how’s Ginny?� Ron and Hermione looked at each other with slightly grim expressions on their faces. Neither said anything for awhile, until Hermione finally broke the silence.

“I’m not sure you want me to answer that, Harry.� Harry looked over in alarm.

“What do you mean? Has something happened to her? Is she all right?"

“Harry, no, it’s nothing like that, it’s just…she’s miserable,� Hermione quickly responded.

“Yeah, I’ve never seen her this upset. I don’t think she’s stopped crying since we left Hogwarts,� Ron chimed in.

“What? What do you mean? She seemed all right when I left.�

“That’s because Dumbledore was on everyone’s mind. Ginny was bottling everything up at that time. You breaking up with her just fazed her a bit then. When she got back, everything hit her. She’s devastated. It’s all too much, Dumbledore dying, you leaving her, Fleur swooping around…she can’t take it,� Hermione dismally continued. Harry was in too much shock to respond for a few minutes.

“But...I did it for her. The last thing I want is for her to get hurt, or worse! Voldemort already tried to kill her once!�

“I know Harry, but don’t you see? Ginny loves you. She’d rather be by your side and with you than you out there risking your neck by yourself. She finally had you after four years, and now you’re gone again. And you know Ginny, she’s never been one to just sit around when things are at stake. You know she’d join you in a heartbeat. But she loves you too much to go against what you asked.�

Harry had nothing to say anymore. He didn’t know what to feel either. True, he still liked Ginny…No, you love her and you know it. He was shocked also to hear himself think that, but he knew it was true. He would never feel the same about any other girl in his life. And now he had upset her, which only made everything weighing on his mind feel heavier. The only consolation he had was that he had not yet lost her forever. Someday…maybe someday when Voldemort’s reign was over he could go back to her…but not now.

Finally they came out of the field onto a dirt path that wound its way towards a small area of houses and shops. It was a desolate place. Not a person in sight, windows boarded up, doors securely barred or locked. An old sign hung crooked on its post that read, “Godric’s Hollow.�

“So, cheery place. This is where they used to live?� Harry queried the vast silence.

“It wasn’t always like this. This wasn’t a wizarding community at all. Remember, Hogsmeade is the only all magical village in all of the country. Your parents were probably the only witch and wizard here. It would have been a good idea, anyway, to be hiding out around Muggles with Voldemort hunting them down,� Hermione answered. Harry stole a glance at Ron and noticed him jump a bit at the mention of the Dark Lord’s name, but certainly didn’t react as violently as he had in the past. “After Voldemort killed your parents, the residents started to become frightened. Many left just a week or so after that. The village gradually lost all of its people, and became abandoned. Most Muggles are too afraid to come back. They said that a house didn’t just fall down to shambles like that. Some claimed to have seen green flashes in the house and heard screams. It’s amazing Obliviators never took care of them.�

“Just HOW do you know all of this?� Ron asked his girlfriend.

“Honestly, Ron, the first fall of Voldemort is one of the most celebrated events in all of magical history. Do you never see me reading?� Hermione shot back, but she was smiling all the same. Harry laughed aloud at this comment, and they continued walking on the main path through the deserted village. There was little variation the entire trip. They passed row after row of falling down establishments, nothing extraordinary or particularly interesting to look at. The ground was littered with leaves, twigs, and old newspapers dated from years before. Hermione was right, everyone must have up and left after his parents were murdered. No one said anything the rest of the walk until they finally reached their destination.

“There it is.� Harry pointed forward at the cemetery. Harry continued onward into the area, then stopped and turned around. Ron and Hermione were now a distance away from him, talking quietly. They stopped when they realized Harry had and looked up.

“You go on, mate. They’re your parents. We’ll be along, let you have a little time to yourself,� Ron said. Harry could see no reason to argue and continued forward. It took him only a few minutes to find them. Alone off in a somewhat secluded corner, lay a gravestone that was a bit cleaner and newer than the others surrounding.

James Potter and Lily Evans Potter

Together Forever

After sixteen years he was finally here, with his parents again, where it all began. Harry was suddenly glad that Ron and Hermione had decided to stay behind. He could have a little time to speak his mind.

“Hi Mum. Hi Dad. I’m back. I know it’s been awhile, and I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner. You know, Voldemort and all. It hasn’t been an easy life so far. Your relatives are really horrible, Mum, but I’m sure you knew that already. Still, life could be worse, I suppose. I hope you’ve seen Sirius. It was great to get to know him while he was here…� Harry trailed off. He was avoiding what he really wanted to say. It was difficult to bring it out, but now was the time. Sixteen years had passed, no sense waiting any longer. “I want you to know that---that---I---I---oh---AHHHHHHHH!� Harry began screaming. Pain like he had never felt before gripped his head, right along his scar. Harry clutched his head and vomited onto the grass by his feet. He had never felt any pain this terrible, even the Cruciatus Curse would be bearable next to this feeling. In his intense agony, he heard a cold, mirthless laughter ringing through his ears. And to add to this horror, he heard a matching voice. Attack not the physical self, but the heart… At once, his pain ended. Harry looked up and found himself sprawled on the ground, next to a pile of sick and twitching slightly. He slowly pulled himself up off of the ground and turned to find his friends running towards him.

“Harry, are you all right?� “What happened?� Harry still couldn’t look up. He heard their voices but they didn’t register completely. He knew what he had just heard. But what did it mean? As if in answer, a loud CRACK rang out over the cries of his concerned companions. All three looked over to the grave of the Potters to see a cloaked Death Eater. It was Hermione’s turn to scream this time. Harry, however, drew his wand.

With a quick swipe of his own wand, the Death Eater silently disarmed him. Again, without a word and another motion, all three were suddenly thrown back onto the ground, unable to move. The Death Eater turned its back on the trio and began chanting in a low voice. Bound by whatever spell the minion of Voldemort had cast, all the trio could do was helplessly watch as the eerie voice droned on. Time passed terribly, whether it had been a minute or an hour, Harry could no longer tell, but the chanting suddenly changed to yelling. Words that Harry could not decipher poured out of the masked figure, when at last the servant turned around and gave one more sweeping motion of it’s wand. At once Harry, Ron, and Hermione were able to stand up and pulled out their own wands. Harry recovered his from nearby, but much to his dismay he heard another CRACK. He looked up and saw no one besides his friends.

“Who was that?� Harry demanded. Both Ron and Hermione shrugged.

“I think it was a man, but that’s not very much to go on,� Hermione answered. She suddenly pulled back from where she was standing, only a few feet from the grave.

“What’s wrong?� Ron started, but he too jumped back a second later. The ground where they were just standing was beginning to shake.

“What’s going on?� Harry cried. At this point, however, he no longer needed to ask, he could see it for himself. The immediate area was quaking before them. “What did he do?�

“Harry, Harry, I think—aahhhh!� Whatever Hermione thought, she did not have a chance to explain, for at that moment the trio was thrown backward by a sudden upheaval of earth. The grave of the Potters shot into the sky and landed only inches away from Hermione. “No, no, it can’t be!�

“Hermione, what---?� Harry trailed off as his question was no longer relevant. As his gaze shifted forward again, he saw what was waiting before them. Where his parents were previously buried, a chasm had opened up. Slowly two figures rose up out of the gaping hole. Harry could not discern any visible features at first and he did not have time either. Once again his head split open with pain. Harry yelled out in agony once more, but his friends were more concerned with the horrific sight before them. So it begins…Show no mercy…�STOP!� Harry yelled out, unable to bear anymore. His pain subsided instantly and he looked up again. Two figures were still trudging towards him and his friends.

“Harry, let’s go!� Hermione practically screamed.

“No, something’s happening, I have to find out what.�

“No, Harry, we have to go now!� Her words fell on deaf ears, for Harry would not be moved. Voldemort had something planned and there was no more running from him. Whatever evil was now in store for Harry, he knew he had to face it head on. Voldemort would certainly have far worse ready for him later and there was no sense avoiding his works now. But nothing could have possibly prepared Harry for what was now before him. As the shapes came close enough for Harry to observe them clearly, he noted at first what appeared to be two very pale individuals walking towards him. He noticed one of them appeared to be male and had dark untamed hair. He looked vaguely familiar, but nothing that Harry could identify at first. The other seemed to be female and had longer red hair. As she came closer, Harry noted she had green eyes, and a familiar green at that. Somewhere he had seen before…

With a thrill of horror Harry finally realized exactly what was going on. Never in all of his worst nightmares did he ever expect anything like this to happen. Clearly an act this horrible only showed just how evil Voldemort truly could be. “Mum! Dad! No!� Harry’s words were now the ones that were useless. All he could do now was watch in shock and panic as his parents trudged towards him menacingly.

Ron shouted out something that Harry could not decipher, but it sounded oddly like a swear word. “Harry! Do something!� he cried. Harry, however, stood frozen to the spot with tears running down his face. Hermione ran over and shook him.

“Harry, I know this is horrible, but we have to do something! They’re going to kill us!� Harry seemed to snap out of a reverie at this action. He looked over at his friends.

“What am I supposed to do?� he yelled.

“Fight them! They’re not going to stop, and they’re almost here!� she retaliated.

“Fight them? Fight my parents?�

“They’re not your parents anymore, Harry. They’re Inferi! They’re not alive! And they’ll kill us unless you do something!� Harry looked from Hermione to the advancing minions of evil. He knew she was right, but again he stood frozen. These were still his parents in a way. Seeing them like this, the first time in sixteen years, it was just too much. Ron, however, decided that it was the time for action. “Stup---!�

“No!� Hermione cried out as she shoved his wand arm into another direction. “Let Harry do it!�

“Hermione, look at him! He can’t do this!�

“Just trust me, let Harry do it!�

“But---“

“RON! Now is not the time!�

“HERMIONE!� Ron yelled. The Inferius of James Potter was reaching out for her.

“No! Impedimenta!� Harry drew his wand and knocked back his former father. He careened backward and tumbled into Lily. Both were momentarily on the ground, but then quickly rose back up and redoubled their march on the trio. Harry looked forward at them, still stunned, but this time ready to act. “Mum…Dad! I’m sorry!�

“Harry, please!� someone said on his left. Harry raised his wand and looked forward, steeling himself. “INCENDIO!� Flames shot from the end of the wand and set the Potters ablaze. The Inferi fell to the ground and began writhing and twisting in the heat and light. In all of this, however, not a single sound escaped their lips, which somehow made Harry feel worse. As Harry looked on at the burning nightmarish creations before him, he felt something brush against his arm. He looked over and saw Hermione clutching his arm with an expression of utmost pity on her face. CRACK!

All three reappeared in front of the gates of Hogwarts. “Why did you want us to come here, Hermione?� Ron asked.

“This is the only safe place anymore. Voldemort knew Harry was there. He can’t get us in here. Not yet, anyway,� she added dismally.

“Hermione, look…� Ron pointed behind her. Hermione turned around and noticed Harry several feet away, staring off into space. “You all right, Harry?� He didn’t answer them. Never, in all of his life, did he ever expect anything so horrible to happen. His own parents reanimated and sent to kill him. Clearly Voldemort was counting on him being unable to attack those that were once so dear to him. Admittedly, it had not in any way been easy. Attack not the physical self, but the heart…Those words would resound with Harry forever, the awful chill in the voice lingering with a truly sinister effect. He could not possibly continue on his mission right now. He needed to see someone first. He needed to talk. And there was only one person that might understand. “Harry?�

Harry turned and looked at Hermione. “I have to go.�

“What?�

“I have to go. I’ll come find you later. But for right now, I have something that I need to do.� With that, he Disapparated.

As the feeling of iron bands left him, Harry saw the Burrow come into focus. This place had been more of a home to him than anywhere else, except perhaps Hogwarts. Mrs. Weasley was the closest thing he had ever known to a mother. But it was not her that he came to see. Harry walked towards the door when he heard a rush of air behind him and what he thought to be a broom touch down. When he turned around he was scarcely able to look at the source of sound when he was enveloped in a tight hug.

“Harry!� Ginny cried out.

“Hi, Ginny. Out flying?�

“Yeah…I, uh, didn’t like being cooped up in there.� She pointed to the house. Harry noticed, despite her happiness, that her eyes were red and puffy. “What are you doing here?� she asked incredulously.

“I needed to see you. Can we go inside? I want to talk.�

“Of course. Are you all right?�

“Let’s just talk.� They crossed through the door.

“Back already, Ginny? What---Harry!� Mrs. Weasley rushed over and also caught him in a tight embrace. “What are you doing here?�

“Oh, I just fancied a visit.�

“Ron and Hermione left to find you, did you see them? Are they all right?�

“Yes, they’re fine. I just left them. No offense, Mrs. Weasley, but I really need to talk to Ginny.�

“Oh, well, all right.� Mrs. Weasley left them, although there was a faint glimmer of hurt showing in her face. Harry and Ginny proceeded up the stairs to her room.

“What happened? You look upset, Harry.�

“Voldemort just attacked. In a way that only you would be familiar with.�

“He what?! Harry, what did he do?� Ginny gasped.

“Do you remember when he used you to draw me out? Almost killed you just to get to me?�

Ginny looked slightly apprehensive at this question, but answered nonetheless, “Yes, but I don’t see what this has to do with---“

Harry interrupted her, “Did Ron and Hermione tell you where we were going?�

“Yes, Godric’s Hollow, to go see your par---Oh no.� Comprehension finally dawning upon her, Ginny trailed off. “Did he---“

Slowly, Harry let the truth out. “He turned them into Inferi. They tried to kill us.�

“Oh Harry…� She walked over and hugged him. “That’s too horrible to even think about!�

“I had to see you. You were the only one that I know would understand. Voldemort used you in the same way. The only difference is that at least I still have you.� Harry knew what he had to do know, but getting it out was difficult. “Ginny, I ended things before because I didn’t want you to get hurt. I can’t bear the thought that because of me something might happen to you. But I realize now that we’re all in this together. None of us is going to be here much longer until Voldemort is gone. And I need all of you with me to get it done, especially you.� They stared at each other for a moment, and then kissed.

“Glad to have you back, Harry.� Ginny started crying again, but Harry could tell that sadness was not behind the tears.

“So, does this mean we’re setting off again?� Ron asked. Harry and Ginny both looked to the doorway where Ron was standing, grinning.

“Ron, honestly, don’t interrupt!� Hermione also came up behind him. “Sorry, Harry, Ginny.�

“Never could hide anything from you two, could I?� Harry replied. “It’s all right, everything’s fine. At least, it will be. And yes, Ron, we’re setting off. Hermione, I have an idea. Do you still have your DA Galleon?� Hermione rummaged in her pocket and procured the artifact. “Good. Use it.�

“Harry, what good is that going to do?� Hermione objected.

“I’m sure Neville still has his coin on him and that he will want to help. Just try it, please.�

“But, Harry, he won’t know where to find us. We were always at Hogwarts when we used the coins.�

“Then Hogwarts is where we’re going.�

“Harry, are you sure you want another person along? Anyone of us could get hurt, or worse…�

“And you think that any of us is safer anywhere else? Neville has every reason to go with us, just look at what happened to his parents. Don’t forget that he helped us in the Ministry and the night that Dumbledore died. He deserves this chance.� Harry stared at her with such fierceness that she saw no feasible way to object. All argument having been resolved, the four Disapparated, with Harry holding Ginny.

CRACK! “All right, Harry, here goes.� Hermione pulled out her wand and tapped the coin, which glowed briefly and then faded. “There’s no guarantee that this will work. Like I said, Neville doesn’t know where we’re at, and we can’t be sure that he still has it on him.� No sooner had she spoken these words when another loud crack rang out through the air. Everyone turned around to see Neville standing behind them, who in fact was not alone. Luna Lovegood was clutching his arm, looking as dreamy as ever with her necklace of butterbeer corks and wand behind her ear.

“Hello everyone…� Luna spoke in her airy voice, taking in her surroundings as if nothing could be more fascinating.

“Hi, all!� Neville said happily. “What’s going on? I felt my coin get hot and figured you would probably be here of all places.�

Harry smiled and replied, “Spot on, Neville. We’re all going to try to bring down Voldemort. I want you to come along.� Neville looked slightly pale at this request, but it was Luna that spoke next.

“What about me?� she inquired. Harry considered her for a moment. Voldemort may not have done any personal damage to her, but she had also come to their aid the night that Dumbledore was murdered and fought at the Ministry. And if he couldn’t depend on his closest friends now, then there was no sense in asking anyone.

“If you want in too, you’re welcome. This looks familiar, doesn’t it? We were all the ones that went into the Ministry a year ago. And we fought Death Eaters then. Looks like we might have some more of that in our near future. So, are we all in?� Harry looked around at the small group he had formed. Everyone nodded.

“You know, we truly are Dumbledore’s Army now, “Ginny said. “We’re fighting for him in a way. At first it was just a clever little name. But now…� She drew out her own Galleon. “This has so much more meaning.� Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Neville each drew out their coins to show their support for their former headmaster. Luna, however, was left to stand without the item.

“Where’s yours, Luna?� Ginny asked.

“I haven’t been able to find it since that one night when we fought the Death Eaters. It must have fallen out of my pocket,� she finished unhappily.

“Oh, that’s too bad. But at least you were with Neville and you can still be with us for this,� Ginny answered.

“Speaking of which, Luna, why were you with Neville just now?� Ron inquired. At this question, Neville started turning a deep shade of crimson.

“Um, well, we…uh…� Neville began to stammer.

“We’ve started going out,� Luna supplied for him.

“Really? Wow. That means that all of us…� Hermione began.

“Yeah…� finished Neville somewhat lamely.

“Are we ready then? I think it’s best that we head off,� Harry interjected.

“Where are we going anyway, Harry?� said Ron.

“Well, I have an idea. The problem is that it involves getting inside Hogwarts first. Probably not the easiest of feats to accomplish right now, but I have another idea for that one.� Harry thought for a moment and then pointed his wand skyward. “Expecto Patronum!� he shouted. A silver stag erupted from the end of his wand and sprinted towards the castle, out of sight into the interior.

“Harry, what are you---“ Hermione began.

“Tonks told me that the members of the Order are communicating with each other using their Patronuses. I’m not quite sure how it works, but I’m hoping that I sent that one to McGonagall and she’ll realize that it’s me out here,� Harry answered. The next few moments passed in silence. Each member of the DA was quietly gazing at their school, all uncertain if they would ever be able to learn there again. Soon, however, a figure came walking out of the doors and down the grounds to the gate.

“Potter? Weasley? Granger? What are you all doing here? Longbottom and Lovegood too?� McGonagall demanded of the group.

“Hi, Professor. I was wondering if you could let us in perhaps?� Harry said.

“Let you in? In the middle of summer? Why?� McGonagall again demanded.

“It’s essential to the defeat of Voldemort.� McGonagall winced slightly at the mention of the name but quickly regained her composure.

“Why do you need in here? What does Hogwarts have?�

“Please, Professor, I know it sounds odd, but if you want a world without Voldemort, then please unlock the gate,� Harry answered while staring intently at his transfiguration teacher. McGonagall hesitated for a moment, and then tapped the chains with her wand. They instantly snaked backward and unlocked. The gate opened and the DA stepped forward onto the grounds.

“Are you going to tell us why you’ve brought us here yet, Harry?� Hermione asked.

“It’s just a thought I had. The Room of Requirement hasn’t failed us yet, has it? And let’s face it, none of us have any idea where any of Voldemort’s remaining Horcruxes are. So I figured, why don’t we try here and see what we can find,� he answered. Neville and Luna only look baffled by this statement, however.

“What are Horcruxes?� asked Neville.

“I tell you what, I’ll give this an attempt, and Ron, Hermione, bring Neville and Luna up to speed on the situation.� Harry put on his Invisibility Cloak for good measure, and then walked past the blank stretch of wall on the seventh floor. I need a way to find Voldemort’s Horcruxes…I need a way to find Voldemort’s Horcruxes…I need a way to find Voldemort’s Horcruxes…Suddenly, a door materialized beside him. Smiling slightly to himself, Harry walked forward and entered the mystery room that would surely contain something useful…

Of all things that he was expecting, this was not one of them. Harry never imagined that he would look upon this particular item of interest again. Although, it was fitting in a way. After all, Voldemort’s first encounter with Harry in the castle revolved around this piece of magic, and his final meeting would no doubt now be influenced in a similar manner. “The Mirror of Erised?� Harry inquired aloud of the otherwise empty room. Harry smirked yet again as he gazed upon the enchanted mirror that once showed him his parents, the deepest desire of his heart. But now, things were a bit different. His deepest desire was to rid the world of Voldemort, and he knew that there was only one way to accomplish such a feat. Harry stepped forward and gazed into the reflective surface. Unlike any other time that Harry had looked into this mirror, he did not see a single image, but instead split images throughout the mirror. In the center, he could see his reflection, which as he knew he could expect regardless of what he was looking at. This reflection, however, was somewhat dim and shrouded into the back of the surface, as there was much more that this image had to tell.

At the top, for example, he saw a gold locket, with an ornate S set into the center. Slytherin’s own locket, the valuable piece of ancestry that Merope Gaunt had sold for only ten Galleons in order to survive until she gave birth to the terrible wizard that would one day threaten the entire world. At the bottom Harry could see a small golden cup with a badger engraving. Helga Hufflepuff’s contribution to the relics of the founders of Hogwarts and the other half of the reason that Hepzibah Smith had to die at the hands of Lord Voldemort. Finally, set into the center against his own reflection, Harry could see Nagini, the snake that the Dark Lord had entrusted with a piece of his own soul, twisting and slithering through corridors. The mirror showed so much more than just these items, however, as Harry could see them set against locations. Locations that ultimately revealed exactly what he needed to know…

Harry stepped out of the room that still had not failed him and found his five companions conversing with each other. “Did you find what you needed?� Ginny said.

“Oh yes,� Harry said while grinning. “For the most part. Here’s what I know for now. Slytherin’s locket is back at number twelve, Grimmauld Place.�

“What?! How could it be there of all places?� Ron said dubiously.

“Listen, when Dumbledore and I were gone that night to go find a Horcrux, we didn’t actually get one. There was a locket there all right, but it was a fake. Someone had been there before and had taken the real one. The one that we took had a note inside it saying that someone had come in, taken the real Horcrux, and was going to destroy it. The note was signed with R.A.B.� Everyone looked confused at this explanation, except for Hermione, who suddenly had recognition on her face.

“Regulus Black!� she exclaimed. “He used to be a Death Eater and then was killed for trying to back out.�

“Yes,� Harry replied. “I’ll bet you anything that the locket was one of the things that Kreacher smuggled off to his room when we were cleaning the house. You’re going to find the locket there. Ron, Hermione, I want you to go and take care of that one. Now, the next Horcrux is Hufflepuff’s cup. It’s amazing, I could barely believe it when I saw it, but the cup is right behind me. When I hid my potions book from Snape I put it in the Room of Requirement. Somehow, the cup has been in the room all along. Although I must admit that it’s a great idea, no one would ever be able to find it unless they knew exactly where it was kept. As for the snake, I’m not sure where it is right now. I have no doubt that wherever she is Voldemort is bound to be close. So for right now, let’s concentrate on the two that we know about.�

“But Harry, what about the fourth? Didn’t you say that Voldemort should have four remaining Horcruxes? You destroyed the diary, Dumbledore destroyed the ring, you told us about the locket, the cup, and the snake, but that’s only five,� Hermione wondered to the group.

“I know, that’s been bothering me a bit. My only guess is that the mirror didn’t have quite enough room to show me all of them. Let’s hope that once we get some out of the way that the mirror can show us the other one. At least for now we have two to definitely go after. Right, so you two take care of the locket,� Harry said pointing to Ron and Hermione, “and the rest of us will destroy the cup.� Ron and Hermione nodded and left the group so as to Apparate once having left the castle, while Harry once again marched past the blank wall. I need to find Hufflepuff’s cup…I need to find Hufflepuff’s cup…I need to find Hufflepuff’s cup…Again a door magically appeared for them. “Well, let’s go,� Harry said as he opened the door.

Neville, Luna, and Ginny gasped as they entered the cavernous room full of rows upon rows of broken, forbidden, and mystical objects. Fanged Frisbees hovered overhead and everyone ducked as one tore a path through their positions. “This is where you hid your potions book, Harry?� Ginny said in awe.

“No one would ever find it, would they? And this is where Voldemort has a piece of his soul…� he responded. Harry led them past the enormous stuffed troll, veered left at the now repaired Vanishing Cabinet, and stopped at the damaged cupboard that still held the Half-Blood Prince’s copy of Advanced Potion-Making... “Help me,� he said as he began to push on it from a side. Together he and Neville successfully moved the cupboard away and found a small ornate box sitting on the ground. “This is it…Reducto!� His spell blasted the box open to reveal the last known relic of Helga Hufflepuff. “Reducto!� he shouted again, but to no avail this time. The spell connected with the cup and harmlessly bounced off of the shiny surface.

“What happened? Do Horcruxes have extra protection?� Neville asked.

“Not that I know of. After all, I destroyed the diary without even using a wand,� Harry answered. He strained his memory to try to remember what he could about the cup. Slowly, something that Hepzibah Smith had said bubbled to the surface of his mind…And all sorts of powers it’s supposed to possess too…* �The cup has some kind of magic added to it besides Voldemort’s soul. That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, what with it belonging to Hufflepuff and all.�

“If it’s a matter of destroying a magical object…� came a drawling voice from behind them. The four members of the DA turned around to find the infamous Draco Malfoy standing with his wand at the ready. Before anyone could react, however, Malfoy gave a complicated wand movement and wordlessly shot white lightning at the cup, which subsequently melted. All astonishment at this action aside, Harry, Ginny, Luna, and Neville suddenly had all of their wands leveled at him.

“What are you doing here?!� Ginny demanded.

“I’ve come to help,� Malfoy answered.

“What do you take us for?� Neville said.

“Calm down, Longbottom. I don’t want to serve the Dark Lord anymore. I’d prefer a side that doesn’t have such an unforgiving figurehead.�

“And do you expect to find that here?� Neville shot back.

“Maybe not, but at least none of you would kill me without so much as giving it a second’s thought. Think about it, if I had really wanted to hurt any of you I could have done so when your backs were turned. You saw what I just did to that cup, do you think that’s all that the Dark Lord has shown me?� Malfoy attempted. Neville opened his mouth to object again, but Harry stopped him.

“Malfoy, how did you get here?� Harry inquired.

“Vanishing Cabinet. No one really knew where to look for it. The Death Eaters already got their mission accomplished so they have had no reason to come through again.�

“But why come here? What made you think we were at Hogwarts?� At this question, Malfoy gave one of his trademark sneering smiles and held up what appeared to be a Galleon. Luna gasped at the sight.

“I think someone dropped this,� he said. Harry stared at him. Was Malfoy telling the truth? He had seen him seem to be upset and regretting the decision to side with Voldemort in the Astronomy Tower. Plus, another piece of Voldemort’s soul was gone thanks to him. Of course, that begged the question…

“Malfoy, do you know what you just did to that cup?� Harry said.

“Destroyed it, like you seemed to want. Was there a good reason for that? I’ll bet that cup was worth at least a thousand Galleons,� Malfoy drawled again.

So, Malfoy doesn’t know about the Horcruxes. No sense telling him then, Harry thought. “All right. We’ll try this. But if any of us get the slightest inkling that somehow you’re here on Voldemort’s orders, it’s over.� Malfoy jumped badly at the sound of the wizard’s name, but quickly regained his composure and nodded. The group of five turned back towards the exit, cautiously giving Malfoy the front and watching his every move. Before they could reach the door, however, they turned a corner to find Ron and Hermione waiting with the locket of Salazar Slytherin.

“Harry, we found it, but we couldn’t---Stupefy!� Hermione caught sight of Malfoy and fired her spell before anyone else knew what had happened. “What’s he doing here?!� she yelled.

“Hermione, stop!� Ginny shouted back. “He just helped us out. We’re not entirely sure what’s going on, but he claims he’s left You-Know-Who’s side and wants to join us.�

“That’s rubbish! This is Malfoy we’re talking about!� she replied heatedly.

“Wait! I have an idea,� Harry yelled above everyone else. He walked over to Malfoy and murmured, “Ennervate.� Malfoy’s eyes shot back open and he slowly sat back up. “Sorry about that. She didn’t expect you to be with us at all. And no offense, but who could blame her? But I want you to do something, if you really are with us now.�

“What?� Malfoy said with a trace of a growl. Harry took the locket away from his best friend and set it on the ground by Malfoy.

“Do it again. Whatever you did to that cup, do the same thing to this locket.�

“Now I know that this one IS worth at least a thousand Galleons. Why do you want treasures blasted apart, Potter?� Malfoy said with a sneer. In response, Harry pointed his wand at him.

“If you would rather we believe that you’re still with Voldemort and not us, then by all means keep acting in this manner. But if you want to prove to us that you really want to fight him, then do what I say.� Malfoy glared at Harry, but then repeated his wand movement and dissolved the Horcrux.

“There, happy?� Malfoy sneered.

“Ecstatic,� Harry said in an equal tone of unhappiness. “Now let’s go. We still have two left.�

“Two of what, Potter?� Malfoy demanded.

“In time, Malfoy. We started trusting you five minutes ago. These things don’t come easy.� The seven teenagers walked out of the Room of Requirement and watched as the door disappeared behind them. The next sounds that greeted their ears were the screams of Hermione and Ginny as they noticed the body of their former headmistress lying on the floor.

---

*Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, pg. 436 U.S. version

“Professor McGonagall!� Hermione screamed. Everyone stared in horror as they took in the terrible sight that was before them. Ron slowly walked over and examined the body.

“She’s dead! Must have been Avada Kedavra. There’s nothing that looks to be wrong with her otherwise…� Ron said in a horrified whisper.

“But then that means that someone else is here!� Harry looked around wildly, searching for the mystery intruder that had wiped away the life of his Transfiguration teacher. As if in answer, a high, cold voice rang out through the halls, magically amplified and made more sinister in the process, “Did you really think I wouldn’t find you here, Potter?�

“No, no, it can’t be!� Hermione screamed again.

“RUN!� Harry yelled. The others needed no further urging. Everyone scrambled and took off in a different direction, fleeing from the evil voice that had infiltrated the place that had once been a sanctuary from all outside forces. Harry ran on with Ginny at his side, his lungs burning and his breath becoming shorter, until finally he skidded to a halt, unable to keep going.

“Harry, we can’t run from him. He could be anywhere here!� Ginny said.

“What do you recommend we do? Fight? He still has two more Horcruxes somewhere. I never got the chance to look at the mirror again!� Harry retaliated.

“Harry! Look behind you!� Ginny screamed. Harry whirled his head around and saw, as if in answer to his question, Nagini slithering from the corridor. “Stupefy!� Ginny yelled, but to no avail. The snake swiftly dodged the spell and continued on her path towards them. Harry similarly shot another spell at the animal, but had the same result. Panicking again, he grabbed Ginny’s arm and started running again. Pain was gripping his side and he could feel sweat gliding down his forehead, but still he and Ginny tried to escape from the fearsome creature in pursuit. The feat almost seemed plausible, until Ginny screamed again. Harry turned his head to find the snake draining her venom into his girlfriend’s side.

“IMPEDIMENTA!� Harry screamed. The spell missed the snake and knocked Ginny into the wall, where she crumpled and fell to the floor. “NO!� he yelled. “Stupefy!� This time the spell hit its mark and left the snake unconscious. Unlike other victims of this curse, however, she began to stir almost immediately. Without thinking, Harry took off down the hall again, surprised to find that he had run all the way to the headmistress’ office. Even more surprising was the fact that the gargoyle had already been turned aside and the stairs were there, almost beckoning him to ascend. Harry took the opportunity and ran up them, closing the door behind him and shouting “Colloportus!� to boot.

Panting heavily, he took in his surroundings. The office was mostly the same as it had been when Dumbledore was the headmaster. Slumping down into a chair, Harry reflected on the events that had just happened. Ginny had been poisoned, Nagini was after him, and Voldemort was also in the castle. There was no way out this time. This had to be the end.

“You cannot hide, Harry Potter. The game is over. Dumbledore is not here to help you this time. He has left these walls forever,� Voldemort’s voice rang out through the silence again. In fury, Harry jumped up and shouted at the office.

“Dumbledore is never gone from Hogwarts!�

“Dumbledore has died. My faithful servant has seen to that. He cannot help you anymore. Hogwarts is mine now!� Voldemort replied cruelly.

“Only when none here are loyal to him! Hogwarts belongs to Dumbledore, even now!� Harry heard an odd sound behind him and turned around to see what new evil was about to greet him. Instead, however, he found one of the most welcome sights he could ever imagine. A phoenix had appeared in a flash of fire. “Fawkes!� Harry shouted. Fawkes squawked in response and flew over to rest on Harry’s shoulder. At least now he had someone else here with him. But what to do now? The snake had to be just outside the door, waiting to bite into Harry as she had done to Ginny. Every time he tried to launch an attack the snake simply dodged. If only there was a way to stop her some other way…and then a memory from four years before came to him. Fawkes had blinded the basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets, and that was a great serpent many times the size of Nagini.

“Fawkes, would you care to help me with the snake?� Harry requested of his new companion. The phoenix chirped in response, to which Harry took for a yes. Harry then undid his spell upon the door and blasted it open with his wand. Almost instantly, Nagini slithered forward through the hole that was created and made to strike at Harry. Fortunately, Fawkes swooped upon the serpent and swiped at her eyes with his talons. Screaming in pain, the snake writhed on the floor and hissed ferociously, unable to stop the attack upon herself. Harry saw a glint of light on his left and noticed the sword of Godric Gryffindor resting in its case, the rubies on the handle glittering. Struck with a sudden thought, Harry raised his wand again. “Accio sword!� The third treasure of the founders crashed through the glass and came to rest in Harry’s outstretched hand. “Fawkes! Move away!� he shouted. The phoenix obediently flew up and away from the snake and back onto Harry’s shoulder. Free from the merciless onslaught of talons, Nagini raised her head up again and blindly struck at air with her deadly fangs. With no hint of remorse, Harry raised the sword high and made a clean slice through the head of the snake. Nagini’s headless body fell to the floor and Harry dropped the sword, exhausted by the efforts that the last few minutes had asked of him. Breathing heavily, he managed to utter, “Five down.�

Harry managed to fall back into a chair and reflect on everything that had now happened. Fawkes flew over to the perch that he had claimed when Dumbledore inhabited the office. Harry could hardly believe that in the course of a few hours, he had managed to eliminate three of Voldemort’s Horcruxes. But they had by no means been easy. Seeing his parents turned into Inferi, coming face to face with a supposedly reformed Draco Malfoy, running from a deadly serpent with Ginny…Ginny! his mind screamed, as he bolted from the room back down the stairs. When he reached the foot, he quickly glanced around to find her still on the ground by the wall where his curse hit her. Her eyes were closed and she was motionless. “Ginny!� he yelled. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open.

“Harry…� she said weakly as she tried to raise her arm. Harry grabbed her hand and clutched it in his own.

“Ginny, please…� he pleaded.

“Harry…I love you. I always have, and always will.� With these words, her eyes closed again.

“FAWKES!� Harry screamed. The phoenix flew down the stairs and landed beside him. “Fawkes, help her!� Fawkes looked at Ginny, then back at Harry, at whom he sadly shook his head. “Don’t waste time, Fawkes! You can help her!� Fawkes again only shook his head. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! SHE’S GOING TO DIE!� But even as he said it, Harry realized the truth. It was already too late for her. He could already feel the tears streaming down his face. Voldemort had now cost him his parents, his godfather, and Ginny. Was there no relief of pain for him?

“Awfully touching, Potter.� The voice filled with malice was no longer echoing throughout the halls but now right behind him. Completely disheartened by the abysmal chain of events that had now culminated here, Harry slowly turned back around and stood up, hate and dismay etched into his face. “Dumbledore always said that love was the most powerful magic, and yet love couldn’t save her, now could it?� He closed with a cruel laugh.

“Cruc-“ Harry tried to shout, but with a casual flick of his wand, Voldemort parried the curse.

“Now, now, Harry. Where are your manners? Did Dumbledore teach his favorite student spells like that?� Again Voldemort let out a harsh laugh, clearly amused by the superiority he held. “Let me show you how it’s done! Crucio!� Harry was gripped with mind numbing torture piercing every inch of himself. Writhing and twisting with the sheer agony of the curse, his thoughts verged on the wish for death to release him from all of his pain. Voldemort relaxed his wand and laughed once more. “Oh, I had almost forgotten. Let me stop using Occlumency against you…� As soon as his words ended, Harry felt his scar burn again, almost as terribly as when he heard Voldemort’s merciless use of his parents in his head. “Are you ready to die, Harry?� Still determined not to give in, not to humor Voldemort in the end, Harry said nothing as he slowly picked himself up off of the floor, ignoring the searing pain emanating from his scar.

CRACK! Snape appeared, standing between Harry and Voldemort. “Thank you for removing the Apparating restriction, my lord,� he said.

“Cruc-“ Harry tried to shout again, but Snape simply countered the attempt. The two wizards Harry hated the most in the world were now standing right in front of him, and he was unable to do anything to either of them.

“Not at all, Severus. Now please, step aside so that I may put an end to the boy.� Voldemort raised his wand again.

“No,� Snape said simply. Voldemort froze on the spot, unable to comprehend what he had just heard.

“What did you say?� Voldemort said, his voice dangerous.

“I said no. I’m not moving.� And true to his word, Snape stood his ground, unfaltering. Harry was now the one to be perplexed. He had no time to puzzle over this new development, however, as Snape turned around and said, “Run, Potter!�

“What are you doing?!� Voldemort yelled. “First Wormtail betrays me over this boy, and now you?! Do you want the same fate as that fool?�

“Dumbledore’s orders,� Snape said with a slight grin. “We are in his territory after all, master.� Snape finished with a sarcastic tone. “Are you deaf, Potter? I said run! Or shall my death be in vain?� Harry needed no further urging. He took off down the hall and disappeared down a corridor.

“What faithful servants I have. Avada Kedavra!� The jet of green light hit Snape squarely in the chest and he drew his last breath. Harry, meanwhile, ran until he realized that he was back at the Room of Requirement. Panic gripping his mind, he did the only logical thing he could think of: he hid behind the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy on the opposite wall.

This was the end then. There was no hope left. Despite all of his efforts, Voldemort was only a few moments away from him and one Horcrux was left. “Oh, Harry?� Voldemort’s voice rang through the hall, half taunting. “I seem to remember telling you before that we are not playing hide-and-seek. You will never learn respect.�

If only the mirror would have shown me the last one! Harry thought bitterly. Why did it have to fail me? He could still see it vividly in his mind: the cup, the snake, and the locket, but nothing else. Nothing else could be seen in the mirror. Nothing except…

At last, Harry understood. Realizing what he finally had to do, he stepped out from the tapestry and faced the wizard.

“At last, Harry. Now, I ask you again, are you ready to die?� Voldemort said with another soft laugh. Harry said nothing, only stood where he was, staring blankly at Voldemort and feeling the pain in his head escalate. “I grow tired of you not answering me. Imperio!� This did him no good, though. Harry had seen enough of this curse to resist it, and his resolve had never been stronger. Infuriated, Voldemort raised his wand one more time. “Be silent then, boy! I will let the world know that you said nothing and foolishly gave up your life to me.� Still Harry said nothing. Cold fury pulsing through him, Voldemort screamed, “Avada Kedavra!�

The jet of green light shot out of the wand and obliterated the life of Harry Potter. Almost instantly, Lord Voldemort fell forward onto the ground, never to rise again. Six Horcruxes destroyed, Voldemort was no more.

Harry’s eyes opened one more time. He looked around at his unfamiliar surroundings. He had no idea where he could possibly be, but the sight before him made him less concerned with where he was. Four people stood before him: James and Lily Potter, Sirius Black, and Ginny Weasley. “Wha---How?� he stammered. No one said anything, but merely smiled, and in his heart, Harry understood perfectly what had happened. Ginny walked over to him and hugged him. Finally, all of his pain was over. Ginny stared at a familiar spot on his forehead.

“Harry, it’s gone!� she exclaimed.

“What is?�

“Your scar.�