Chapter Nineteen
Meeting One’s Potential
The Order rushed out of Grimmauld Place. Remus barked at them to stay close to one another, but beyond that gave no other commands. Everyone had Disapparated directly to Hogsmeade. Harry appeared mere inches away from Hermione. They gazed at the town.
Bodies lay in the street, civilians and Death Eaters alike. Honeydukes was on fire, along with several other businesses. Harry could see that none of the homes had been reached. In the distance, several Death Eaters were flinging people into the air, while others were duelling. The town had been caught completely off guard and Harry could see several familiar faces were in the battle.
Percy was fighting along side Ginny. While he was doing admirably against Flint and Goyle Senior Ginny was in her element against Lucius Malfoy. She was fighting very offensively and often she would lead him toward one of the burning buildings. More than once, bands of flame would reach out for him, but he narrowly escaped each time.
Hannah was standing over a fallen Dean and fighting three masked Death Eaters, while a few feet away Seamus dodged a spell that evaporated the remaining support to a burning building and he was nearly crushed by a falling wall. Krum was wrestling with a panther. The large beast rolled and tried to bite the famed Seeker, but Krum hit the panther’s head with a large rock and regained his footing. He quickly killed the Animagus before jumping into line with Ron.
Ron was engaged in a deadly duel with Pettigrew. When Krum joined in the attack, Greyback flew to the aid of his fellow Death Eater. The battle raging between the four men was an intense sight. Once again Greyback wielded his sword and violently jabbed at Ron. What Harry had not noticed previously was that Ron too, had a sword. It was the sword that Harry removed from the Sorting Hat in his second year.
With a rushed, “Be safe!” Hermione ran forward into battle with Harry close on her heels.
She quickly fell into stride with Ron and Krum, shielding them and throwing her own curses. Harry moved a few feet beyond her to where Neville was fighting viciously with Rabastan and Bellatrix Lestrange. Harry pushed his mind to battle effectively with Rabastan and ignored Bellatrix’s taunts.
“Wee Potter comes to save ‘is little friend?” she hissed disgustedly.
“Crucio!” Neville bellowed.
Bellatrix writhed and screamed a horrible shriek as Harry finally disarmed and Stunned Rabastan. Neville tried, but couldn’t hold the curse for very long and soon Bellatrix was trying to get back on her feet. As she rose she threw the tripping hex at Harry, who fell hard. Harry managed to fire one more hex before he landed. Neville threw another Cruciatus Curse at her and the mixing of the two spells silenced her. She slumped heavily to the ground. Harry crawled to her body and tried to bind her, but it was useless. She was dead.
Neville helped Harry pull himself to his feet and they stepped in to battle with Hannah. Fenrir Greyback had been pulled out of sight and now Hermione and Ron were fighting Pettigrew by himself. For only a moment, Harry and Neville could see a hundred people fighting in every which direction. Bill and Fleur moved swiftly through a crowd of Death Eaters and Charlie ran towards Hagrid who was swinging a large tree at a crowd of eight or nine Death Eaters.
Kingsley was fighting with one Death Eater that Harry had seen before but couldn’t place. Behind him, Remus and Greyback were malevolently attacking each other. Molly was now fighting with Ginny against Malfoy and Percy had moved on with Krum. They both were throwing shields to help the Order members. Tonks and Moody were throwing supporting charms at the buildings that were on point of collapse.
At one point, in their battle, Hermione was hit by a Stunner. Ron stood over her but suddenly a young Death Eater moved in line with Pettigrew and the two of them got Ron’s wand. Though Ron still had the sword, Harry could see that he only had a moment to get to Ron and Hermione. Ron somehow managed a wandless, nonverbal spell that disarmed and bound the younger Death Eater, but Harry had to jump in front of Ron to keep him from being hit by Wormtail.
Pettigrew tried to throw a hex at Harry, but his wand would never cast the spell. Harry sneered at his father’s old friend.
“I saved your life, remember?” Harry spat at the fear on Wormtail’s face.
Ron lunged forward and cast the sword through Wormtail’s silver hand. The former Marauder howled in pain as the limb oozed from his body and vanished with a small explosion. Pettigrew collapsed in agony onto the ground where Ron bound him without his wand. Harry shot the counter-curse at Hermione while Ron Summoned his wand.
It was clear that Voldemort’s finest were in Hogsmeade tonight. The battle raged on for hours and many people were lost on both sides. The Aurors had arrived earlier in the evening, but the Death Eaters out numbered the Aurors and Order members. Just as the sun began to rise on the first day of the New Year, the remaining Death Eaters remained Disapparated. Slushy, dirty snow lined the streets where dead bodies lay. The sudden lack of battle was almost as intimidating as the violence itself. This had only been a taste of what was to come.
At noon, the students and teachers had returned to Hogwarts while the Order members and Aurors counted the losses on both sides. Once back in the castle, Ron, Harry, and Hermione, described the battle to Fred and George. They sat in the hospital wing so Susan could listen in.
“It was unreal,” Hermione whispered, “Ginny had Lucius Malfoy practically on the run. Charlie and Hagrid took out at least twenty Death Eaters and Neville killed Bellatrix. I just don’t know why they would attack Hogsmeade,” she finished exhaustedly.
She leaned back on the cot they sat on; Ron put an arm around her for support. She rested her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes.
“Where were you guys? I couldn’t see you.” Harry asked the twins.
“Well,” Fred began, “When we heard the alarms going off in Hogsmeade, we were all running toward McGonagall’s office. But Ron realized that if we all left, the school would be defenceless. So he sent me to guard the passage under the Whomping Willow and George to the one-eyed witch’s passage. Ron sent Roni a message saying that when she got back, she needed to stay in the hospital wing because he would send all wounded Order members there. Just as he, Hannah, and half the teachers got to the main entrance, Ginny came running out,” Fred explained carefully.
“Ginny,” George continued seamlessly, “said she was going to fight. Ron couldn’t exactly fight with her without a voice, so he looked to Percy. Percy said that she was the best student in the school when it came to Defence, and that he wouldn’t leave her side, and they were off running again. We realized that sitting in a dark tunnel was hardly helpful, so we caved in the remaining entrances to the castle and came back just as Roni and Susan received their first dozen wounded.”
At this point, Ginny and Luna came into the wing. Ginny sat down next to George, while Luna whispered something to Roni. The petite blonde looked pale and afraid. Roni put a hand on the girl’s shoulder and whispered back. Luna’s hair was now in a short bob. She was glad that it was getting longer and she no longer had to wear the scarf, but Hermione had told Harry that some people made fun of the scars on her face and hands.
The boils had left several circular scars on the left side of her face and neck. Her hands were covered in the bright pink scars and she had taken to wearing elbow length gloves. Harry had hoped that there would be a way to get rid of the scars, but Hermione said the wounds had been too extensive. He felt bad for Luna, but knew that her friends saw the beauty that radiated from the inside.
Harry’s thoughts faded from his mind as Luna turned on her heel and ran out of the hospital wing. He turned to Ginny and asked her why Luna was behaving so strange, even for her.
“She told me that Neville has locked himself in his garden and that she has been trying to break in. I guess the battle really got to him. After all, he did kill Bellatrix,” Ginny responded simply.
“I wish you hadn’t fought, Ginny,” Harry whispered to her.
“I know, but I couldn’t stay and hide. Something, Mum said in her last letter, has inspired me lately. She told me that she trusted me, she had faith in me, and she loved me. I guess she had been thinking about my status as an Order member, and told Remus that when he and Ron thought I was ready, she would give her permission. I didn’t understand either, but she said that she saw so much potential in me, but that potential is useless if you don’t do anything about it. She said she wouldn’t keep me from doing what I felt I had to do,” Ginny explained as she got up and moved away from Hermione and Ron, who had fallen asleep.
The twins had been listening carefully and nodded as Ginny explained their mother’s correspondence.
“Hermione said you were amazing, Ginny,” George whispered as the twins followed her.
“It was so strange, fighting Malfoy,” she responded with an odd expression. “I was fighting him with everything I had, but I didn’t want to fight him because he killed Dad, or because he was evil. I fought him because he said that I was a waste of pure blood and that I would never compare to the elite lineage of a Malfoy. It wasn’t until I was fighting for myself that the fight became easy. I just don’t know how to describe it,” Ginny finished pondering herself.
She looked back at Ron and Hermione. Ron had collected the entire part of her person into his arms. Hermione had fisted her hands in his shirt, and though they both slept soundly, they smiled contentedly.
“I really hate to do this,” Susan whispered as she pushed past Ginny. “Hermione?” Susan whispered and shook the girl gently.
“Hermione, love, Roni and I could really use your help,” Susan cooed.
Hermione’s eyes snapped open, and she blushed the brightest red as she pushed away from Ron. The twins fought to hold in their chuckles, but laughed outright when Ron, still asleep, whimpered and pulled her back to him. Ginny however had enough sense to pull the twins and Harry out of the wing before they began to embarrass their friend.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Dean had been killed. Quite a few people had died that night, but the one that Harry would always remember, was Dean. When they heard the news, Harry had been was standing next to Ginny. Ron had brought a list of people who had died at Hogsmeade and let them read it. Dean had been the first name on the list. Ginny had stormed passed Harry and her brother, and as she rounded the corner Harry could hear her begin to sob.
Fred and George were also unnerved to learn that Argus Filch had been in Hogsmeade when the attacks began. Apparently, he had jumped into a home just after it caught flame. While the man and woman tried to fight three Death Eaters, he jumped into their home and saved their three small children from the fire. After he had gotten them safely out of the house, he went to the neighbouring home and retrieved an infant girl. Her parents were dead on the stoop of her house and the child was found safely clutched in Filch’s arms. He had been killed instantly with the Killing Curse, shot in the back of the head, like an execution
Among the dead on the Death Eaters’ side, Bellatrix Lestrange and Peter Pettigrew were the two most notable. Initial buzz was already circulating in the press about Pettigrew’s death and that it was clear that Sirius Black was innocent. Harry had arranged with McGonagall to have Rita Skeeter come to Hogwarts the following week, so that he could have his say.
Seamus had been blinded. He was trapped under the building for so long before anyone could get to him that the damage to his eyes was irreversible. Though he had been cured in every other respect, it was difficult for him to function. The loss of Dean had crushed him even more than the building.
Harry had suffered a sprained wrist and Hannah nearly lost a finger, but for the most part no one really paid much attention to the effects of the battle due to the unbearable losses. When classes resumed the following week, everyone sat shell-shocked and horrified. The memorial to Filch had been quite morose, but the memorial for Dean had been tragic. His mother had come to the school and sat with Seamus.
Nearly three weeks after the battle everyone began to return to the routine that lived in a normal Hogwarts. Roni was back to mending minor wounds and illnesses. Hermione was enjoying her studies, and Susan tended to the hospital and Draco more than ever. Ginny was again seen with Colin, though; they had a distinct look of mischief about them. Ron had made the plans to have his surgery for the fifteenth of February, and Harry was throwing himself into his Auror training.
It wasn’t until the next Order meeting, that Harry realized how dire things were becoming. As Remus called the meeting to session, Harry could see the absence of a few people who had been lost that night in the battle. One that had really bothered him had been Cho. She hadn’t been killed, but she had been tortured beyond what her mind could take; she would never be the same.
Percy had been visibly shaken as well. He assured his family and Harry that he would be fine, Cho had only been a friend. Percy alluded that she desired a more intimate relationship, while he was determined to remain friends. Now, his friend was residing in the permanent ward at St. Mungo’s. The Healers had hope that she would improve with time, but there were more pressing cases. Her condition would have to wait.
Cho wasn’t the only one out of action. Mr. Ollivander hadn’t been seen in a few weeks and a few other members had been injured and had yet to recover.
“Welcome,” Remus began rather monotone, “We seem to be short a few people, but we have a few new members to introduce tonight. The first is Seamus Finnigan. Though he was blinded in the last battle, we have reason to believe that he will be a valuable member to us in the future. Next, is Miss Hannah Abbott; this little fireball managed to take down five Death Eaters single-handedly on New Year’s. Last, but certainly not least, is Miss Penelope Clearwater. She has been a valuable informant working out of St. Mungo’s for some time. Please welcome the new members!” Remus smiled warmly as the new members were applauded and sat.
“Well, lets get to business,” he continued. “As you know, we recently got quite a taste of what is to come. Let’s keep in mind that, with the exception of Greyback, we were only dealing with human opponents. Voldemort will likely use Dementors, giants, and other werewolves in the future. After closely examining everything that happened that night, we have determined that Marcus Flint, Mr. Crabbe, Bellatrix Lestrange, Peter Pettigrew, and Weston Wayse fell at the hands of the Order. Wayse was a young man from Belgium, I believe, and Flint was in his Animagus form during the battle. He was the panther.” Remus explained carefully.
“Now, we are still analyzing the battle and our weaknesses. For the moment, let us put the battle aside and focus on a few new things and one bit of splendid news. Ron has proposed with the support of Professor McGonagall that Luna Lovegood and Ginny Weasley be allowed to join the Order. Does anyone protest?” Lupin waited for a moment before moving on.
“Very well, the ladies will be invited before the next meeting. Also, since we have seen that students will find their way to the battlefield, I would like to make a request of our Auror liaisons and Percy. If you could find a way to work duelling into your upcoming lessons, it would be greatly appreciated. As much as I would prefer our children to avoid battle, I know that will not always be the case. Please work together on this project. Now, after the last bit of information, I need Ron, Hermione, and Harry to remain after the meeting.”
Remus looked positively gleeful; everyone could tell he was winding them up.
“A very good friend has helped me leak it to the press that Peter Pettigrew was killed in the battle. Sirius Black has been formally cleared of all charges. Pettigrew has been stripped of his Order of Merlin. It will run front page of the Daily Prophet tomorrow.”
A general whoop of joy burst through the crowd. The twins started skipping about their mother and Hermione laughed at Harry’s excitement. He was so thrilled that he managed to kiss her on the cheek, Tonks on the nose, and tried to put Fleur in a dip, but Bill stopped him.
“Oh, I’m not done yet, folks. Pettigrew was an important loss, but for many reasons. It seems that my old friend had become the head hostage keeper. We don’t know why exactly, but Voldemort had ordered the capture of three people. One was Aberforth Dumbledore; he has been returned to his pub and is back to the usual. The second was Mr. Ollivander. He was severely malnourished but after a brief stay in St. Mungo’s, he will be fine and is looking forward to returning to Hogwarts next Saturday. We have no idea why this last person was spared.” Remus softened his voice considerably and stared deeply into another man’s eyes.
“Natasha Borvikchad, was found wandering the streets of a small town. They managed to get her to a Muggle hospital and later she was sent to St. Mungo’s. She has only managed to say one word, but she has endured quite a lot. The Healers are hopeful.”
“She’s alive?” Krum gasped with a heavy whisper.
Everyone nodded in understanding and began to quietly filter out of Headquarters. Hermione put a hand on Viktor’s shoulder. Harry looked away as she whispered something to her Bulgarian friend. He noticed Percy awkwardly offer to see Penelope Clearwater home. Hermione stood and whispered something to Ron, while Krum stalked out of the room. Harry couldn’t help but feel horrible for the man. First, his sister’s wedding is ruined by Death Eaters. Then, they steal the woman he loves. Now, he learns that she is alive, but only just. It must be devastating.
He was lost in his thoughts until Remus snapped his fingers before Harry’s eyes.
“Alright there, Harry?” Lupin asked concernedly.
“Worried about Krum, what did you need to see us for?” Harry returned his mind to the task at hand.
“Well, while I didn’t get to see it myself, Alastor claims that the pulse Wormtail emitted when his silver hand was pierced was very powerful. He believes that it could have been the Horcrux being destroyed. Do you realize what that would mean?” Remus’ eyes lit up.
“It means, that other than the snake, there is one more Horcrux and we have no clue where or what it is. So, how do we get to the snake?” Harry asked with stress in his voice.
“Remus,” Hermione interrupted, “I think that the snake is being taken care of. I don’t think we need to worry about that one. Let’s focus on figuring out the remaining one.”
Remus, Ron, and Harry all stared at her with astonishment in their faces.
“What do you know that you aren’t telling us, Hermione?” Remus asked.
“I’m not sure, and I don’t want to tell you until I’m sure. Please Remus, let me be certain,” Hermione begged.
Remus nodded, “That is all.”
Hermione grabbed Ron’s hand, dragging him out the door. Harry waved a goodbye as he ran to keep up with his two best friends.
They returned to Hogwarts and the boys were baffled at Hermione’s bizarre behaviour. She put on a great burst of speed as she ran through the corridors. Finally, when she reached a large gallery, she stopped. Harry looked around and saw several paintings. One was a giant feather; another was a large Mandrake root. To his left he saw a fearsome shark. Hermione stood directly in front of it. She leaned close and he could barely hear her whisper, Tatiana.
The portrait swung open and she guided the boys in. Krum was staring into his fire while pressing a small child to his body. Harry could see that he had been crying and the young girl patted his face with her tiny hand. Krum tore his eyes away from the fire to look up at the three friends. The sweet little girl pushed away from her brother and ran to Hermione.
Harry and Ron stood silently in the doorway. While they had known that Viktor’s sister, Nadia, was under his care, it was still surprising to see such a young child at Hogwarts. The girl could not be above six years old. She had soft white skin and the same dark expressions of her brother. The only true difference was in the face, when one looked at Viktor, they would note his brooding expressions, whereas Nadia’s face was bright with curiosity. Despite her young age, it seemed entirely possible that she knew all the answers to the questions a child would ask.
“See Viktor,” little Nadia began, “I told you, Herm-nee vould come and help.”
Hermione chuckled softly and swept the child into her arms.
“Can ve haf a tea party?” the little sprite asked.
“It is too late tonight, darling, but if you are good and go to bed, I will stay with you. We can have one in the morning,” Hermione said as she hugged the girl.
Nadia squealed and wormed her way out of Hermione’s grasp. She grabbed a blanket from behind her brother, kissed him quickly and ran to a door in the far corner of the room.
“Herm-nee! Story?” Nadia demanded sweetly.
“Just a moment, go in and get ready, let me talk to Viktor,” Hermione placated.
The girl disappeared behind the heavy door and Hermione sat next to Viktor on the couch.
“Can you,” Viktor began but she cut him off.
“I already promised a tea party, but yes, I’ll stay with her. Harry can tell Susan where I am. Viktor, please, take someone with you. I don’t want you going alone. I know that I’d rather be with you, but it will ease your mind if I’m with Nadia.” Hermione was clearly worried.
“Ron, vould you accompany me to the St. Mungo’s?” Viktor asked, his English continuing to improve.
Ron nodded and disappeared out the portrait to inform Professor McGonagall. Harry watched as Viktor took Hermione’s hand and pressed it to his cheek.
“Thank you,” he whispered to her.
“You’re welcome. Now get your things together. Ron will be back soon. Harry will you tell Susan what has happened and ask Ginny to pack my overnight bag? She’ll know what to get. Then would you mind bringing it down to me?” Hermione requested politely.
Harry nodded and felt rather stupid saying, “Everything is going to be alright.” He helped Viktor somewhat.
He passed Ron as they headed down the hall. Harry all but ran to the hospital wing to inform Susan. She had been at the meeting and knew that Viktor was involved, but she didn’t know the whole story. Harry hastily explained that Hermione wouldn’t be able to come to the wing for the rest of the night, and likely the next day. Susan smiled and understood. She said she would stay in the wing and that Harry had to bring her dinner the next day.
Harry laughed at her terms but agreed good-naturedly. Next, he shot up to Gryffindor tower. Fortunately, Ginny was reading in a large chair by the fire. He quickly explained that Hermione needed her overnight bag and he would explain when he got back. Ginny quickly leapt up to get Hermione’s things. She handed them over to Harry and said she would wait for him to come back.
He left for a short while, but returned quickly. He explained to Ginny that after the meeting Remus had informed everyone that Natasha was alive. He described Nadia and her bouncy nature and said that Hermione had chosen to stay with her because Krum needed her to be with the girl. Ron had been invited to join him, and he would give them all the details about her condition when he got back. Ginny listened, raptly to Harry’s little bits of information. Since she was still not a member, she knew what little information she could get was valuable.
For a long while, they talked about their holidays. Ginny blushed and thanked Harry for the beautiful, hand-embroidered handkerchief he had given her for Christmas. He hadn’t told her that it belonged to his mother, but he figured that the incredible scarlet phoenix in one of the corners would give her the hint.
Harry used one of the quills she gave him to pen a letter to his Aunt Petunia. Since the attack on Hogsmeade, he imagined she would be rather worried about him. He dropped a quick line or two for Dudley as well. Ever since Dudley had found out that Hagar was a Squib, he had been somewhat distant. Harry thought it had been the deception that took its toll, but slowly Dudley had taken to asking him a question here or there. Dudley had made the mistake of trying to figure out what Quidditch was and Charlie overheard. Three hours later, Dudley knew more about Quidditch than Harry did, and refused to ask any more questions until after Charlie was gone.
Ginny read quietly by the fire while Harry wrote to his relatives. Though she tried desperately to focus on her Charms book, she never managed to turn the page. Finally, she snapped the book shut and Harry looked up.
“Something bothering you, Ginny?” Harry asked.
“No…Yes…Well, maybe. You told me that we couldn’t be together because you had to fight, right? You said that you wanted me to be happy, correct? I don’t know what I should do, Harry. I’m not happy. I fought with you, Harry and I refuse to let you go off to battle while I sit in the castle. I can’t; it goes against my nature. Even though you don’t want to be with me, you don’t think you can make me happy, and you don’t want me to fight, I still love you. I fell in love with you a long time ago, and you don’t want me. Do you have any idea how much that hurts?” She finished with heavy strain in her voice.
“Ginny, I want to be with you, I just don’t want you to be any larger a target than you already are. Do you understand that? Do you know that I wish? That despite everything, I could be with you and that I hate the fact that you are with Colin. By the way, I’m sure he would love to know that you are sitting here telling me you love me, when you are obviously with him,” Harry snapped back, clearly frustrated to have to bring forth all the feelings that he tried so desperately to repress.
“I’m sure he would!” Ginny exclaimed back, “I would give anything to be with you. He knows it. You know it too, but you push me away because you keep trying to keep me out of danger. I’m not some bloody damsel in distress. Why won’t you let me fight with you? When are you going quit pushing me away?” She roared at him.
“Where the hell is this coming from, Ginny?” He spat. “I thought you understood. I just want to know that one person in my life is safe. I couldn’t do that for the Dursleys, I couldn’t do that for your parents either. I know I might already have to live with the loss of one or both of the best friends I’ve ever had. I don’t want to have to deal with the thought of losing you, too!”
Ginny stood up, threw her bag over her shoulder, and said she would see him tomorrow during their Occlumency lesson in the Founders’ Suite before storming up the stairs and into her dormitory.
Harry winced as he heard her door slam, but a part of him smiled. She loved him. He loved her. Then he realized that he had pushed her away, again, and she would probably never want him back.
Harry Potter and the Legend of Infinity by peskypetunia
Chapter Notes: Please Read AND REVIEW!!! They make me so happy!