Even Fallen Angels Have Hearts
They didn’t stop to catch their breath.
Racing down battered corridors they came across a scuffle, it was Neville. With him was an elderly woman wearing a moth-eaten hat; Neville’s Grandmother.
“Neville, look out!” Harry called, Hermione already hurrying forward to help protect them from the newest onslaught of Death Eaters.
The trio stood side by side, Hermione felt Other at her back with Neville and his Gran. “Neville,” she croaked, “give me your hand.” He must have taken it because Hermione heard her continue, “no matter what happens tonight, I want you to know that I am proud of you and the man you have become. You truly are your parents son.”
“Thanks, Gran. And don’t worry, we’ll get out of this.”
The gang of Death Eaters snickered. “Aww, ain’t this sweet, boys? The li’l boy finks he can survive this!”
Hermione knew that voice, he was the lead Snatcher. Other seemed to stiffen against her back. “GAAH!” The Death Eaters all screamed before falling limp.
“I really shouldn’t enjoy this.” Genesis’s voice sounded above them. He wicked grin lighting up Hermione’s whole being.
He floated down in front of the group, bowing low to Neville’s Gran, “Mrs Longbottom, I assume!” he took her hand, “Genesis Rhapsodos, Ma’am, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He turned to Hermione, “Neville here saved my hide back there, a while ago. I was waiting for the chance to return the favour.”
“Oh, so you weren’t looking for us, then?” she replied coyly.
The group all laughed. “Where are you going, Harry?” Neville asked, high-fiving Seamus as he and Dean stormed past.
“The Boathouse. The last of what we’re searching for is down there.” Harry replied.
Not long now, child. Hermine let out a shriek as a voice she didn’t know sounded in her mind. It was that of a woman – or so she assumed – clutching Ron, she heaved. This was a force of malevolence that she had not felt before.
Not long now, until you are mine!
She screamed as a hot white pain erupted in her head, she was only vaguely aware of everyone around her.
Visions of acid green tanks and the cries of children assaulted her.
Hermione saw Genesis in her mind’s eye, his hand extended, she tried to reach for it, but he faded away, faces of people she had once known blew by her as the pain became worse. You are powerless to stop what is to come! You will join with me!
“GET OUT OF MY HEAD!” she cried, casting a wall of ice around her. “Stay out of my head!” she snarled, seeing herself reflected in the wall. Her own anger frightening her.
“Hermione?” Ron’s voice brought her back to reality. Turning, she saw everyone behind a barrier, Genesis’s materia bracer glowing.
“Are you alright?”
“No.” she said, matter-of-factly, “something was invading my mind. I simply cast it out.”
Harry scoffed, “I wish.”
Other knelt beside her, “Champ, who-”
“It doesn’t matter, now.” She cut across, “we’ve got a job to do.”
Getting to her feet, Hermione stumbled into the wall, forcing her to look at the carnage below them. “Too much…” she whispered, “it’s too much.”
She was so focused on the battle below that she never registered the gasps of shock from behind her. Pitch black feathers enveloped her, pulling her away from the scenes below and into the chest of her Crimson Angel.
“Hush now, my Golden Flower.” His arms wrapped around her waist. “I have you.”
Taking a moment to steady herself, Hermine looked into Genesis’s eyes and frowned. “What?”
“Down!” she shouted, everyone hitting the flagstone floor as a Mountain Troll crashed through the wall just behind the group.
“Bloody hell!” She heard Ron yell.
The Troll’s deafening roar blocked the rest of the calls and cries as the club came swinging down towards Genesis.
She felt him clutch her tighter as he took off into the rafters, the club landing where he had been seconds before.
He placed her on the rafters and drew his Rapier. “Finally! Something I can sink my teeth into!” he dove faster than a hawk towards the Troll, its attention on Harry and Ron.
The Troll groaned unintelligently as Genesis easily sliced it’s raised arm off, rolling mid-air, he came back in, his Rapier flaring from the materia linked to it, slicing through the thick hide, muscle, sinew and bone of the Troll killing it before it had even fully registered the fact that it didn’t have an arm.
Hermione squealed in delight as, never breaking his speed, he scooped her off of the rafter and carried her back down to the ground, where Harry and Ron were waiting to embrace her. “That was fun,” she said. “Everyone okay?” she asked looking around to find nodding heads.
Genesis was panting, but otherwise seemed unharmed. Other and Brother were giggling at something to do with the Troll as another explosion sounded.
“We need to go. Now!” Genesis called, all serious again, “you four get to the Boathouse, Brother and I will follow with you as far as the staircase to assist the others!”
No one argued.
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Mother and Uncle observed the carnage of Banora, both had grimaces on their faces. “Such destruction… I fear for this world, Sister Dear.” Uncle mused, heaving a great sigh. “Come, there is nothing more we can do here for now.”
Mother Gaia nodded, picking an apple from the only tree that had survived the onslaught. “When the war of the beasts brings about the world’s end, the Goddess descends from the skies.” She muttered, following her brother through to the world her Husband presided over.
“You read that poem, Sister Dear?” Uncle chuckled.
“No. I have heard Genesis recite it that often recently that I know it by heart.” They looked at one another for a moment before dissolving into giggles, like they used to when they walked amongst the Centra.
The moment the door between the worlds closed, Mother Gaia felt herself pushed harshly into the wall, “Sister!” her brother shielded her from an unexpected chunk of falling debris. “The war has escalated here. It will be difficult to find them all now.”
Mother Gaia was staring at the side of her brother’s head, stunned. “You saved me.”
She watched his frown turn to face her, “you sound upset.”
“You always save me. I cannot think of a time when I have saved you.”
He chuckled, “Sister Dear, I would not be standing here to save you, had you not saved me from your Husband’s wrath.” He stroked her nose with the side of his index finger, fondness softening his eyes. “Come, we must find them.”
“It would be easier to find them individually,” she offered, “we simply call one another once one of them has been found.”
Uncle didn’t seem to like that idea, but gave in regardless, he could never refuse her. “Be safe, Sister Dear.”
“You as well, Brother of Mine.” He left for the castle grounds, whilst She made for the Grand Staircase.
Mother was in awe of the sheer size of this place, though there were buildings of this scale on her world, they were all made of metal and concrete, not carved stone as this castle was.
She made her way to the very top, knowing that places of vantage were the best way of finding her wayward children.
Surprises waited for her at every turn, a spell here, a dead body there, at one point she had to leave the staircase as her next flight of stairs had decided to move away, stopping an onslaught of Death Eaters from knocking her back down.
Coming out onto a corridor, she spied Genesis and her son and daughter with their backs to the wall, four red haired males – two of which were identical – were stood facing others of their ilk who were dressed in black robes, alongside them were the Chosen One of this world and her daughter’s Champion.
“Hello, minister!” one of the red-heads called, transfiguring him into something akin to a sea urchin, “is this a bad time to say that I’m resigning?”
One of the twins stopped to look at the one who had spoken. “You’re joking, Perce!” he grinned, “you’re actually joking! I haven’t heard you joke since -”
“FRED!” Mother Gaia watched as Genesis made to pull him down, but he was thrown back himself from the explosion that destroyed the wall to the outside, burying all of them.
It wasn’t the force of the explosion that had thrown her back, however. As the explosion rocked the very foundations on which she stood, she felt a strong hand push her back into a pocket bubble. A tall man with a fierce face, silver hair and a scar running diagonally down his face from his left eye to the right side of his lower jaw towered over her; her Husband had found her.
“Darling? What are you doing here?”
He levelled glowing eyes at her, “you betrayed me.” He growled.
She wanted to cower under his eyes, an old memory stirring of when they had first met coming back to haunt her. “I have done nothing of the sort. I have simply come to rectify a mistake.” Around her, Mother Gaia noticed that the rubble and dust was settling and everyone was beginning to stir, she noted with sadness that one would not.
“I have come to save my Children.”
“We have no children, My Dear.” His voice dropped to a sickeningly sweet purr.
Mother Gaia felt a pull in the back of her mind, she wanted to comply, wanted to agree. But her eyes wandered over to the debris, her Son, barely visible, picking pieces of stone from her Daughter’s hair, Genesis lifting his shelter from the three children, she saw them. She saw them.
“You misheard me, Darling,” she spat. Millennia of psychological chains around her free will snapping in an instant. “I said my Children!” she drew a flaming sword from the ethereal sheath at her side and lunged at him.
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Hermione coughed as she straightened up. Looking around she saw the carnage, “NO!” whipping her head to the side, Hermione watched Percy and George clamber over rubble to the now lifeless body of Fred.
“Fred! No, please!” Percy begged, shaking his younger brother, the faintest hint of his final smile forever etched on his face.
“Fred?” Ron’s quiet voice moved away from the others as he joined George and Percy. “N-no….”
Hermione felt her heart drop, a sharp pain shot through her diaphragm, her hand clenched and her vision blurred with tear.
She blinked them away, then remembered. “Wait…” she breathed, pulling out the Phoenix materia in her pocket.
“Help me,” she whispered, “bring him back.”
The materia glowed, runes appeared and with them, came a Phoenix. The orb vibrated harshly in her hand as it struggled to do as commanded, Hermione cried out in despair as realisation took hold; she’s used the wrong one!
Genesis’s synthesised Phoenix materia shattered in her hand.
“No!” she sobbed. “I’m sorry!”
She was pulled up by George and Percy, Ron was being held up by Harry, “it’s not your fault, Hermione.” Percy sniffled. There was a moment of silence before a flash of brilliant white light had them all scrambling for cover, Percy diving to cover Fred’s body from harm.
As the light dimmed, Hermione swore she saw a tear in the air, showing Banora’s strange trees, then, with a blink, it was gone.
Harry and Percy were hauling Fred’s body over to a niche in the wall where a suit of armour had once been.
“We have to get to the Boathouse, now!” Harry urged, pushing Hermione away from Genesis. They made their way down the staircase and through to the Entrance Hall, duels were going on left, right and centre, Percy sped after Rookwood and George flew off after Yaxley who was battling Katie Bell.
Ron pulled ahead of them, sucker punching a Death Eater who had turned on Malfoy. “On your feet!” he urged, “Hermione, down!” She ducked as Peeves shot past, a large stone in his grasp as he dropped it onto a gathering crowd of Death Eaters, cackling with glee.
“That’s two you owe us, Malfoy!” Ron called, taking Hermione’s outstretched hand and letting her lead him down the stairs.
“Gotcha!” The two wizards, the witch and the deity stood back-to-back as another wave of Death Eaters surrounded them. “Someone call ‘im! We’ve got ‘em cornered!”
The group raised their respective weapons, Hermione wished she could muster up the strength to use more than just her wand.
“GET DOWN!” a voice boomed.
The group dove for cover as a rush of air sounded around them. Hermione was shocked into lifting her head at the sound of gunfire and war cries.
“Sephiroth!” she cried.
For it was, all six foot of him. He was cutting down the hordes of enemies as though he were simply knocking down bowling pins.
“Are you four alright?!” Angeal’s voice sounded behind her as everyone got up, turning, she saw his eyes darting back a forth, his beloved Buster Sword held in a guarding stance.
“Zack, behind you!” he called.
“Whoa, there, fella!” Hermione blinked. Zack cut down one of Fenrir Greyback’s werewolves, “no idea what you are!”
A solitary infantryman fired off several shots over Zack’s shoulder, “thanks, buddy!” the young SOLDIER called out.
“Who are those people?” Ron’s confusion had her turning round.
Sharp business suits and a variety of weapons in hand, Hermione let out a curse, “they’re Turks!”
Her voice reached the ears of Tseng, who turned and nodded at her. “Belle.” He greeted. “Great party, thanks for the invite!”
Hermione laughed and dashed to join him, “thank you for coming!” she shot a protective barrier around the group, Harry and Ron helping her strengthen it.
“Rally to the girl!” she heard Sephiroth call. SOLDIERs, Infantry and Turks all surrounded the group of teenagers. “Oof!”
“Sephiroth!” Hermione cried, watching as the General fell, his legs tied together in a Leg-Locker Curse, stood over him was Thorfinn Rowle, a Death Eater Hermione had not seen since the night of Bill and Fleur’s wedding.
“Oh, hell no!” a cry came from above. Genesis dove on the man cleaving him in two, coating both Sephiroth and himself in blood..
Leaving Harry and Ron to hold the barrier, Hermione broke away to the two SOLDIERs. Genesis stood over Sephiroth, throwing all manner of elemental magic at their attackers.
“Not so fast Mudblood!” someone shouted, “Crucio!”
She hit the floor, rolled and got back to her feet. Sending a jinx in the direction of her attacker. Only a few more feet and she’d reach them.
“Crucio!” this one hit. She crashed to the floor with a scream. She felt a foot on her back.
“No!” she heard Genesis and several others shout.
“Scream for me!” the foul stench of blood and flesh reached her nose.
His tongue lapped at a wound on the side of her head, his hiss of pleasure made her sick to her stomach. Fenrir Greyback was bigger and heavier, but Hermione was stronger.
“Get off me!” she snarled, a burst of fiery wicca magic shot out of her back, taking the shape of a pair of wings.
Giving a cry, the wings turned into deadly projectiles, setting alight the Death Eaters closest to her. Taking a second to catch her breath, she hurried over to Sephiroth, her wand already out. “Finite Incantatem!” she snapped, turning back to the battle before them.
“This isn’t good! We don’t have time!”
A hand gripped her shoulder. “What do you need?” Sephiroth’s voice was steady.
“A path out onto the Viaduct,” she pointed to the doors, “that way and to the left.”
“Consider it done.” She felt him turn to Genesis. “The events on our home turf have no place here, my friend.”
“Agreed. Shall we?” she could hear the sadism in her Crimson Angel’s voice.
“After you.” There was equal sadism in Sephiroth’s as the two of them took off at such a pace the flagstone floor cracked under their feet.
Angeal soon joined them.
Hermione called out to Harry, Ron and Other, leading them out of the castle. She heard Zack calling for everyone to rally to him before war cries drowned him out.
Outside the castle was worse than inside. Fenrir Greyback, covered in spots of his own blood, was mauling someone, “Lavender!” she heard Ron shout.
Anger boiled in her blood as she threw out her hands, broken lumps of stone launching themselves towards him at her bequest.
“Get away from her!” Ron and Harry went to Lavender. Hermione joined them soon after and wished she hadn’t. There was no way Lavender was going to survive those injuries.
“Hold on, Lavender!” she begged, knowing it was pointless.
Tears left hot track on her face as Hermione planted a delicate kiss on Lavender’s head, seeing Ron and Harry do the same.
They got to their feet and continued to push forward. Professor Trelawney and several others were throwing crystal balls, Professor Sprout was seen with Neville and his gran thrown mandrakes into the fray, Hagrid and Grawp were swinging Death Eaters around like rag dolls.
As the four reached the viaduct they came to an abrupt halt. A swirling black mass was heading for them; Dementors!
“EXPECTO PATRONUM!” a voice boomed behind them. The biggest Patronus Hermione had ever seen, washed past them and scattered the swarm to other regions of the castle. “Go, you lot!” Aberforth Dumbledore shouted.
Harry led them down the steps to the Boathouse.
It was eerily quiet down here. Smokey Dementors seemed to be keeping guard over the door. They drifted over and around Hermione and Ron.
She heard Other gasp, “no.” Hermione didn’t ask.
“Go invisible, Other.” Harry ordered, “we’ll need you’re element of surprise.”
The trio leant against the wall of the Boathouse; Voldemort was speaking. “The wand doesn’t work for me, Severus.”
Hermine risked a peek through the window and saw Severus Snape, his eyes suddenly wide with fear. “My lord I-” his argument was cut short as Voldemort cast a spell that sent Snape crashing into the wall, exactly opposite where Hermione was currently crouched.
I can get in there! I can stop this! She thought. She was about to move when one of the Smokey Dementors appeared over her, holding her down. No! Get off me! She tried to whisper, but couldn’t manage it.
She stifled a squeak as Snapes body was battered further into the wall. Risking another peek, Hermione recoiled in horror; Nagini was attacking Snape!
Voldemort called to her and they left.
After a few moments the Smokey Dementors left. Hermione’s knees trembled as the four of them entered the building, finding Snape barely breathing.
She handed Harry a small vial as requested, watching Harry guide Snape’s hand to it, a white ethereal strand at his wand tip; a memory.
Hermione leant into Ron, feeling him wrap his arm around her, pulling her into his chest. Snape was dead! He was dead, hadn’t even been given a chance to speak…
“Bloody hell!” she cursed, finding new irony in how much Ron had rubbed off on her these past few years. And yet I’m choosing someone else. She thought, bitterly.
You have fought valiantly. Hermione and Ron separated, each heading for something to lean on, Other vomited. I know how to value bravery.
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Genesis and the others of Gaia all stopped in their tracks, everyone in the Great Hall was clutching their heads. Genesis saw Brother vomit. “Who the hell is that?!” He looked over at Sephiroth, seeing an uncharacteristic fear in his eyes.
“Voldemort.” McGonagall answered. “Potter must not have been found yet.”
Genesis looked at the sky behind the shattered windows. “Beloved.”
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You have sustained heavy losses. If you continue to resist me, you shall all die. One by one. I do not wish this to happen. Every drop of magical blood spilled is a loss and a waste. Genesis shivered, but the enemy wasn’t finished yet. I am merciful, however. I command all of my forces, retreat immediately. You have one hour. Dispose of your dead with dignity. Treat your wounded. Genesis looked out into the Entrance Hall, the forces of evil all left.
“Those of you able,” he commanded, “search the castle and gather the dead and wounded. General,” he turned to Sephiroth, “we shall assist.”
They all left, Genesis and Brother heading straight for the floor that he knew Fred was still lay.
Harry Potter I now speak directly to you. Genesis hoped no one stopped in their search with the dead and injured. Everyone needed to be accounted for.
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Harry Potter, I now speak directly to you.
Hermione looked up at the castle, the eery silence that had fallen on the Boathouse seemed to engulf the castle as well. You have allowed your friends to fight and die for you rather than face me yourself. I shall wait one hour within the Forbidden Forest. If you have not come to me within that time, then battle will recommence. This time I shall enter the battle myself and slaughter every last man woman and child who dares to try to shield you from me.
Hermione, Harry, Ron and Other stood looking at Snape’s body as a green mist swallowed him, taking his soul, but leaving his body. “Thank you, Mother.” Other whispered.
The group all trudged back to the castle.
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The dead had been gathered, the living and injured all wept. Genesis sat on one of the long benches, his frame leant forward, his eyes stoic.
“Here, Sir.” A voice piped up. Looking down, Genesis saw an old House Elf in a grubby pillowcase. “Kreacher offers you comfort, Sir. Please, take it.”
Kreacher? “You’re the house elf in charge of Grimmauld Place?” he wasn’t ashamed to hear his voice crack.
“Kreacher was, once, sir. But Master Harry sent Kreacher here, Kreacher is a good elf and will tend to all these people, sir.”
Genesis took the offered cup and smiled, “thank you, Kreacher.”
“General! There are more coming from the grounds, sir!” one of the more seasoned infantrymen that had been with Sephiroth in one of the outer territories called, garnering everyone’s attention.
They were alive! Battered and bruised, somewhat pale, but clearly alive. Genesis leapt to his feet and approached the quartet, or would have, had Sephiroth not stopped him. “Wait.”
Brother had raced to his sister, catching her as she fell into his arms, a sobbing heap. Ron walked numbly over to his sobbing family, crowding around Fred. Harry hung back at the door. Hermione stood looking around.
Genesis was surprised to see her approach one of the Turks, Tseng. They spoke in hushed voices, she appeared to be thanking him.
Then her eyes met him.
For a moment, Genesis thought she’d run to him, as she had done the last couple of times, instead, she walked over to Ginny and held her tight, joining the Weasley’s.
“Let her be, for now.” Sephiroth’s voice was heard. Genesis listened, but didn’t stay still. He took Sephiroth and Angeal over to the grieving family and offered his condolences.
Ron turned from his brother, Percy, his eyes so full of despair that Genesis rushed over to catch the boy as he fell into a sobbing wreck.
Genesis, himself, had wept as each of the fallen had been brought in. His only concern had been Fred, but as he watched, the procession of dead and injured enter the hall, he felt his tears well up as children were brought in. It became unbearable when he saw Remus and Tonks be brought in too. Too much. It’s just too much! Hermione’s earlier words echoed in his head and for once he agreed.
He heard rather than saw Harry run from the sight, not blaming the boy in the slightest.
More people were being brought in over the course of the next thirty minutes. He watched Hermione as she made her way over to the benches and walked calmly over to join her.
“Are you okay?”
Hermione shook her head, he just sat down and wrapped an arm around her, offering up what little comfort he could.
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Hermione’s thoughts were a mess. She was grateful to Genesis for only asking one question, she wasn’t sure if her voice would let her talk.
She watched as Draco Malfoy approached the grieving Weasley family. “Please. I know I have no right to, but please accept my sincerest condolences over your loss.” He raised his voice, “over everyone’s losses. I know as a Malfoy, I stand here as the enemy, but-”
“Says who?” Ron interrupted, “if you were the enemy, Malfoy, you wouldn’t be standing here.” Hermine watched in numb fascination as Ron walked over to their long-time bully and held out his hand. “When this is over, I want you to come to dinner at the Burrow. We don’t have much, as you well know, but what we have is warmth and food.” She saw Malfoy look at him as though he had two heads, “please. I think if you and I can put aside our differences, then this war is as good as won.” Ron’s head cocked to the side and Hermione knew he was smiling, “be apart of our family, too. Please.”
Malfoy seemed to ponder this for a moment, before looking at Molly and Arthur, “is this okay with the rest of you?”
Molly gave a watery smile. “It’s up to you, dear. I would welcome you with open arms, you are welcome at our table, Draco.”
Malfoy smiled for a second before hissing in pain, clutching his arm. “Ask me again, when this is over.” He hissed. Ron nodded, helping him stand up straight.
Hermione and Genesis had been sat there for a good twenty minutes, watching this exchange with humour before Ginny, blotched skin and puffy eyed, came over to them. Genesis opened his free arm and his wing for her to sit under. We can stay on my world, no one would hunt you down.
“I’ll stay,” He said, suddenly.
Hermione shifted against him; hazel met blue. “We’ll stay together. I promise.”
Hermione frowned at him, then looked out into the entrance hall, her eyes stinging from all the crying she had done. “They’re coming…” Everyone in the hall went silent, looking at her. “Hagrid is with them… and… oh god no!” she bolted for the door, Ron, Neville, Ginny and Luna hot on her heels. Everyone else soon followed.
The human forces of Voldemort’s army followed behind their leader. Two of them held Hagrid within magical bindings. There was someone in Hagrid’s arms. “Who is that?” she heard Ginny ask, “Neville, who is that?”
“Harry Potter is dead!!” Voldemort announced ecstatically.
“NO!” Ginny cried, Hermione heard Genesis and Ron swear.
“Silence, you foolish girl,” he ordered. “Harry Potter is dead. And now, you will all have a choice to make. Join me,” he opened his arms, “or join in his fate.”
“Oh, hell no!” Hermione was surprised to hear her own voice ringing out into the courtyard. She stepped forward, escaping the grasping hands of Ron and Genesis.
“Hermione, stand down!” she heard Seamus Finnigan call.
“Well, well, who do we have here?” Voldemort sneered.
Squaring her shoulders, Hermione felt her magic bristle in her blood. “Hermione Jean Granger. Mudblood and proud of it!” she called. Jeers and sneering laughs echoed from the crowd before her. “Yeah that’s right, laugh. Laugh at me, pathetic little Mudblood, who has no right to been within the walls of this castle. But I ask you,” she turned to Voldemort, his smirk splitting his face, “how is my blood inferior to yours?”
As he went to answer, she cut him off, “oh and spare me the whole “my parents are better than yours” crap. We all know that your father was a muggle.”
This was met with chuckles from her side and gasps of outrage from his. “Learn your place you piece of filth!” Bellatrix screeched.
“No, Bellatrix, you learn yours!” Hermione retaliated, “I have old Wicca magic in my blood.” The hordes of Death Eaters went quiet. “I could perform the Wiccan equivalent of the Cruciatus Curse without lifting a finger, make you feel pain so sharp that you’d be in a padded cell at Saint Mungo’s in a strait jacket you’d never come out of for the rest of you miserable existence.”
She turned back to Voldemort. “How is your blood better than mine?!” the wings of fire returned of their own accord.
“This display…” her voice trembled, “it’s the side of me no one ever knows. You see, I don’t really need a wand to break someone’s neck,” she turned her gaze to Yaxley, who’s neck twisted with a sickening crunch, he fell to the floor dead.
“Bloody hell!” she heard Ron gasp, others were calling to her, trying to calm her down, but she didn’t want to listen. Not now.
Harry was dead, she didn’t care anymore. “Nor do I need one to deprive someone of oxygen.” Dolohov fell to the floor, clutching his throat as it closed.
Ignoring his scrambling for breath, Hermione continued. “Tell me how your blood is better than mine!” she shouted. The anger pouring from her was intoxicating, she could do anything!
A hand on her shoulder pulled her back to reality, “stand down, Hermione,” Neville’s voice sounded. “Don’t give him the satisfaction of letting him get to you.”
She watched as he, too, turned to Voldemort. “Hermione’s right. We’ve never seen that side of her before, nor do we want to again. Harry would say that it’s your fault she’s angry and I agree!” he raised the sword of Godric Gryffindor and cried “for Harry!” and relieved Nagini of her head.
Voldemort cried in pain and Hagrid gave a yell of surprise, Harry was alive! He dashed for Hermione and they re-joined Ron, the war beginning once more. “OPEN FIRE!” one of the Infantrymen yelled.<
Hermione, Harry and Ron raced through the halls of the school.
The revelation of Harry still being alive angered Voldemort, who now no longer cared who lived or who died.
He shot a barrage of spells in their direction, Genesis, Other and Brother shielding them as they continued to run.
Hermione turned the corner just as a giant crashed through the wall, the Buster Sword protruding out of its neck. Angeal seemed to be enjoying this as much as Sephiroth.
He heard whoops and yells as Zack blew past them, cutting down Death Eaters as he went. Sephiroth cut down another giant, his silver hair spattered in more blood than before.
Gun shots rang out as the young infantryman and Tseng stood side by side, protecting an injured McGonagall.
“Potter, Granger, Weasley, look out!” she cried.
They stopped in their tracks as a group of Death Eaters surrounded them, Tseng and the young infantryman included, Harry, Ron and Hermione stood back-to-back, wands held high.
“Hello, pretty.” A low growl sounded to her right; it was Fenrir Greyback. “You owe me a scream.”<
The barrage of bullets that followed did nothing to stop the werewolf from leaping at Hermione who felt herself pulled back.
“NOOOOOO!”
The world slowed around her, Genesis, Sephiroth and Angeal joining the fray and slaying the rest of the enemy the other side of the cloisters, none of it mattered, nothing… except the sight before her.
Blood dripped from Greyback’s mouth, as he dropped his unintended victim to the floor, smirking.
Ron had been mauled in her stead.
“RON!” she screamed. Raising her wand, she shouted “Glacius!”
She dove to the floor, Harry right behind her. Looking to the cloisters she saw who she was looking for. “GENESIS!” she cried.
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Hearing the cry of his Golden Flower, Genesis leapt through the cloisters, Sephiroth and Angeal in tow, stopping short and dropping to his knees. “Holy shit!” he cursed.
Ron was lying with his head in Harry’s lap, blood seeping through his fingers as he tried to stop the bleeding. Hermione held his hand pleading with him to hold on.
“Hang in there, soldier!” Curaga in hand, it flared to life. “Let me take over Harry.” Harry didn’t hear him, just kept his hands tight against the wound, his eyes teary and staring as though it were a dream.
“G-Gen-nesis,” Ron’s words were weak, Hermione tried to keep him from talking but Genesis knew there was something he wanted to say.
“Tell me once we have you back on your feet!” he said through gritted teeth, the wound wasn’t healing. Why wasn’t it healing?!
“The wounds were inflicted by a werewolf; they cannot be healed by any magic known to either this world or your own.” Genesis heard Other’s words and heard Hermione’s sobs.
“What he has to say is most likely the last thing he will say. Listen to him.”
Genesis leant down; cure materia still working its way through the injuries despite the futility. “What is it, my friend?”
Ron reached up for Hermione’s hand; she took it without really seeing it. He then took one of Genesis’s in his other hand, bringing the two of them together. “T-take... ca-are of h-her... for m-me.”
“No, no, Ron!” Genesis found that his materia had stopped working, the magic itself knowing that Ron was already beyond the reach of Genesis’ voice.
Hermione sobbed openly as Ron’s grip slipped from them both.
He looked over at the group that had now formed around them. Professor McGonagall weeping into her cloak, even the hard hearted Sephiroth was crying silently beside Angeal.
“Rest peacefully, Ronal Weasley.” Other’s voice sounded soft. A light green mist covered his body, his soul disappearing.
“There have been too many deaths in this fight.” She uttered darkly.
There was a snigger from the creature now encased in ice. “I wouldn’t laugh if I were you, Greyback.” McGonagall snarled, getting to her feet.
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Hearing the snigger, Hermione looked up. Getting to her feet, she pulled her hand from behind her back and squeezed. BANG!
“Merlin’s Beard!” McGonagall swore.
“Hermione?!” Harry exclaimed.
“Ah, that’s where my back-up gun went.” Hermione heard Genesis growl at Tseng.
“Enough, Genesis.” She said. Turning to Harry, she held out her hand. “For Ron.”
“For Ron.” Harry took her hand and pulled her into a tight hug. “Take care of yourself.”
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Genesis watched in mild shock as Harry and Hermione parted ways, both shooting spells at anything unfriendly.
A black mist swarmed the group, red eyes glaring as the mist took shape. “Where is Harry Potter?!”
“Up here, Tom!” Harry called, vanishing from sight.
Voldemort howled in anger and gave chase.
Turning back to Ron’s lifeless body, he saw Other and Brother pick him up. “Back to the Great Hall, all of you, now!” He barked.
Going on ahead of the group, Genesis reached the Entrance Hall and saw Ginny under attack. “Get away from her!”
Pulling Ginny under him, he threw his left arm out, his jet-black wing shooting out and knocked several Death Eaters onto their backs where Sephiroth and Angeal took them down.
There was a cackle and pain raced through Genesis’s body as Ginny blocked a follow-up attack made by none other than Bellatrix Lestrange.
“Not my daughter you bitch!” Molly caught him off guard by standing in front of the two of them, facing Bellatrix.
“Genesis, be a dear and move.”
Scooping Ginny up he jumped over to where they could still see George, Bill, Charlie and Percy along with many others protecting the Great Hall.
His grip around Ginny’s waist tightened and he felt hot tears well up at the thought of how Ron now joined the ranks of the dead.
He shook his head vigorously; Ginny looked up at him, confused. “No, not now! Just focus on keeping the rest of the family alive.” He saw something from the top of what was once a magnificent staircase. “Charlie move!” Sephiroth dove for the second eldest Weasley, scattering the brothers as Angeal took out another werewolf, cutting its head off in one swift blow.
“Mother!” Percy called. Genesis watched as Molly fell to the floor, Bellatrix stood over her, cackling madly.
“Gotcha!” The crazy witch raised her wand and swirled it twice before the unimaginable happened.
Molly had also raised her wand, only what Molly had done, no one had seen. Bellatrix became extremely thin and crumbled away, her darkness fading alongside her.
Ginny ran from Genesis and into her mother’s arms, followed by her remaining sons. Arthur had been watching this closely, Sephiroth and Angeal had managed to resecure the hall giving them more breathing room.
“That was impressive,” Genesis stated approaching the family.
“Thank you,” Molly looked him straight into the eyes. “Are you alright, dear? You look sad.”
Genesis was at a loss, he looked to the other two to see them looking back at him and then down at Fred’s lifeless body. “You have to tell them.” Sephiroth said.
“Tell us what?” Arthur looked between the three of them.
“Are you familiar with a werewolf by name of Fenrir Greyback?” Genesis asked.
“Yes.” Bill answered a grimace on his face. “He was the one who did this to me.” He pointed to the scars on his face. “Why?”
Genesis looked out of the doors to see Other and Brother with Hermione, she had blood on her face; she’d been injured. The twins had also been involved in a fight of their own as they both now sported injuries.
“I am so sorry, but...” the words stuck in his throat for a moment. “Greyback, he mauled Ron.”
There were several curses that came out of the Weasleys; George grabbed Genesis by the collar of his coat. “Where is he? Is he alright?” The emotion on his face was uncharacteristic; it made Genesis feel even worse.
All he could do was shake his head. “I tried to save him... but the teeth of a werewolf hold venom that cannot be healed by any magic, from this world or mine.”
“No...” George fell to his knees, Genesis falling with him.
Other and Brother brought Ron in on a stretcher from wherever they had kept him whilst fighting. George looked up from Genesis’ shoulder to see this and ran for his youngest brother. He was followed quickly by Ginny and Percy; Bill and Charlie were all but carrying their mother over to Ron. Arthur held out his hand to Genesis and hauled him to his feet.
“Thank you. For trying, I mean.” Though there were tears falling from his eyes and his voice was thick, Arthur gave a small smile. “How are Harry and Hermione taking it?”
“Harry has gone to give Voldemort a piece of his mind and Hermione put a bullet between Greyback’s eyes.” Genesis explained as they walked over to Ron.
“Good girl.” Bill said dryly.
Arthur knelt down to his two boys. All of them were sobbing, holding each other.
There was a sudden crash from the Entrance Hall.
“HARRY!” Hermione’s voice cried out through the hall. All in the Great Hall stood or turned to see Harry being thrown into said hall. Hermione apparating to catch him.
“Are you okay?”
Harry looked up at her and smiled weakly. “Y-yeah.”
Hermione nodded. “Just one more push and it’s the end. Ahh!” Voldemort had entered the hall and surrounded the two with what Genesis now knew to be Dementors. The air went cold; the three SOLDIERs came together, standing back-to-back, identical looks of horror on their faces.
“It’s like all of the happiness in the world has been stolen.” Angeal breathed.
Genesis looked down at Ron. Other and Brother were vomiting again as these creatures swarmed Hermione and Harry, who were holding onto each other for dear life. Voldemort continued to walk towards the two, it was then that Genesis had an idea.
“Harry, Hermione!” he called, moving to kneel beside Ron.
The two looked over at him and saw what he was doing. “Do not let his death be in vain! Finish him!”
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Harry and Hermione stood. Hermione pulled out her wand along with Harry, “for Ron.” She said.
Harry took her hand in his, gripping it tight, “for Ron.”
The two raised their wands. “Expecto Patronum!” they chorused.
There was a flash of white and a magnificent Stag and a graceful Otter erupted from their wands, following suit were several other animal form, a hare, a horse and others.
“For Ron!” came the cry from each of those animals as they attacked the Dementors sending them scattering and chasing them out of the hall.
“Just you and me, now, Tom.” Harry stepped up and held his wand firm.
The rage in Voldemort’s eyes meant that he really wanted to kill Harry. “Avada Kedavra!”
Harry was waiting, “Expelliarmus!” the two beams met in the middle, the shockwave sending many falling backwards.
Zack and the young Infantryman dove for Hermione collapsing alongside her.
The two wizards struggled for dominance as Genesis and Angeal help the three to their feet. Come on, Harry, you can do this! Hermione thought. She thought her eyes were deceiving her, but she could swear she could see the Elder Wand beginning to crack.
As the last moments of this war dragged on, Hermione noticed something behind Voldemort. It was an unfamiliar figure.
Seeing Other notice as well, she heard her say “Father?!”
Hermione frowned.
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Mother Gaia had been fighting her Husband in her own world for some time. Somehow she had managed to keep him locked there for a while, but a nasty blow sent her crashing to the now quiet school.
He followed through behind her, pinning her to the floor.
“Father?!” her Daughter’s voice reminded Mother what she was fighting for.
Struggling to her feet, Mother lifted her hand and summoned her sword to her once again. Father moved fast; she almost didn’t parry in time.
Turning away from the hall, Mother continued her fight with her husband.
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The fight was taken away from the sight of the doors. Hermione heard the strained sounds of Voldemort and Harry losing their strength.
You’re fate has already been decided. Other’s voice echoed in her mind. Her eyes wandered down to Ron’s lifeless body, she had told Genesis that she didn’t want to leave Ron alone in the world, Harry wouldn’t be alone.
She’d made her choice. “Harry! Finish him!” sending much needed strength to her best friend.
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Mother felt Father’s grip on her throat tighten. “No more disobedience!” he snarled.
“Get your hands off my sister!” a celestial arrow flashed in her peripheral vision. A figure barrelled into Father. Now free, Mother gasped for breath, reaching for her celestial sword.
Her Brother had, once again, saved her.
She saw him snarling at her Husband, “you will never again control her! Your reign will soon end!”
Her Husband looked between the two of them, weighing up his options. He growled and fled towards the now celebrating Great Hall. “The girl!” They darted after him.
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“Harry! Finish him!” Hermione’s words seemed to reach him.
Harry gave one more push and sent Voldemort crashing to the ground where he –just like Bellatrix before him– crumbled away.
There was a moment of silence and then a single clap from her left as Sephiroth and Angeal led the applause.
Harry was lifted from the ground as the cheering grew louder and louder. It stopped suddenly when the ground began to shake.
Harry dropped to the floor and reached for Hermione, who was grabbed from behind.
“You’ll never be happy! I will see to it!” an unfamiliar voice resounded in her ears as he pulled her away from Harry.
She saw Genesis flying after her, anger flashing in his eyes, Angeal and Sephiroth hot on his heels.
“HARRY!” She screamed before coming into contact with something hard and everything going black.