Part II of the Wartime Chronicles

His Death

By Vertigo

It had been three years since Harry had last seen Remus, three bloody long years fighting a war only he could end. With Dumbledore’s death it had been hard to seek the remaining bits of Tom Riddle’s shattered soul. Whatever the old headmaster had known about had gone with him to his grave, and his portrait didn’t seem to yield any information in it. Perhaps it didn’t know anything; Harry would surely never understand it.

The only thing the portrait had told him, after a particularly nasty argument with Harry, was for him to seek out Draco Malfoy and give him that protection he himself had offered in the day of his death. Harry had looked at the portrait as if it were even crazier than the real thing had once been.

“Oh and Harry you should find Severus as well, after all he only killed me because I forced him to, I was already dying as you well know. In fact I had been dying for months, since I stupidly touched the ring without checking it for hexes.”

Harry had been nothing short of apoplectic by then, he sat by the portrait and Dumbledore’s image explained to him exactly what he had been talking about. It had taken him hours to finish his story and Headmistress McGonagall had been extremely angry that she had been chucked out of her office for an extremely extensive time, without so much as an explanation.

“Potter! Stop reminiscing it does not become you,” a sharp voice called him from his thoughts.

“As you wish,” Harry said holding back a snicker.

He and Snape had come a long way he should say, war did the weirdest things to people. Because having Snape as some kind of mentor and Malfoy as a confidant were not something he had expected to happen, it took a very long time for that to happen but in the end it did. Actually Harry was glad it did.

He did as Dumbledore wished and went in search of the two men he had nominated as traitors. Well Snape was the traitor, Malfoy was simply being Malfoy. He had found and coerced them into going back to the Order’s HQ, Narcissa Malfoy, nee Black, had come with them. They had all fought viciously at first, but it was clear after some time that there were others things to be done, important things, and their fighting simply got in the way.

Draco Malfoy had actually been crucial in finding Helga Hufflepuff’s cup. The boy had a thirst for information that could hardly be quenched, not very differently from Hermione actually. And his snooping around rendered him a valorous information, he learned that something of extreme importance was being kept at Riddle Mansion, of such importance that the Dark Lord put numerous safety measure around the north isle of the house.

Snape got them inside the house, helped them with several traps surrounding the manor and the Trio made their way alone inside the manor to retrieve Hufflepuff’s cup. Hermione had taught Harry how to retrieve the soul from inside the cup by an extremely difficult chant in Latin; she had found in a book Dumbledore had pointed out. A ancient tome that resided in the late headmaster old library. He destroyed the soul and that was that, only the estranged locket needed to be found, the snake killed and finally, at long last, Voldemort.

“We’ve got to start strategizing Potter, if you wish to finish this once and for all at the next Death Eater meeting,” Snape said brusquely, as he sat by Harry’s side in the sitting room.

“Maybe its best for us to finish all the plans before presenting them to the Order,” Harry mused. “They could fill in or change anything they don’t see fit of course. But if we had a plan already set that’d boost up their courage and morale.”

“You might, for once, be right Mr. Potter,” Snape said measuring his words. “Although I don’t believe they are in need of morale boosting, there is no place for such frivolities during battle. Either they want to fight with every fiber of their being of they don’t. But not everyone feels such need to fight as you do, a well elaborated plan might induce such need though.”

Harry remained quiet wondering what exactly Severus Snape had just said to him but he didn’t have the time to answer him as Mrs. Weasley appeared by the doorway suddenly interrupting them surely to call them to lunch.

“Harry, Severus, you should stop plotting for a while and join the rest of us to lunch,” she said busily wiping her hands in her apron. “Come along now dears.”

Snape glared at being called a dear, and Harry couldn’t help but laugh. Once Harry had claimed him as a sort of friend, everyone, especially Mrs. Weasley, had warmed up to the former professor and there was no turning back from that now.

Headquarters at the state it was now reminded him of the time he had spent his summer there. The entire Weasley family had come to live there, for fear that the Burrow wasn’t safe enough at the moment. Order members came and went because of the several meetings and discussions they had all the time. And a few members had taken residence in the house, such as Moody and Tonks.

“Harry dear, eat up or the food will grow cold,” Mrs. Weasley urged him gently. She usually voiced her concerns about his eating habits because for her, Harry spent much of his time worrying about his war and not paying attention to his own health.

“Thanks Mrs. Weasley,” Harry replied gently trying not to be miffed by her rapt attention of his eating habits.

He had to be grateful after all without Mrs. Weasley they wouldn’t have found the locket hidden by Regulus Black before he passed away. They had continued cleaning the house once the Weasley’s had settled in. Molly Weasley couldn’t bare think she would inhabit Grimmauld Place and keep it in such state.

While the Trio searched for the missing locket outside of its walls, while Snape and Malfoy tried to find any clues in old books and diaries that had belonged to Sirius’ late brother, Molly Weasley cleaning Kreacher’s old room (the house elf had passed away from shock when he saw that Draco and Narcissa Malfoy had deserted the Dark Lord) found a few things stacked away and within the assortment of cutlery and old clothes, lay Slytherin’s lost locket.

“Potter we should get back to –” Snape said once he had cleaned the plate of food Molly had out before him. Harry wondered if he had even seen what he had just eaten.

He took one last bite before putting his fork aside and interrupting Snape, “Yeah, yeah I know.” Molly glared at Severus for having taken Harry away from his dinner but Snape didn’t even acknowledge it as he left the room. “Dinner was wonderful as usual,” he told Mrs. Weasley, but Harry hadn’t tasted much of the food himself. The woman blushed as she swatted him away.

“You’re a dear Harry,” she called after his retreating back.

“Is there a time of the day when Voldemort is away from that retched reptile?” Harry questioned both Snape and Malfoy.

Malfoy shock his head mutely.

“I’m afraid not. He does when he has to go away, because he always leaves that snake in absolute protection, inside Malfoy Manor,” Snape answered.

“Can we send him a fake letter requesting his presence somewhere, perhaps amongst the giants or maybe one of the werewolf packs Greyback keeps?”

“It might work, but it might not, actually the possibility of failing is humongous.” Snape didn’t seem excited when he said that. “Potter you can’t strut to Malfoy manor and kill Voldemort’s snake, even if he isn’t there at the time.”

Harry winced and took a deep breath before looking into Snape’s eyes.

“I know that,” he spoke barely above a whisper. “That’s why I need to ask you to kill it.” Snape for the first time since Harry had met him looked positively green. “Maybe not kill it, but you have to bring it to me.”

“Potter you can’t possibly be thinking such a thing,” Malfoy said looking shocked himself.

“I need – we need that snake,” Harry said angrily standing up from his seat at his bedroom. “I know I shouldn’t be asking such a thing from you Severus but without that snake this war can’t be won!”

“Why is that miserable pet so important?” Snape spat out.

“You know I can’t tell you that,” Harry said brusquely, for he hadn’t told anyone but Ron and Hermione about what they had been doing; even if a few people had helped retrieve the Horcruxes. Snape possibly thought the objects simply held strong enchantments. “I need Nagini, and I think she’ll be a perfect way to lure Voldemort to Hogwarts.”

“Alright Mr. Potter we’ll find a way to bring Nagini to you.” Snape didn’t look too happy. “You must understand though that if we don’t think about every possible thing that may happen to us, especially if we go retrieve that snake, it’ll be proof of your lack of acknowledgment for the things that concerns us most.”

“This concerns us Severus of that I am sure, even if I am not allowed to talk to you about it.”

“If you’re sure,” the potions master said hesitantly.

“I am.” Harry answered with a firm note of finality in his voice; the other occupants of the room knew there was no arguing with him now.

Harry,

It’s been much too long since we have last seen each other, there’s no need for me to say that I miss you more than anything else. There isn’t much to do around here, since Voldemort only calls for us during the full moon. You can pass on to the Order that I have managed to bring a few werewolves to our side, I’ll be sending the exact number to Severus, for him to brew the right amount of Wolfsbane.

I’ve been avoiding sending this letter for some time, for I had much too think about before sending it. I know we haven’t had much contact and please don’t feel obligated to respond immediately, I should say I’ll be waiting most anxiously for your answer. As I was saying, I believe Harry that there is no questioning of our love to each other, and maybe under other circumstances I wouldn’t be so forward, but I’d like to ask you, before I have no time left. Will You Marry Me?

Missing you and hoping all is well,

Remus.

Remus,

..

I love you and hope you are well,

Harry.

“This battle is of vital importance for all of us, since if everything goes according to plan it will be the Last Battle. It represents our power over Voldemort, power he doesn’t know we hold, either we survive or not there isn’t much to it but I am sure we will survive. We’ll survive to see a new Wizarding World being rebuilt without the threat of Voldemort.

Voldemort has managed to get the giants to join him as most of you well know, but remember Hagrid’s brother is on our side and you should know better than to try and harm him,” Harry said sharply, he knew how people could be scared of what was different and unusual to them. “I will know if he gets harmed make no mistake about that.”

“Now as you well know there are a few werewolves on our side but mostly they have sided with Voldemort, so I’m afraid there is little way in knowing how to recognize the ones on are our side from the rest. But please do not harm any creature who has tried to aid you during the battle. Tonight is a full moon and we have managed to get the Wolfsbane Potions to all werewolves that are on our side. Therefore they won’t harm you.

The Goblins are ready to aid our side, for fear that Voldemort will steal them of their gold is he were to win, Hogwarts’ house elves have decided to join our struggle as well. I hope you all treat them with the respect they deserve, for they have powerful magic within them that neither of us will ever begin to understand.”

“What about ze Zeath Eaters Mizter Potter?” someone, who was clearly from the French Law Enforcement squad, yelled from the back of the room.

Harry took a moment to look around, they were clearly a colorful group, purple robes for the English aurors, turquoise for those aurors from Egypt, a rather bright red for the Spanish wizards and the French law enforcement group wore emerald green robes that could match Harry’s eyes in color.

“They are to be put down without second thought.” People around him started whispering loudly, Harry waited for them to silence themselves before speaking again. “I’m sorry I seem to have been misunderstood. Try not to fight them much if possible, our priority is to stupefy them, break their wands and keep them from going back into battle.

“They would be useful in trials afterwards therefore try not to kill them, but as you of course well know during battle sometimes it is rather difficult not to do exactly that.”

The meeting was rather brusquely interrupted when the doors opened loudly, banging against the wall. Snape and Malfoy had entered a unconscious giant snake floating after them. Mostly everyone gasped, everyone knew exactly whose snake that was but that left them wondering what it was doing there.

Harry gave a grim nod towards the two men who had just entered, without knowing they had almost secured the war for them. With the snake in Harry’s possession it would be very difficult for Voldemort to win. The only thing he had to do now was send a letter to Voldemort and wait for him to show up. And avoid the questioning gazes leveled on him.

“I believe the battle will be starting soon, I will leave you to yourselves until then.” Harry said before turning his back to them to give his full attention to the kidnapped snake Snape had just brought him.

“Here’s your precious snake Potter, I hope you’re happy to have her, for now, whether we are ready or not, Voldemort will surely be coming to meet us,” Malfoy sneered, trying to maintain his old antagonism when Harry was involved.

“Yes Malfoy, I know,” said Harry. “That’s what I’m hoping actually.”

Malfoy huffed in usual annoyance but decided not to speak. Snape all the while had kept silent, a pinched look on his face, but Harry was accustomed to it, relished that sort of attention from Snape sometimes, it kept him on his toes.

“I hope you know what you’re doing Harry,” said Snape in a hushed tone, breaking the sudden silence.

Harry, who had been gazing at the motionless snake, looked up abruptly, pondering heavily on his words before speaking. He understood both his friends’ apprehension, but this was not the time to start doubting him, neither the time to question him. Harry really wanted to answer them, but most of his secrets were meant to be kept secrets, he couldn’t afford for them to get out. He couldn’t afford for someone to learn of Voldemort’s power, and use it on itself.

His thoughts were interrupted suddenly, something which seemed to be happening quite often. There was a loud sound coming from outside. A sound Harry couldn’t quite identify, but seemed to have heard. Perhaps Voldemort had already found out about the snake and was coming to finish it all once and for all.

“You all wait here!” he said running to the door. “Be ready, we’ll fight only when I say so.” He said that and ran for the door, hoping Voldemort had finally come.

“Potter you daft boy come back here.” Harry looked back to see Snape running towards him, in the distance he saw Ron restraining Hermione who seemed to be close to following Snape.

Once he got closer to the door he could distinguish which sound was it that could be here from the great hall. It seemed like thousands of hooves were running towards the castle. Harry thought he knew who were coming to their direction, and he hoped he was right because he was almost at the doors and would open them wide for whoever was at the other side.

“Potter don’t you dare open those doors!”

As per usual he ignored Snape doing the exact opposite. He opened the doors and people who had followed him made noises of outrage and annoyance. Harry knew that most of them thought he’d lead them all to their deaths. Maybe they were right.

“I thought it would be you,” said Harry as a magnificent creature stepped cautiously inside the castle.

“Harry Potter, my clan has said before they would not help.” Bane the centaur stated. “Mars is loosing its glow, we have decided to help the wizards. He Who Must Not Be Named is being aided by Dark Creatures, therefore we fight.”

“We are glad,” Harry said trying to sound polite and inclining his head forward. He wasn’t about to bow and expose his back for a centaur, even if they were at his side. “Voldemort shall be coming soon.”

“Yes.”

Centaurs mostly puzzled Harry, but somehow he knew they’d be helping them in the end. Even if they thought this a wizard’s war, their home was at the risk of being burnt to the ground. He doubted centaurs had anywhere else to go.

“Potter you are the most idiotic boy I’ve ever had the disgust to teach.”

“So I’ve been told Severus, several times.”

“Don’t worry Tommy boy your snake as safe as she can get,” said Harry. A suicidal part of him wanted to add she was as dead as a doornail too. But he couldn’t die yet, he had to kill Voldemort first.

“You insolent boy, who’d you think you are to talk to my Lord in such a manner,” shrieked the old bat named Bellatrix Lestrange.

“I’m the insolent boy he’s been trying to kill for fifteen years, he hasn’t got any closer to actually killing me though,” Harry said, wanting a bit of childish banter. There were times he needed to do that kind of thing to forget how old he felt, and to try not to worry about Remus who hadn’t showed up yet. Voldemort probably had the werewolves waiting, as some sort of back up plan.H

“Ah Harry, Harry it seems I have underestimated you once more,” Voldemort said looking rather calm and thoughtful, but his eyes displayed the truth, Harry knew he was furious.

“You do that a lot.”

Bellatrix hissed in outrage but Voldemort shushed her with a look. Harry still would like to know how the bastard had such loyal followers when he looked like a giant snake with gray elephant skin. He started to believe these pure-bloods cared nothing for looks, and he always thought of them as a whole like the vain sort. Take Malfoy as an example, he once shrieked when discovered he was out of his fancy shampoo.

“Yes I shan’t do it anymore,” Riddle acquiesced with a tip of his head.

Harry thought this situation got weirder as seconds passed, he really needed to kill Voldemort and be done with it.

“I won’t give you the chance to make that mistake once more,” Harry said through gritted teeth gripping his wand more tightly.

“It seems a few of my pets have finally come out to play Harry.”

Harry thought he heard laughter behind that odd hissing voice. That didn’t worry him though, a howl that came behind him, inside the woods, was what scared him. He really hoped Remus was doing fine.

Harry, expecting Voldemort to be listening to his pets, threw a curse at Bellatrix. A simple ‘Stupefy’ followed by a ‘Incarcerous’ and Sirius’ murderer was down. That made Voldemort get into action he snapped into attention and they startled circling each other wands at ready.

But before any of them could cast a spell there was nearer growling, Voldemort whistled, it seemed more like hissing to Harry. He didn’t have a chance to think about it for a Werewolf leaped from the trees landing on Harry prepared to attack.

If it weren’t for Voldemort’s inclination for the dramatics Harry would be dead for sure, he almost wanted to thank the snake like bastard.

“See Harry Potter how easy it is for me to kill you, I needn’t even do it myself, you are nothing but a weak boy, persistent, but nothing more than a weak little Gryffindor.”

“Fuck you.”

Voldemort laughed at him, he looked down at the boy knocked down by a werewolf and laughed more.

“You entertain me so young Potter.”

“Glad I can be of service,” Harry said with a sneer. The werewolf started drooling through his growls and Harry wished it would end soon because that creature’s breath was fowl.

“Fernir you can have him now,” Voldemort said dismissively and stepped away from Harry’s immediate line of vision.

Harry closed his eyes and waited for the werewolf to bite, but not so surprisingly the Potter luck went into action once more. Before Fernir could attack him another werewolf came and smashed into Fernir’s side, making him stumble away from Harry’s body. The blow drove Fernir away and Harry was able to stand up, he looked for the werewolf who had saved and wasn’t surprised to find that familiar patch of fur he had first seen during his third year at that very same grounds.

“Remus thank you,” said the young boy futilely for Remus probably wouldn’t understand him at such state. The gray wolf did growl in return and Harry took it for the most honest answer he could get at the moment.

Without second thoughts he went after Voldemort who had foolishly left the werewolf to his dinner. He hadn’t gone much far of course, and heard the noise coming from where Fernir should have been feasting on Harry Potter, it didn’t sound like any sort of feasting, and more like some battle.

The Dark Lord surprisingly turned around to find the filthy and drool covered Harry Potter holding him at wand point.

“Surprised Tom?” Harry asked with a sneer. “After so long you really shouldn’t have been.”

Voldemort merely sneered taking out his own wand and preparing for a duel, but Harry had no intention of dueling someone more experienced in magic than he. Before Voldemort could react he sent an ancient spell he had researched long ago.

“Cinis Cineris.”

Both Harry and Voldemort were down, the wind swept through the forest and towards the castle with such force it knocked everyone to the ground. And that was all Harry saw before he fell unconscious.