Harry Potter and the Scar of Fate

Chapter 14

Elephants can Remember

Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters spent the rest of the week discussing the optimum strategy. They finally decided that it would be best if Voldemort and Harry went to the Chamber of Secrets and the rest of them remained there. Attacking Hogwarts would be foolish, for there were bound to be security wards and everything besides the powerful wizards.

The appointed day came. It saw the Death Eaters poised for attack at the Riddle House, while Voldemort himself went over to his chosen location.

Ten people from the light side had come to counter the ten Death Eaters. What they did not know was that thirty Aurors waited half a mile away, ready to take over at the slightest sign of trouble.

Neville, Hermione and Draco were the only students. Ron wanted to come, but he had unfortunately injured himself a few days back, so he was not allowed to. Snape and Lupin had accompanied them. The other five were Aurors, of whom the students were acquainted only with Tonks and Moody.

Dumbledore had accompanied Harry to the Chamber of Secrets to witness the final battle, and to take over if Harry failed. McGonagall has wanted to come, but Dumbledore had made her stay at the castle, to take over as Headmistress in case Voldemort managed to kill them both. The remaining Weasleys were all at Hogwarts, ready to protect the castle if anyone dared to attack. The Faculty was also geared up for defence, as were the students, the ghosts and even the house-elves. The Centaurs and Acromantulas had the castle surrounded from all sides. Grawp and Hagrid stood at the entrance of the Forbidden Forest, ready for a battle.

Bellatrix Lestrange cooed in pleasure when she saw Neville.

"Ah, Longbottom, you've finally come! At last I can finish off what I started so long ago!"

Neville went white with fury. He struck out his wand and yelled, "Expelliarmus!"

The Death Eater merely stepped aside and laughed. "Wee baby Nevvy! Can't get the baaaaaaaaad girrrl!" she said teasingly.

Neville's face went paler and angrier, if possible. Hermione, duelling with Dolohov, yelled at Neville, "Don't let her get to you, Neville! Keep your temper in control! Remember what we've learnt!"

Neville nodded. He mastered his anger and yelled again at Bellatrix, "Expelliarmus!". She stepped aside again and muttered, "Crucio!"

The spell would have hit Neville if Hermione had not pushed him aside. She threw herself on the ground and the curse hit Dolohov.

"Thanks, Hermione," Neville whispered. "It seems that I am no good at anything! My parents would be so disappointed!"

"No, Neville. You're good. You are one of the best in DA. Do you think we would have brought you here if it were not so? Be confident, Neville. Your parents will be proud of you. They are already proud of you and of the things you've done. You said that your Grandmother praised you. Don't you believe her? Believe in her. Believe in yourself. We all believe in you. Harry has faith in you! So have I! Now get up and fight! Seems Dolohov is up again. All the best, Neville! I know you can do it!" Hermione said and smiled before getting up and fighting Dolohov again.

Neville stood up and smiled to himself. Yes, Hermione was right. I have to make my parents proud, he thought to himself. This woman has been responsible for all the miseries of my life. I will have my revenge! With that, he turned to Bellatrix, who unconsciously took a step back at the fury in Neville's eyes.

"Expelliarmus!" yelled Neville. The Death Eater's wand flew out of her hand and landed in his.

"Petrificus Totalus!" yelled Neville again, and the Death Eater tumbled over.

"Mobilicorpus," said Neville, and walked out of the Riddle House, Bellatrix floating in front of him. He took out the portkey Dumbledore had given him and went to the Auror Headquarters. The Aurors congratulated him and sent him back to Hogwarts immediately. He was welcomed back with great cheers. He felt giddy. It had taken all his self control not to kill Bellatrix. He had refrained from doing so only by reminding himself that he was a light wizard and Harry's friend, and Harry would never do a thing like that. And of course, Hermione would hate him if he killed anyone, even if that someone was his parents' ruin. He smiled to himself and wondered how the others were doing. He went to visit Ron in the Hospital Wing and related the events to him.