To Rise from the Ashes

To Rise from the Ashes

Voldemort is gone, but what now? All those whom I loved and cherished have died in the battle. I've lost everything and I am alone.

Alone. I never though I would use that word in conjunction with myself again. I thought that everything had changed now. That I'd never go back to the way it was with the Dursleys.

I can't help but cry. I would give my life to see them laughing once more. Why am I condemned to this pathetic existence? I'd just found happiness, only to have it striped away once again.

I look at the few survivors left from the battle. There are too few. When looking at the dead corpses I finally comprehend what war really is. It's not people fighting for what's right and what's wrong, it's death and destruction. How can people support this? If they do, then they don't have the slightest idea what it really means. There isn't a green patch to be seen. Everything's covered by corpses.

In front of me lies the man at fault for all this bloodshed. His name is Tom Riddle. He turned back to what he would have looked like if he hadn't become Voldemort. It almost looks like he's sleeping. I didn't use the killing curse. No, I sucked the life out of him, and sealed his tarnished soul in a piece of hematite. Some of my life essence went into sealing him there. Should I use the rest of it to ensure that there is no possible way for him to escape? Is it necessary? Do I even want to live?

It would be a dream come true to just pass on without any pain, knowing that I was doing the world a favor. I would see all my friends, my parents, my family and my mentor again.

But what about the survivors of the war? They need someone to look up to right now. They need a leader that they can all trust. Someone that they would be willing to give their lives to. Sadly the only one capable of taking on that position is me.

But is it worth it to wear a mask day in and day out? As a leader I have to seem strong. They can't see me break, or they might break too. Is it worth it to me to give up living for others? Am I that selfless? But I already have nothing else to live for. They are the only reason that I'm not dead already. I kept on fighting, even when my best friend fell. Even after watching my girlfriend suffer under the crucatious curse before they killed her. I kept on when I saw my old mentor die. All this was already for them. Haven't I done enough? No one is looking, and I pound my fist against the ground in my frustration.

The survivors are coming. They're going to ask me what to do. But what do I tell them, if even I don't know? They ask me what to do with the bodies. Most of them aren't recognizable anymore. I tell them to burn them.

I watch them burn. If only we humans could be like a phoenix and rise from our ashes. I have decided. I will rise again, and help people with their loss. I am not the kind of person to leave in the time of need. Others may be, but I am not. I shall rise from the ashes that surround me from my former life, and lead the world into a new age. This age will be one of peace, love and friendship. No one should have to live in a world like this. It is not a burden anyone should have to bear. Many homes will morn for a while, but they shall recover from their loss.

I will stand strong till the end, and use my power to protect those that I hold dear to me. I will live on.

THE END