Remember You

Remember You
Chapter Eighteen

~~~~~

The next week was admittedly one of the most stressful that Harry could ever remember. From studying for N.E.W.Ts, keeping guard of the hallways and doors, to making certain that nobody stepped out of the castle, Harry had his menu full, and could hardly spare one thought about anything that he truly desired to spend time doing. He wanted to concentrate on wedding plans, how Draco's therapy was going, and just Draco in general, but he was sorely disappointed every day when something new came up.

In addition to the stressful studying and worrying about the creatures outside the castle, the weather was unseasonably warm, making the castle suffocating. Most students stuck their heads longingly out the windows when the teachers were not looking, and when the teachers were around, gazed just as longingly out the panes, wishing they could enjoy the weather by at least sticking their heads out the windows.

It was a depressing atmosphere, to say the least.

As Friday came to a close, Harry was heading for dinner with Ron and Hermione; he saw Draco pushing several students aside to get to his fiancé, a determined expression on his face. Harry felt his face glow in happiness when he spotted the Slytherin, as they had not been able to get alone time together since Tuesday. Harry had accompanied Draco to his Friday appointment earlier that afternoon, but Draco had been distant afterwards, rather than clingy. He had immediately taken his leave of Harry when they had arrived back to Hogwarts.

"Draco, are you busy tonight? I want to spend some time with you."

"Smashing," Draco said distractedly, grabbing Harry's hand and pulling him in the opposite direction of the Great Hall. "Weasley, Granger, you best come along as well!" Draco called over his shoulder.

"What's this all about?" Ron asked as they hurried to catch up. Draco was leading them up a set of side stairs to an upper floor.

"You'll see. I was doing homework in mine and Harry's classroom, and happened to look out the window, and saw something of interest."

"If you're talking about the magical creatures outside, Malfoy," Ron drawled out disdainfully.

"Of course, I am not!" Draco snapped irritably as they came up to the door to the classroom. "Snitches are delicious," Draco snapped again and the door flew open.

Harry raised an eyebrow as Draco yanked him inside. "Changed the password, have you?"

"Yes, what of it?"

"It's interesting," Harry smirked. "Have you been eating snitches lately?"

"Just one," Draco commented, letting go of him and heading toward a window. Ron and Hermione shrugged, clearly not wanting them to elaborate and followed the blond.

"What did you see?" Hermione asked, peering through the windows. "Oh, this is ridiculous!" she exclaimed after a few moments. "I'm sorry, but this stupid Quidditch game is coming off the windows for now." She waved her wand and it disappeared. Harry pouted, so Draco wrapped an arm around his waist and pulled him closer. "We'll put one up in our flat," he whispered into his ear. "Anyway," he said more loudly. "Look towards the Greenhouses. Do you see those trees and bushes in front of Greenhouse Two?"

"Yes," the three Gryffindors agreed in unison.

"Look closely to where the bushes meet up with the trunk of the tree. It's a head."

"A head?" Ron asked nervously.

Draco rolled his eyes. "It still has its body, and is very much alive."

"Who is it? Is it a student or a teacher?" Ron asked, squinting as he peered down. "Oh, yeah... I do see it. I think he or she has a hood on though."

"That's precisely the point, Weasley. Why would a student or teacher wear a hooded cloak or robes in this heat wave? They'd have to be bloody crazy."

"Well, then who--"Hermione began.

"Death Eater," Harry breathed.

"I'm glad somebody has brains in this room," Draco drawled, looking deliberately at Hermione, who huffed.

"It went through my mind just as Harry said it."

"Sure it did, Granger."

"Does Dumbledore or the Ministry know?" Ron asked.

"I'm not sure," Draco admitted. "I only noticed this guy about twenty minutes ago. There might be more that somebody was bound to notice."

"Maybe we should go tell somebody," Hermione suggested nervously.

As if in answer to her suggestion, the door banged open, admitting Sirius and Remus. "Hey!" Draco exclaimed indignantly. "How did you know the password?"

"Professors have passwords that override every password-guarded room in this castle," Sirius exclaimed briefly as he shut the door.

"What's going on?" Harry asked.

"Well, a situation has arisen, and students are being confined to Common Rooms until further notice," Sirius informed them. "Dinner is being served there, and when I noticed that you four were gone, I employed Remus to come along with me to find you. I figured this place was good as any to start."

"Let me guess, the situation that has arisen are the Death Eaters on the grounds," Draco said tonelessly.

"Very astute, Mr. Malfoy," Sirius said as if Draco had just answered a question correctly in class.

"Voldemort is on his way, isn't he?" Harry asked.

"We can't say that for sure, Harry," Remus said, sitting on the couch. "The fact that his supporters are here could mean many different things."

"But one of those things that it could mean is that Voldemort is coming," Hermione stated.

"Yes," Sirius said slowly. "I assure you that there is no need to worry as of yet. The situation is under control. More Aurors and members of the Order of the Phoenix are Flooing in right now into Dumbledore's office to help with the situation. We are by no means short of help."

"That doesn't help the fact that no matter how much help there is, Harry is still in danger," Draco growled low in his throat. "We all know that he is the one who is meant to kill Voldemort, or die by his hands."

Harry suddenly felt sick and sat on the bed. He had known this since the end of his fifth year, but it had not seemed to be as real as it did this very moment. Now that the time of confronting the Dark Lord was drawing near, the reality of the situation finally sank in... it was scary. Harry could not shake the horrible foreboding that it would be he who would die, not Voldemort.

Sirius moved forward when he noticed the distressed look on Harry's face. "It's true, I admit. But there is nothing that any of us can do about it, except support Harry, and help in any possible way we can." Sirius then turned to look at Harry. "Harry, you will have help. There will be countless people standing behind you."

Harry swallowed thickly and looked to his lap, nodding. He knew in his heart that he would have everybody he trusted and loved behind him, supporting him and helping to defeat Voldemort. This is precisely what scared him. What if one of them risked their life to keep Harry alive? Harry did not want this guilt hanging over his head. He wanted to do it all by himself, but he also knew that this was not possible. Help was going to be needed to conquer tonight.

"Yeah," Draco agreed. "Professor, if you even think of trying to keep me back from helping, then you're going to find yourself in a lot of pain when you wake up in the infirmary."

Ron and Hermione did not say anything but nodded their heads. Sirius and Remus bit their lips to keep from smiling at his youthful, loving determination. "You think I did not know that?" Sirius replied calmly, still biting back a smile. "I know you three will go to the ends of the world to do what you can for Harry. I know that he means a lot to you. He means a lot to me as well, and I know that I would willingly do anything for him, including risking my own life--"

"No!" Harry yelled out, shooting up from his seat. "I don't want anybody to risk their lives for me. I am not worth that! Why is it that everybody seems to think they need to get themselves killed for me? I am not that special!"

"You don't see what we see because you're you," Hermione whispered. "I'm sorry, but I would die for you in a heartbeat. I love you, Harry... We all love you. That's why we would die for you."

Harry bit his lip and looked to the floor, wanting to protest again, but knowing that everybody would argue with him. Without noticing her move, Hermione had approached him and wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight hug. He slowly returned the hug and buried his nose in her bushy hair. If anything, she squeezed him tighter, then pulled back and kissed his cheek. Sirius then pulled Harry into the furthest corner of the room, and placed his hands on the younger man's shoulders, looking sincerely into his eyes. "How do you feel about this?" Sirius asked, studying Harry's face.

Harry looked around at the other people in the room, shrugging. "I don't know yet. How would you feel if you knew that you either had to kill or be killed?"

"Nauseous," Sirius replied, smiling in apology.

"That about sums it up. I've already killed once. I don't know if I could do it again, even if it is Voldemort."

Sirius' brows rose up in surprise. "And who, may I ask, have you killed?"

Harry looked up at his godfather with wide eyes. "Dumbledore didn't tell you?" he whispered painfully.

"You're serious?" Sirius asked incredulously, "You, Harry Potter, have killed a man?"

"Don't be mad at me," Harry choked out fearfully. "I didn't mean to... Either he or Draco and I had to die. I had to, Sirius. It still makes me sick to think of it. I..." Harry had a sudden flashback to the image of Lucius leaning over him, dagger stuck through his neck, and Harry gagged.

"Harry, it's okay... I was just a little shocked. Who was it?"

Sirius blinked. "You're the one... Draco's... Harry, I don't know what to say."

Harry laughed humourlessly. "What do you say when a person tells you that they killed their fiancé's father?"

"Well..." Sirius seemed to be in deep thought for a few moments. "For one, that it was obviously in self-defence, and you are not to blame for anything. For another, now this is war, and back at the Manor you and Draco were prisoners. You did what you had to do to survive. Besides, no matter whose father he was, he was still a terrible man, and deserved no less."

"That's the thing though. He was Draco's father."

"I know," Sirius sighed. "Have you two talked about it?"

"No. Well, a little bit, yes. I had always been under the impression that Draco hated Lucius, but after I killed him... Draco seemed to be so heartbroken about it."

"No matter what, they were father and son. There was never any love lost between my parents and me... but when I heard of their deaths... I was a little sad as anybody would be. I suspect Draco mourned for Lucius as a father, and that was probably why he seemed heartbroken."

Harry nodded in understanding, glancing over to Draco, who was conversing in low tones with Remus on the couch. Remus looked up under their stares.

"Sirius, I think they should get to their Common Rooms now," Remus said.

"Yes, I suppose they should," Sirius sighed.

Harry locked eyes with Draco and felt apprehension grip him. "When will we be able to leave the Common Rooms?" Harry asked, still staring at Draco.

"We don't know," Sirius replied apologetically, sighed, ran a hand through his hair and looked to Remus. "I suppose," he began slowly, "that we could let you stay here for an hour to get some time together before you have to leave. I believe we'll be holding lessons in Common Rooms through the fireplaces if this mess isn't sorted out soon. Luckily, it's Friday... What do you think, Remus?"

"I don't see a problem with letting Harry and Draco stay here for an hour. We should probably guard the outside, just to be safe."

"With a well placed silencing charm," Draco added.

"On the contrary," Sirius raised a finger. "You'll just have to be quiet with whatever you say or do, because a silencing charm could be potentially dangerous in case any trouble comes to you in here."

"Fine," Draco pouted.

Ron and Hermione began to leave, and bid their goodbyes to everybody besides for Harry, whom they would see in the next hour or so. Remus went outside with them to wait for Sirius, so they could stand guard together. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do at your age," Sirius grinned and then left.

"So, we're free to do anything we please," Harry said gently, pulling Draco from the couch.

"Wicked," Draco grinned, but it turned into a frown. "Unfortunately, I don't feel like doing anything sexy with you when I know those two are just outside.

Harry agreed on this, so they spent the next hour, lying on the bed together, talking with a few kisses getting in the way at times. But as the hour came to a close, things became a bit more heated than they had been all night. Harry ran his hand lightly down Draco's hip, to his thigh and then stopped his hand's movement when he came to Draco's butt. Draco moaned appreciatively, and moved his body closer to Harry's, trying to get some friction. They stopped, however, when a loud knock sounded on the door.

"It's been an hour, boys!" called Remus' voice from outside.

"Ten more minutes!" Draco called back, as he rolled on top of Harry and ground their erections together. Harry moaned and grabbed Draco's hips, pulling him down more firmly, wishing that they could take their clothes off. Draco placed his lips on Harry's pulse point and sucked gently as Remus yelled back through the door.

"No, it has been an hour."

"Please let us get off on each other first," Draco called back, distractedly, to which Harry playfully punched him in the shoulder. Draco was not deterred however, and kept kissing and biting Harry's neck.

Two people coughed outside the door, and a mumbled voice was heard, then, "Fine...[cough]... finish up, then you're going back to your Common Rooms."

"Mmm," Draco moaned against Harry's neck, and jerked his hips down.

Minutes later, the two boys were pointing a cleansing charm into their trousers, and attempting to straighten their clothes out. They also tried to wipe the silly grins off their faces, but as soon as they opened the door to a clearly disapproving Remus, and a grinning Sirius, the grins re-appeared on the lovers' faces. Harry blushed and looked down. "Erm... thanks for the extra time," he muttered.

"Yes," Draco agreed emphatically. "It was good for me."

"So we heard," Sirius rolled his eyes. "You two are very loud."

Harry blushed even more, but Draco looked strangely proud. "Anyway," Remus started, "Draco, your hair is messed. You may want to fix it before we go to the dungeons."

"We?" Draco raised an eyebrow as he frantically flattened his hair.

"I'm escorting you, and Sirius is escorting Harry."

Draco squeezed Harry's hand and smiled. "I'll send Wally to you on Monday if we're still locked up, okay?"

"We aren't running a prison, Draco," Sirius frowned.

"Might as well be," the blond replied loftily, kissing Harry's cheek. "I'll see you."

Draco began to walk away, but Harry did not let go of his hand, so Draco turned halfway, looking at him in question. "What?"

Harry pulled his boyfriend to him, wrapping his arms around the smaller boy's waist, and burying his face in his neck. Bewildered, Draco wound his own arms around Harry's neck and nestled his nose into Harry's unruly mess of hair. Draco gently massaged the darker boy's scalp with his fingertips. "Something wrong, Harry?"

"Nothing," he mumbled in return.

"Okay." Draco kissed his head and pulled away. "We should go now. I think we've kept these two men waiting long enough."

"Yeah," Harry reluctantly agreed. "I love you," he whispered, giving Draco a small kiss.

"Ditto," Draco whispered, glancing at Sirius and Remus with blushing cheeks.

With last smiles for each other, they left in opposite directions for their respective Common Rooms. Sirius wrapped an arm around Harry's shoulders and pulled him close as they started the journey to Gryffindor Tower.

"How come I have a horrible feeling that this will be the last time I see him," Harry muttered, pushing a hand through his hair.

"Don't be ridiculous. You don't know what is going to happen."

"Exactly."

"Harry," Sirius sighed. "Please, stop this worrying. It will not do you any good for anything that is to come. I won't even attempt to sugar coat anything because I know you know the truth. People will die, people will be injured, but there is no point worrying about it. The witches and wizards going into the war know the consequences, but they know that their lives would be worth it, if they can help only a little."

"Yes, I know. I just can't help but to think that it might be I whom Voldemort kills, and not the other way around. I'm not exactly scared to die at this point, but... I'm worried about Draco. He's strong, but... I can't help but worry about what would happen to him if I did die."

"He'll be fine. There are enough people in this world who love and care for him enough to make sure that he is fine. Okay? I'll personally see to that if by some chance, you do die... Merlin forbid."

Harry nodded his head as they came upon the Fat Lady's portrait. Sirius murmured the password and she granted them access. Sirius stopped Harry for a moment and looked him in the eye. "Don't dwell on this. I know I can't tell you not to think about it at all, because that wouldn't be in your nature to avoid it. But just... try to do something that will keep you occupied."

"I think you're the one who needs to stop worrying so much," Harry chided gently, giving an impish smile.

Sirius chuckled and gave him a small push. "Get in there. I'll see you later."

"Goodnight, Sirius."

"Night, Harry."

***

The weekend passed slowly for all students in Hogwarts. None of the teachers had been to any of the Common Rooms to tell of the happenings outside on the grounds. This sent a small trickle of annoyance through Harry, and if this had been the only thing to not go his way that weekend, he would have been all right. As it was, the windows had been blacked out and locked to prevent anybody from looking outside. Most seventh years had conspired together and tried their own variations of unlocking charms, but all bounced off the window. The last spell sent students running up the staircases while it bounced around the Common Room until Hermione neutralised it with a clever spell of her own.

"I tell you," Ron sighed grumpily as they dressed on Monday morning, "this really bites the hippogriff in the arse. First, they lock us in our Common Rooms, and then they have the audacity to lock and black out our windows." Ron glared moodily at the black windows. "It's depressing. Why don't they just call this place Hogwarts Prison for Innocent Students of Witchcraft and Wizardry? I mean, how are we even going to have lessons today? They can't just call them off. We have N.E.W.T.s to take, and the fifth years have O.W.L.s! We all need to take those in order to do something when we get out of Hogwarts... if we get out, that is," Ron added, once again moving his glare to the window.

"Sirius said something about holding classes through the fireplaces," Harry said, pulling on his socks.

Ron scoffed. "I'd rather they just let me go home to the Burrow if school isn't going to return to normal soon. Yeah, there are Death Eaters out there, but anything can't have happened yet. I mean, we would have known. The castle would have been shaking or something, you know? This is bloody ridiculous."

At that moment, Seamus opened his curtains with blurry eyes. He rubbed them sleepily as he squinted across the room at Ron and Harry. "Do you two mind?" he asked testily. "I figure we don't have classes today, so I'm trying to sleep in."

"Sorry, Seamu--" Harry was cut off when the door to their dormitory opened and Dean entered, fully dressed with a bit of egg trailing down his front.

"Morning, boys. Professor McGonagall appeared in the fire just now. She says she's coming up here."

All three boys let out a happy whoop and hurried down the stairs. Ron only had a sock on one foot, the other one dangling from his fingers. Seamus ran down the stairs, not bothering to pull a night robe over his pyjamas. When they arrived, the Common Room was becoming very crowded, and they had trouble finding a place to sit. Hermione was sitting in one of the comfortable chairs by the fireplace, a book propped on her knees, a piece of toast in her hand. She looked up when the four boys sat around her chair, as if waiting for her to begin telling them a story.

Hermione smiled, amused. "Yes? May I help you, boys?"

"May I sit on your lap?" Ron asked boldly.

Hermione seemed to consider for a moment. "No."

"May I sit on your lap, Hermione?" Harry asked, grinning roguishly.

"Sure, Harry, hop on." She set her book aside and patted her lap in welcome. Ron's mouth was hanging open, and Harry's eyes were almost popping from his head. Harry recovered quickly, however, and sprang up from the floor and nestled comfortably in his friend's lap. Dean and Seamus laughed uproariously as Ron turned to stare at them in disbelief as if they could tell him what Hermione was doing. Harry winked at Ron and curled up like a ball on the girl's lap, planting the top of his head underneath Hermione's chin. Hermione laid her cheek down on his head and wrapped her arms around him like a very big teddy bear.

Harry smiled, suddenly feeling a bit sleepy, and removed his glasses. He closed his eyes for a few moments, but his contentment was cut short when he heard Colin Creevey join their group. "Oh, this would make a great picture!" the younger boy exclaimed. Harry opened his eyes and looked up at Colin through hooded eyelids, just as the boy snapped a picture. "And I think I'll get one of--" Flash! "Ron to show his reaction of the whole incident."

Harry felt Hermione chuckling in her chest, and he slowly began laughing as well, imagining the expression on his best friend's face. It only took a few more minutes for Professor McGonagall to show up, and when she did, Harry was still in Hermione's lap, dozing peacefully. Hermione poked him when their Head of House entered, and he put on his glasses again, but did not get up from his position, since Hermione did not seem to mind so much.

"Good morning, students."

A chorus of 'good mornings' was heard all around from the assembled Gryffindors. Ron did not give her a chance to speak. Sitting up on his knees, he said loudly, "When will we be let out of this prison?" The students as a whole apparently wanted to know as well, as they murmured their agreement.

"I am sorry, but not today, Mr. Weasley."

Ron sunk dejectedly back onto the floor.

"Students," McGonagall continued, "I understand your frustration, but we as teachers, and the Ministry are doing everything possible to get things back to normal. These restrictions are for the best right now."

"Why can't we just Floo home?" a third year girl asked.

"It is not the end of the term yet, and your parents are not expecting you home. Besides, the Muggle-born children would not have a means of getting home, since their homes are not connected to the Floo network. Please, save your questions for after I am done telling you the latest news. It has been decided that first through fourth, and sixth years will not have any lessons until you are allowed into the school proper. Fifth and seventh years will continue lessons through the fireplace, and if you are still here when the examination time arrives, you will be tested here, or possibly moved to another room in the castle."

McGonagall continued speaking for the next ten minutes, concerning things that everybody already knew. Harry wished that she would discuss something more important, like why they had to be confined to their Common Rooms when the danger was on the grounds with the creatures and Death Eaters. When the Professor finished her spiel, she approached Harry, who was still curled quite comfortably in Hermione's lap.

"Mr. Potter," she said briskly, brandishing a folded piece of parchment from inside her robes. "Mr. Malfoy tried to send this to you with an enchanted dragon, but it could not find a way into the Gryffindor dormitories. Professor Snape had me bring it to you. And no, Potter... I will not, under any means, become your personal owl. You will just have to deal with not writing back to Mr. Malfoy."

"Yes, Ma'am," Harry replied, sitting up and taking the note eagerly. "Thank you for delivering it to me."

"Ouch! Harry, your butt is bony!" Hermione complained and then pushed him unceremoniously off her lap. Harry glared reproachfully before darting up the boys' staircase to read his letter in private. He sat on his bed, pulled his hangings shut and muttered "Lumos" under his breath so that he could see.

Dear Harry,

How is life locked up in that infernal tower of yours? I can't imagine it would be that interesting. It is not very interesting here in the dungeons either, to tell you the truth. Without Blaise, this place seems undoubtedly dull. I never noticed it before because I have always made sure that I have something to do. It seems weird now that I don't.

On a good note, Crabbe and Goyle are forming complete sentences now. They learned how to say, 'Draco likes to take it up the ass by any dick to come along.'

Charming, aren't they?

I didn't have my wand at the time, which was a pity. It made me want you with me even more, because I know you would have had your wand at the ready for me. Aww... Harry, you're so sweet. I'm rolling my eyes.

Anyway, Severus has been here often to keep me company this weekend. He has told me a few things that have been going on. When they first spotted the Death Eaters on the grounds, they detected only four. Now, (I'm writing at approximately ten after midnight, early Monday morning), Severus said they detected thirty. That's why they aren't letting us out. The Common Rooms are the most protected rooms in the entire school. It takes some very powerful magic to get into them. If the teachers and the Ministry can keep the Eaters from getting too close to us, then we're fine.

I also asked Severus why we couldn't use Floo to get out - not that it would do me any good to use it since I don't have a home. Apparently Dumbledore's Floo has been disabled, along with the entire 'out' system. We're not allowed to call or go anywhere. I think the Floo is still working to call other places in Hogwarts though. Everybody is virtually stuck here. One Auror tried flying out by night, but he was killed. Owls are being intercepted. Nobody is able to get in, and nobody out. There hasn't been anybody stupid enough to try since that Auror went and got himself killed.

It's coming soon, Harry. I have asked Severus to come collect me when the time comes, so that I will see you and help you. I don't want to leave you alone. We're going out there together. On this note, I hope you're brushing up on duelling skills and spells. You're going to need it. In case you're especially dense, which I know you're not too bad (kidding. I'm only kidding. I've learned my lesson), Voldemort is a very good dueller. You'll need as much refreshing you can get.

Oh, and don't let me forget to give you something for the battle. I'll want it back, of course, since it means a lot to me, but I know that it will help you greatly to have it. Well, I have to quit writing now so that I can go to bed before Crabbe and Goyle's snores become too loud and I'm not able to fall asleep at all. Besides, I want to be in the Common Room for when Severus arrives to inform us of everything.

I hope you're doing all right up there.

Draco

P.S. We sure are being dense aren't we? I just woke up after having a dream... Pull out your parchment, Potter! How did we forget? I'll be waiting.

Harry's heart began drumming madly with excitement as he tripped over himself trying to get to his trunk. He withdrew the parchment, quill, and ink, before flinging himself back onto his bed, keeping his curtains open this time.

Draco, we are a bit dense."

Harry waited a few moments and felt a wide smile spread his face when he saw Draco's writing appear. 'Just a bit, Harry. We could have been talking to each other all weekend. I'm truly ashamed of myself.'

Me too.

'Have you been brushing up on fighting tactics?'

No, I didn't really think of it, to tell you the truth. Besides, I figure with all the extra studying I've done, it'll be the best I can do, you know?

'Harry... I don't know why I'm marrying a git like you sometimes.'

Harry grinned, biting the end of his quill as he pondered what to write next.

Probably because you love me to pieces.

'Itty-bitty pieces. Did McGonagall come to speak to Gryffindor this morning?'

Yes. She didn't tell us much of anything though. I wish Sirius had come to visit me this weekend.

'I hear he's busy, but Sev doesn't even know what he's doing.'

Yeah, I figu...

Harry was startled from writing as the dormitory door flew open, emitting Sirius, Ron, Hermione, and Remus. He did not notice that he had blotched the parchment pretty badly, or that Draco had written, 'Harry? Are you okay?'

"What's going on?" Harry asked, standing, looking worriedly at Ron, who was deathly pale, his freckles standing out sharply against the white. Hermione was shaking, but determined, and Sirius and Remus were almost regretful with the way they looked at Harry.

"Voldemort is here," Hermione whispered.

Harry felt his blood run cold and his knees buckled. He flopped on his back onto the bed, eyes staring unseeingly at Draco's now frantic questions. "How do you know?" Harry asked.

"He has begun taking down the wards surrounding Hogwarts, one by one. They are connected to Dumbledore, and as such, can feel them coming down. We need to act," Sirius said, moving to help Harry stand. "Do you have your wand? Harry nodded. "Good. Take your outer robe off. It's only going to get in the way... same with your tie. I don't know why you bothered putting your uniform on."

"I was hoping for a bit of normalcy."

When Harry was moving too slowly for Sirius's tastes, Sirius began rushing him by taking the tie off, and even pulling the jumper over Harry's head, leaving him in a white button up collar shirt and trousers. "You're good to go. Come on."

Harry was pulled from Gryffindor Tower in a daze. He hardly noticed that the bulk of the seventh years were hot on their tale, with most of the sixth years trying to follow as well, but Remus kept them at bay. When the herd of Gryffindors arrived in the Entrance Hall, Harry noticed Snape, but did not see Draco.

"Where's Draco?" Harry demanded loudly. "He wants to be here."

"I thought it best for him to stay behind," Snape said.

"Why?" Harry demanded, rounding on the Potions professor. "We could use him. He's a powerful wizard, and more to the point, he wants to be here."

"I will not allow it," Snape said dismissively.

"He's an adult. He can decide whatever he wants!" Harry irately exclaimed. "I'm going to get him. What's the password?"

Snape snorted. "I have no inclination to tell you what the password is, Potter."

"Fine. I'll break down the entrance, but I'm getting him."

Harry all but ran into the dungeons, towards the Slytherin entrance. He could hear footsteps following behind him, but he did not care. Draco wanted to be there for this, and besides, Harry had finally realised that he had not written to Draco about what was going on. But before Harry even arrived at the Slytherin entrance, somebody came running from that direction, and they nearly collided, but Harry stepped towards the wall to avoid it.

"Harry!"

Harry looked back to see that it was Draco with whom he had nearly collided. "Draco... how in Merlin's name did you get out of your Common Room?"

"Severus told me the password to get out."

Harry gave him a doubtful look. Draco held up his hands. "Okay, so I cast an eavesdropping charm on him before he left the Common Room on Saturday morning."

"You're a Slytherin to the core."

"Thanks. Harry... I thought you were injured or dead when you didn't answer me."

"I'm sorry. Sirius, Remus, Ron, and Hermione came into the dormitory and scared the hell out of me."

"What's going on?"

There was no point in stalling. "Voldemort is here."

Draco's face paled to a whiter shade than what it normally was, but he swallowed stoically. "Then I'm glad I brought this."

The blond reached around his side and pulled something from a carrier that was attached to his belt. When Harry saw what Draco wanted to give him for the battle, he had to physically fight back nausea. It was the dagger that Harry had used to killed Lucius Malfoy.

"I know you don't like it," Draco began quickly, "but you need to use it, or at least carry it."

Harry hung his head. "Fine. I'll carry it if you really want me to."

"I do."

They both made eye contact. Draco blushed at his choice of words, but Harry smiled and pulled him into an embrace. "You're beautiful," he whispered, stroking Draco's flushed cheek. "And I missed you." They kissed for a few moments before they pulled back and Draco attached the dagger's carrier to Harry's belt.

"Draco," spoke a stern voice from behind them.

They both spun around to face Snape, who had followed Harry. "How did you get out of the Common Room?" Snape asked.

"I figured out the password," Draco said dismissively. "Besides, you can't expect me to stay in there when Voldemort is here. That sorry excuse of a wizard is after my Harry's blood, has caused me more pain than I care to admit, and I will see him die."

Snape's face was set as if he were ready to deny Draco access to the coming battle. Harry grabbed the blonde's hand, ready to protest the Potion Master's decision, but Snape gave an almost imperceptible nod. Draco's face broke into a grin.

"You do know that you could have never stopped me, right, Sev?" he asked as they started for the Great Hall. "I would have gone out there no matter what."

"I know that," Snape admitted. "And Draco, for Merlin's sake, quit calling me 'Sev'. You know how I detest it."

"That's why I do it," Draco replied solemnly.

A few minutes later, they arrived in the Great Hall. Aurors and members of the Order of the Phoenix were assembling in the Hall, waiting for a sign to begin. The men and women were mingling between the Great Hall and the Entrance Hall. Harry stuck close to Draco, all the while on the lookout for the Gryffindors who had followed him from the Common Room. Draco pointed them out by the Head table a few minutes later, and the three men approached them. Among the group of Gryffindor students were Sirius and Remus. Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas were talking to Sirius and Remus. Hermione and Ron smiled nervously at Harry when he approached.

"Hey, Draco," Hermione greeted amicably, "good to see that Professor Snape let you join us."

"Hello, Granger. It wasn't up to him whether I came or not," Draco replied, and then surprised everybody by giving the girl a warm hug. Hermione stiffened in shock, but slowly returned the hug, a pleasured smile crossing her face as she did so. Harry knew that his mouth was open slightly, but did not bother to close it. Draco looked around at everybody assembled near. "What?" he shrugged. "You try being locked up with people who don't like you, and then finally be released to people who actually enjoy or want your company."

"I knew you were beginning to like them," Harry smiled.

Draco glared slightly, but then shrugged. "Granger is all right, even if she is an insufferable know-it-all, and has bushy hair." Harry glared. "And Weasley... well, there isn't much to be said about him, really," Draco finished, looking Ron up and down with a critical eye. Ron began to turn red with suppressed anger. Remus, seeing trouble begin to arise, stepped in.

"Boys, we do not need any fighting within our forces today, wouldn't you agree?"

"Sorry, Remus," Draco mumbled.

"It's quite all right," Remus said lightly. "I would advise to forget everything right now and concentrate on what we are about to do. Professor Dumbledore is gathering all of the Order and the Ministry who are here, and then I expect that we will head -"

Suddenly, the castle shook violently as if in an earthquake, cutting off Remus' explanation. Dust crumbled from the walls and the ceiling, and a few sconces fell off the wall where it had cracked.

"The wards are completely down," Snape said, staring around. "It looks like we're heading out earlier than Albus had anticipated."

As if solidifying this thought in everybody's mind, the castle shook violently again, and before the tremor had quit, the wall with the fireplace burst open in a whirlwind of light, rocks, and dust. Draco grabbed Harry and pulled him to the floor as rocks went soaring past their heads. Harry looked over to see if Ron and Hermione had done the same, and saw that they had. Screams echoed in the Hall as people were hit with the debris. From their vantage point, it looked as though at least fifteen witches and wizards had fallen. Whether they were alive or dead could not be determined until they were examined from a closer perspective.

Death Eaters and a few smaller Acromantula began pouring into the Great Hall. While the Dark wizards held their own against the Aurors and Order members, the Acromantula were taken out instantly, stopping any forthcoming whimpers from Ron, who had just opened his mouth to say something, but let out a breath of relief when they were killed.

Stunned from the sudden start to the battle, Harry lay next to Draco and Snape for a few moments, until Draco began to pull him to his feet. "Come on," Draco whispered. "We need to help."

Harry nodded. Sirius looked at his students and godson frantically, before motioning them into the side chamber. When they were encased inside, Sirius laid a hand on Harry's shoulder, but spoke to all of them, which included Parvati Patil, Ron, Hermione, Draco, Seamus, Dean, Ginny, Colin, and a few other non-Gryffindor sixth years that Harry did not know.

"I want you all to stick together and back up one another. We can't afford to lose any of you. If you see somebody in trouble, help them out, got it?"

The group nodded their heads as the castle began to shake again. "Another thing... be careful."

The group began moving out into the Great Hall again, but Harry stayed behind a moment, grabbing onto Sirius's arm. "You be careful as well, Sirius," he whispered. "I don't want to lose you."

Sirius smiled tightly. "You won't. Let's go."

Harry nodded and hurried out to his group. They were casting stunning spells towards Death Eaters who had not noticed their appearance yet. When Harry moved past them right into the fray, the rest followed and surrounded him like a shield of honour. Harry was thankful that they were mindful enough to leave him room to cast spells and breathe.

It seemed that the Order and the Aurors were successful in pushing the Dark wizards from the castle, and the battle was slowly moving outside. Colin and Ginny had been accidentally rushed out of the castle with a herd of Aurors. Harry tried to follow them at first, but saw a Death Eater cast Cruciatus at Parvati. He quickly stepped in front of her. "Protego!"

"Thanks," Parvati puffed out as she stood up from doing a somersault. Another Death Eater had been attempting to stun her as Harry protected her and she had only escaped being hit by performing simple gymnastics.

"Stupefy!" she cried out, and hit the same Death Eater who had tried stunning her. She then summoned the wizard's wand to her, broke it in half, and cast another spell at him that Harry did not quite catch. The wizard rose into the air, hood falling away from his face to reveal the white mask beneath. Parvati directed him toward the wall above the High table and stuck him to the wall. Hermione happened to see her do this and used these spells while smiling slightly.

"Good idea, Parvati," Hermione called as she snapped a wand.

"Stupefy!" Harry called out to the Death Eater who had tried the Cruciatus.

"Protego! Crucio!" the wizard called back in quick succession. It took Harry by surprise and he was hit with the Unforgivable. Harry fell to the ground, feeling knives cut into his nerves, jackhammers pounding his head... it was the worse pain imaginable. The pain only lasted for a few moments, but it felt like hours to Harry. He panted as the curse lifted, and slowly lifted his head. Draco was standing a step ahead of him to his left, pointing his own wand at the Death Eater, a look of utter disgust and fury etched across his face.

"Draco!" Hermione and Parvati gasped out in horror, and only then did Harry realise that Draco was casting the Cruciatus curse onto the man.

"Draco," Harry whispered getting to his feet. "No Unforgivables."

"I'm giving what he deserves," Draco spat.

Harry pointed his wand at the writhing mess on the floor. "Stupefy. Expelliarmus." His wand flew to Harry, who broke it in half, and stuck him to the wall like the five other Death Eaters who were just waking up to find themselves stuck with no way down.

"Harry," Draco growled.

"Not the time nor the place to get angry with me!" Harry shouted, as two more Death Eaters entered the Great Hall through the hole in the wall. Hermione and Ron quickly stunned and sent them to the wall like the others, and then their group hurried outside to help the rest of the Light. Harry quickly scanned the sunbathed grounds and saw Sirius and Remus about thirty feet away, contending with four Death Eaters by themselves. Harry saw Sirius take a hit, and was about to run to help when a cry startled him back to his own group. The Gryffindor spun around and saw that a Death Eater had Parvati and Draco in a choke hold.

"Cover me, Ron and Hermione," Harry said in a low voice.

"We will too," said Ginny as she came panting up to them with Colin. Ginny was sporting a large cut across her cheek and Colin was missing a chunk of hair, with blood running from where it had been pulled out, but otherwise looked fine. Harry nodded to show acknowledgement, but did not take his eyes off the faceless man in front of him.

"Let them go," he hissed.

"You for them," the Death Eater growled.

"Don't do it, Harry," Draco said furiously. "We need you."

The Death Eater tightened his grip on Draco's neck, and the blond immediately stopped talking.

Harry glanced at Hermione and they made eye contact. She nodded as if he had spoken and moved closer to Ginny and whispered in her ear. "So, if I come with you, where are we going?" Harry asked, keeping his wand focused on him.

"To the Dark Lord."

"Right... and I should agree to that because..."

"Because he can offer you things beyond your wildest dreams, Potter. Have you ever wanted back your parents? Have you ever wanted siblings? He can give those things to you if you go to him and offer allegiance."

Harry felt his eyes roll. "He's still on about that, is he? Figures. That man can never let things go, can he? Well, you can tell him to go stuff it, because I've already had my parents this year, as well as some siblings and all it brought me was trouble, and a lot of confusion. I'm sure you could use that small brain of yours to imagine what went through my mind at some points."

At that moment, Ginny clobbered the Death Eater over the head with a summoned chunk of wood. His grip loosened on Draco and Parvati and he sunk the ground. The two students rubbed their necks and cast the stunning spell on him at the same moment. Draco then sent him towards the castle wall rather carelessly, and the Death Eater crashed into it with alarming force. Harry heard a distinct crack before the body fell to ground with a sickening thud. Harry swallowed, looking at Draco in disbelief.

"What?" Draco asked resentfully when he saw Harry's look. Draco sent a Patronus at a Lethifold that was coming for them. Harry vaguely noticed that it was in the shape of a unicorn.

"No loss anyway," Draco shrugged, helping Hermione and Ron take out an Acromantula. "That was Crabbe's father."

Harry swallowed, more than a little upset at Draco's behaviour, but did not dwell on it as three more Death Eaters bore down on them.

***

The battle went well past sunset. As far as Harry could tell, no side had an advantage. It was rather hard to tell whose side had lost more people. Bodies were strewn on the ground in bloody disarray, as some Death Eaters had taken out knives and had begun slicing people. Harry had not dared take out Draco's dagger, so had stuck to his wand. So far, everybody in their small group of students had made it, except for Colin, who had been severely injured by a Death Eater, and they were forced to leave him in some bushes, with the beckoning signal that only Healers could see. The only reason they knew of this signal was because they had run into Sirius when getting Colin to a safer spot. Sirius was bleeding copiously from an injury on the head, and seemed a bit dizzy as he cast the spell and staggered off again, saying almost drunkenly that they could leave Colin somewhere and continue fighting.

They could not go back into the school anymore for fear of getting backed into a corner by Death Eaters or creatures. They had infiltrated the castle; periodic rumblings shook the ground as they tried to break into certain parts of the building.

At one point in the evening, Harry guessed it to be sometime after nine, their group stole into the Forbidden Forest, running in about ten metres before dropping down to the ground in exhaustion. Both Ron and Draco were now bleeding in various places; Hermione had gashes on her left cheek along with some bruises. Parvati was whimpering as Hermione treated a sprained ankle, and Harry was mending his glasses for the third time. He had a few gashes near his eyes where his lenses had cut into his flesh when they had broken. Harry had also taken the Cruciatus curse one more time along with Ron and Draco, so was feeling quite weak. Ginny was fussing over Ron, but had no new injuries that Harry could see.

"We can't stay here long," Draco gasped as he attempted to catch his breath. "Something is bound to come after us soon, creature or person. You all right, Harry?"

"Yeah," Harry smiled unconvincingly. He tried to meet Draco's eyes, but found that he could not. Harry tried not to think that Draco had now killed five people with little to no remorse.

Draco did not notice Harry's discomfort. "Are you four almost ready to go back out?" he asked the rest, who were still mending injuries.

"Almost," Hermione said, still bent over Parvati's ankle. "I've never healed a sprained ankle before."

"Well, hurry up."

Harry tried to concentrate on Hermione, and ignore the fact that Draco was studying him. His concentration was broken however, when he saw something flying at him. He blinked, too stunned to do anything. It was glowing a brilliant white, and when it stopped right in front of Harry's face, he saw that it was an envelope with his name glowing in black on it.

"Don't touch it!" Draco shouted just as Harry reached out, but it was too late. As Harry sent Draco a perplexed look, he felt a jerk behind his navel and he was pulled forward, and then was deposited on a patch of grass by the lake, on the side furthest from Hogwarts. Harry coughed and looked up into the snake-like face, and the cold, blood-red eyes of Lord Voldemort.

Voldemort's eyes seemed to glow in triumph as a small smirk crossed his face. "I have been waiting all night for you, Mr. Potter."