CHAPTER SIXTEEN.
TIME TO FIGHT

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            They hit the water, letting the dragon free as Rosalie crashed into the lake, gasping up water as she swam up, seeing the others. Choking on the water, she followed them to the shore, spitting up the water and trying to control her breathing when she got on land.

         "He knows," Harry told them, out of breath, "You-Know-You. He knows we broke into Gringotts. He knows what we took. He knows we're hunting Horcruxes."

         "How is it you –"

         "I saw him," Harry stopped Hermione's question, rising confusion in Rosalie before remembering a meeting with the Death Eaters long ago. I have a special connection with Potter...she had chills at the thought of it.

         "You let him in! Harry, you can't –"

         "I can't always help it, Hermione!" Harry snapped before frowning, "Maybe I can. I don't know."

         "Never mind!" Ron rolled his eyes, "What did you see?"

         "He's angry. But he's scared too. He's going to make sure the other Horcruxes are safe," Harry informed.

         "What happens when he finds out four are gone?" Ron questioned again.

         "I reckon he'll do anything to stop us from finding the rest. There's more: one of them's at Hogwarts."

         "What?" the other three exclaimed at once before Hermione added, "You saw it?"

         "I saw the castle. And Rowena Ravenclaw. I think it must have something to do with her. We have to go there, now," Harry decided.

         "Really? Hogwarts is being taught by Death Eaters now – Snape leading them," Rosalie disagreed, "There's no way we can get in there without being killed."

         "Right...and we don't even have a plan. We have to figure out what –"

         Again, Harry cut her off, "Honestly, Hermione, when have any of our plans actually worked? We plan, we get there, and all hell breaks loose!"

         "Afraid he's right," Ron nodded, "And like Rosalie said, we can't just walk in the front door."

         "We'll go to Hogsmeade," Harry decided, "To Honeydukes. Take the secret in the cellar." He paused for a second before adding, "There's something wrong with him. In the past, I could always follow his thoughts...now everything feels disconnected."

         "Maybe it's because of the Horcruxes," Ron suggested, "Maybe he's growing weaker. Maybe he's dying."

         "No," the Potter boy shook his head, "It's more like he's wounded. If anything, he feels more dangerous."

         And they were gone from the lake, Apparating into Hogsmeade. Before they had a moment to look around, an inhuman shrill was heard and laughter followed. Death Eaters were piling out of one of the shops. They ran away, quick as they heard the dark wizards calling out for Harry.

         "They were reading for us," Hermione whispered in a frightened voice, remembering her last encounter with Death Eaters...with Bellatrix.

         The dark wizards continued to taunt them, Harry falling for one of them, before they heard a voice behind them. "In here, Potter," and they slipped into the shop after the man who called them.

         "Did you get a look at him! For a second I thought it was –" Ron was right, the man did look a lot like Dumbledore. Rosalie felt a large amount of guilt in her stomach at the look of him, before realizing that he could've been Albus' brother, Aberforth.

         They continued on with a conversation, but Rosalie was entranced by a painting on the wall. A fair girl, lady perhaps, very young, was smiling at her. Well, at them. The Allen girl continued to gaze at her before realizing that they could've been Ariana, the sister who was killed by either Dumbledore himself, Aberforth, or Grindelwald.

         "...it's you I've been seeing – here...sent Dobby."

         The girl in the painting continued to smile at Rosalie, and she felt an odd sensation as to reach for her in the painting.

         "...he's dead."

         Or maybe not into the painting, but behind the painting. But there would be a wall, of course.

         "...Mundungus Fletcher..."

         She looked so happy, a gentle nod of the head towards Rosalie and she knew that there had to be something more to her.

         "...Sirius. Albus told me...but ask yourself where you'd be if I didn't..."

         Rosalie found herself walking closer to the painting, her mind not even registering it.

         "...think of best way...get you out..."

         She felt like she had been placed under a trance or spell, like she had no will over her body anymore as she moved forward.

         "...the Order is finished..."

         Her lips parted. What beauty in the picture, what innocence, what childhood nature.

         "...get into Hogwarts..."

         "...you think you can believe anything my brother told you! In all the time..."

         "...keep secrets? You..."

         "...a boy who goes chasing Horcruxes on the word of a man who won't even tell him where to start...what a fool does..."

         "...don't strike me as a fool...must be a reason..."

         "...because I need to. Because if I don't, I don't know who I am anymore...I need to get into the castle tonight..."

         "...you know what to do..."

         Ariana left, walking backwards into the painting, and no longer could Rosalie gaze at her grace, her innocence, her beauty. Snapping back into reality, she turned back into the group. "Where've you sent her?" Harry asked.

         "You'll see soon enough," Aberforth waved the question off.

         "That's Ariana, isn't it?" Hermione correctly guessed, "Your sister. She's beautiful."

         There was more, nothing that struck enough importance until Aberforth said this: "My brother sacrificed many things, Mr. Potter, in his journey to find power, including her. She was devoted to him – he gave her everything, but time."

         Hermione then thanked him for the tea before looking at the others, "He did save our lives twice. Kept an eye on us in that mirror. That doesn't seem like someone who's given up, does it?" And then Rosalie noticed the painting again, two little figures increasingly becoming bigger, "She's coming back! And she's got someone with her!"

         "Who's that with her? Bloody hell..." Ron inquired, everyone looking at the painting. And then it opened, revealing another Gryffindor, Neville Longbottom, who was noticeably limping.

         "I knew you'd come! I told them all! Harry Potter would never abandon Hogwarts!" Neville cheered.

         "Neville..." Hermione said quite softly. They talked before entering the passage as well.

         "I don't remember this being on the Marauder's Map..." Ron muttered.

         "That's because it never existed till now. The seven secret passages were sealed off before the start of the year. This is the only way in or out now. The grounds are crawling with Death Eaters and Dementors," Neville informed them.

         "How bad is it, Neville? With Snape as Headmaster?" Hermione nervously asked.

         "Hardly ever see him," Neville waved the question off, "It's the Carrows you have to watch out for."

         "The Carrows?"

         "Brother and sister. They're in charge of discipline. Like punishment, the Carrows," he didn't seem fazed by them at all.

         "They did that to you?" Hermione asked, referring to the gash on Neville's face, "But why?"

         "Today's Dark Arts lesson had us practicing the Cruciatus Curse. On first years. I refused," Neville then added, as if in an afterthought, "Hogwarts has changed."

         Seeing the shocked expressions on their faces, Neville grinned, "Aw, c'mon. Don't be grim. We're all used to it by now. And the thing is, it helps everyone hope. I used to notice that when you did it, Harry. C'mon, we're almost there."

         It was true, they shorted the door shortly as Neville whispered, "Let's have a bit of fun, shall we?" He pushed open the door, "Hey! Listen up, you lot! I've brought you a surprise!"

         "Not more of Aberforth's cooking, I hope," they heard Seamus Finnegan say, "Be a surprise if we could digest it."

         Neville rolled his eyes, swinging open the door to reveal the other four. Rosalie knew they were cheering for Harry, Ron and Hermione after that, and were mostly confused as to why she stood up there with them. They weren't friends – Rosalie Allen didn't have friend. Although, much earlier, in the months the four spent together, she thought they could become friends, but that went down the drain when they found the mark on her left wrist.

         And then Rosalie guess that they thought she was brought in to them when they found her somewhere – wherever she was. But they were wrong. So very wrong, but that didn't matter at the moment.

         "Get the word out to Remus and the others that Harry's back," Neville told a boy, who nodded.

         He went over to a machine and said, "River, DA calling. Do you read? We have a new weather report: Lightning has struck. I repeat, lightning has struck..."

         "Okay, okay! Stand down! Let's not kill them before You-Know-Who gets the chance!" Neville commanded, causing everyone to settle down, "Right then. What's the plan, Harry?"

         The Potter boy was silent for a moment, thinking, before deciding to say: "Okay. There's something we need to find, something hidden here in the castle. It could help us defeat You-Know-Who."

         "What is it?"

         "We don't know."

         "Where is it?"

         "Don't know that either," Harry said again, and confused murmurs filled the room, "I realize it's not much to go on."

         "That's nothing to go on," Seamus said. Harry faltered for a moment, before his mind reached back to the symbol of Ravenclaw.

         "I think it might have something to do with Ravenclaw," he told them, "It would be small, easy to conceal, valuable. Any ideas?"

         There was silence before Luna spoke up, "Well, there's Rowena Ravenclaw's lost diadem."

         "Oh, bloody hell. Here we go," Rosalie heard Ron mutter under his breath.

         "The lost diadem of Ravenclaw? Hasn't anyone ever heard of it? It's quite famous," Luna carried on.

         "Yes, but Luna, it's lost. For centuries now. There's not a person alive today who's seen it," Cho told her.

         The other Ravenclaws nodded their heads as Ron frowned, "Excuse me. But would someone tell me: what's a bloody diadem?"

         "It's a kind of crown. You know, like a tiara," Cho explained, "Ravenclaw's was rumored to have magical properties, to enhance the wisdom of the wearer."

         Then Ginny walked into the room, saying Harry's name. He said hi back. Ron rolled his eyes, "Six months she hasn't seen me and it's like I'm Frankie First Year. I mean, I'm only her brother." 

         "Got loads of those, though, doesn't she? There's only one Harry," Seamus said.

         "Actually," Rosalie spoke up, "Harry is a fairly common name, so there's not one Harry, but plenty."

         Seamus glared at her, she shrugged again. Ron looked at her in appreciation, and then she saw it click in his eyes that she was the one who betrayed them – she didn't deserve his kindness, and a cold expression was sent her way. Rosalie hid her frown.

         "What is it, Ginny?" Neville asked the girl, who looked at everyone with a grave expression.

         "Snape knows. He knows that Harry was spotted in Hogsmeade," Ginny told them.

         Well, shit.

         They got robes on, hiding behind the others as they moved through the corridors before reaching the Great Hall. They made sure to conceal Harry the most, but then Harry told them to also hide Rosalie. She would be killed at the spot if she were found, and he didn't want that to happen, no matter what else she had done to them. What a good person he was...

         "Many of you are surely wondering why I have summoned you here at this hour. It has come to my attention that earlier this evening...Harry Potter was sighted in Hogsmeade," Snape informed them, how Rosalie hated him. Murmurs were heard before he continued, "I mention this in hopes that truth will not be supplanted by rumor.

         "For myself and a few select members of the staff this comes as little surprise. We have, for some time, considered Mr. Potter's return to Hogwarts to be not only possible but inevitable. Consequently, in the past several months and under my specific direction, exhaustive defensive strategies have been employed to defeat any attempt Mr. Potter might make to breach these walls. But know this. Shoulder anyone – student or staff – attempt to aid Mr. Potter, that person will be punished in a manner consistent with the severity of their transgression. Rest assured: so long as I am Headmaster of Hogwarts, Harry Potter will never again step foot in this castle."

         Slytherin erupted in applause, happy with the news. The others were silent. Snape raised his hand to quiet them, "Now then. If anyone here has knowledge of Mr. Potter's movements this evening...I invite them to step forward now."

         Dead silence. No one said anything as Snape glared at them all. And then, "I think I can help you out with that..."

         Harry appeared, going into the clearing. "It would seem that, despite your exhaustive defensive strategies, you have a bit of a security problem, Headmaster," he taunted. And then, all of the Order appeared, "And I'm afraid it's rather extensive."

         The Carrows moved forward, looking over to Snape with uncertainty. "How dare you stand where he stood," Harry said, becoming angry, "Tell them how it was that night. Tell them how you looked him in the eye, a man who trusted you...and killed him. Tell them!"

         Snape moved forward to fight him, but McGonagall moved in front of the boy to protect him. Unsure of what to do then, Snape Apparated out of the building.

         "Coward! COWARD! And he didn't even stay to fight!" McGonagal then turned to Harry, "Mr. Potter, do you mind telling me what you're doing here, which, I trust you realize, is an act of complete and utter lunacy."

         "I'm a Gryffindor," he answered. Rosalie rolled her eyes, what a fucking idiot...

         "I thought it might have something to do with it," she shook her head, "All right! All right! Settle down! Settle down!"

         The room quieted. "It appears that your Headmaster, to use the common phrase, has done a bunk," she then smiled, "Potter..."

         Then the room when dark, someone screamed, and then another person. Almost as if they had no control over their own voice...and then:

         "I know that many of you will want to fight. Some of you may even think this wise. But this is folly," the voice of Voldemort was heard throughout the hall, "I wish you no harm. I have great respect for the students of Hogwarts. I was once one myself after all. I ask for but one thing and if granted no magical blood shall be spilt...give me Harry Potter. Do this and none shall be harmed. Give me Harry Potter and I shall leave Hogwarts untouched. Give me Harry Potter and you will be rewarded."

         There was silence again until a Slytherin, Pansy Parkinson, commanded them. "But he's there! Potter's there! Someone grab him!"

         And then Filch came in yelling about students out of bed, causing him to look like a complete fool. "Wait!" McGonagall stood him as he was about to leave, "As it turns out, Mr. Filch, your arrival is most opportune. If you would, I'd like you to lead Miss Parkinson and the rest of Slytherin house from the Hall."

         "Right now," he nodded before stopping, "Er, exactly where is it I'd be leadin' em to, mum?"

         She thought for a moment before smirking, "The dungeons should do." He led them out as she turned back, "I presume you have a reason for returning, Potter. What is it you need?"

         "Time. As much as you can give me," Harry answered quickly.

         "Do what you have to do. I'll secure the castle," she said as he asked another question, "We teachers are rather good at magic, Potter. We've even been known to turn out a worthwhile witch or wizard on occasion. I think it's time I ask a few of them to take their magic beyond the classroom. What do you think?"

         Rosalie moved with McGonagall, Neville, Ginny, and Seamus. The professor told Neville to blow up the bridge connected Hogwarts to the outside world.

         "Let me get this straight, Professor. You're giving us permission to do this?" he asked again.

         "That is correct, Longbottom."

         "To blow it up. Boom..."

         "Boom!"

         "Wicked," he then frowned, "Um...exactly how do you propose we do this, Professor?"

         She smirked, "Why don't you confer with Mr. Finnegan. As I call, he has a particular proclivity for pyrotechnics."

         Seamus nodded, feeling quite prideful about his gift for once, "I can bring her down."

         "That's the spirit. Now off you go," McGonagall commanded, turning to the girls, "Anything you care to add?"

         "Yes," Rosalie said, "They'll probably send the giants and lower ranks first. Luckily for us, that will mean they aren't as skilled in spells as others...unlucky, they have a large army, and don't care about losing a few on the lower levels."

         "And how would you know this?"

         Rosalie lifted the sleeve on her left arm, revealing the mark, "I think I should probably say that I'm wanted for betraying the Death Eaters...right?"

         McGonagall didn't look as fazed as the others who saw, "Very well, help the others with their spells. Teach them anything you know."

         She nodded, bringing down her sleeve again and going to help the others who were preparing. She did everything she could to help them, telling them what to expect and not to tire themselves out – they were the low levels anyways. Save your strength for those they actually knew the name of – like Bellatrix Lestrange – because that's when the real battle began.

         And then they were fighting. She was firing spells at many people at once, all of them looking at her with anger as they tried desperately to kill her. Ha, they still thought they could win. They still thought they would be rewarded later for killing the traitor named Rosalie Abigail Allen. Ha. What fools.

         She shot spells, had then shot at her (some even hit her), and she continued to fight. Rosalie wouldn't back down, even if she died that day. Even if, at seventeen, she died. It would be for good – she would fight for good. No matter what.

         And then the fighting stopped as the chilling voice of Voldemort was heard again.

         "You have fought valiantly...but in vain. I do not wish this. Every drop of magical blood spilled is a terrible waste," he said, "I therefore command my forces to retreat. In their absence, dispose of your dead with dignity. Treat your injured. Harry Potter, I speak now directly to you. On this night you have allowed your friends to die for you rather than face me yourself. There is no greater dishonor. Join me in the Forbidden Forest and confront your fate. Should you so I give you my word that no other life will be lost on this night. You have one hour. If, at the end of that time, you have not given yourself up, then I shall punish every last man, woman and child who tries to conceal you from me."

         She let out a shaky breath at that. Hearing his voice always made her uneasy. Rosalie looked around, she hadn't even noticed the bodies around her piling up. Faltering, she let tears spring to her eyes. She had let herself fall prisoner into serving the army that killed them all. Even if she said it was to be remembered, there were better ways. How dare she let Dumbledore persuade her...

         Rosalie helped those who were taking the bodies to the Great Hall to rest for the battle until they could properly be removed. It was the least she could do. Unconsciously, she tugged her left sleeve down even more, guilt rising her again. Fuck, she hated herself.

         And after what felt like an eternity, she saw Harry leaving the hall after barely passing through it. She followed him, seeing him meet Ron and Hermione.

         "Where've you been?" Hermione asked before seeing Rosalie, "You too..."

         "Was helping the others move the bodies to the hall..." Rosalie muttered.

         "Good," Ron nodded before turning back to Harry, "We thought you'd gone to the forest, we thought you might be –"

         "I'm going there now," Harry cut him off, his words confident as he made sure there was no way for them to convince him not to.

         "Are you mad! No!"

         "It's...meant to be."

         "Rubbish! You can't just give yourself up to him –" Ron stopped as Hermione squeezed his arm.

         "What is it, Harry?" she asked him softly, "What is it you know?"

         "There's a reason I can...hear them – the Horcruxes," Harry nervously said. "I think I've known for a while. I think you've known too."

         Hermione began to cry, "I'll go with you. I'll –" She couldn't continue, it was too much.

         Harry smiled sadly, "Kill the snake. Kill the snake and then it's just him. Then it will be over."

         He turned away, leaving them, and Rosalie knew that she had to talk to him, one last time. Catching up with him, she started with, "I know that you hate me, but I wanted to say that I hope you have a plan – a good one. I don't want you to die."

         "Well thanks," he sarcastically said.

         "No, really. Harry, I know I'm not a good person, but you are, and you deserve to live. I'm sorry for everything I've done to you, but I need you to live, alright? And because I think this might be the last time I see you...and I wanted to say thank you."

         He stopped, "What for?"

         "You trusted me. Even when Hermione and Ron told you not to, you saw good in me – thought I was someone worth trusting...and I'm sorry that I broke that trust. Really, I am."

         His eyes softened, "You're a good person, Rosalie. At least, you can be. I'm sorry that you thought joining them was the only way to be remembered – for letting yourself believe Dumbledore."

         And Rosalie did something she would regret right after she did it, but it felt right in that moment. She kissed him. It wasn't short, it lasted more than a couple seconds and it felt completely right. And then when she let go, realizing what she had done, a panicked expression was placed on her face.

         "I'm sorry...I shouldn't have done that," she ignored the fact that he kissed back, "I just...I just you have a good plan, because I need you to survive."

         Then she was running away from him, and it was time for the waiting game to begin. They were all waiting outside, as if waiting for Harry. Rosalie sat next to Hermione, who was crying. Out of character, Rosalie reached over to hold her. Surprisingly, Hermione didn't argue, letting herself cry into Rosalie's shirt.

         And then she heard a voice behind her. "Who's that?" she looked to see them approaching, "...Hagrid's carrying? Neville, who is that?"

         They all know; it was Harry. No one just wanted to believe it, especially not Rosalie. He needed to survive! For her, for everyone! He couldn't just die! Not then!

         And then Ginny was screaming, so were others, desperate for Harry to be alive. Rosalie didn't. She couldn't. And then Voldemort addressed them.

         "Tell me. These last few hours – as you collected the dead and tended your wounded – was he by your side?" silence, "While your hands ran dark with the blood of mothers and sons, fathers and daughters, brothers and sisters, his were clasped in prayer – but it was a prayer for one and one only. While you battled courageously, until you could no longer will yourself to stand, he had long since fallen to his knees. While you cursed me until your voices grew ragged, he begged me for mercy in a voice as meek as a child's."

         His eyes narrowed as he continued, "So do not cry for that. He's not worthy of your tears. And do not despair of his betrayal. You were never in his heart. Not for one single solitary beat."

         "Liar!" Ron called out in anger.

         "Did you not hear me! Harry Potter is dead! From this day forward, you put your faith in me or suffer the consequences. HARRY POTTER IS DEAD!" he cheered, "Now is the time to declare yourself."

         Murmurs. No one moved. Then Lucius Malfoy coaxed his son, "Draco..." Narcissa did too.

         With guilt, Draco moved forward, looking at Rosalie who nodded. It was alright. She understood, she always understood. Voldemort hugged him, Rosalie felt disgusted just looking at him.

         "Well done, Draco. Who will be next? Hm? Come now, don't be shy," and then Neville limped forward, carrying the Sorting Hat, "Well, I must say, I'd hoped for better. Is this truly the best Hogwarts has to offer?"

         They laughed, anger surged through Rosalie. "Who might you be, young man?" Voldemort asked.

         "Neville Longbottom," they laughed again.

         "Well, welcome, Neville. I'm sure we can find a place for you in our ranks."

         "Someone has to do the washing," Bellatrix cackled. Again, they roared.

         "Now, now, Bellatrix. Let's not underestimate our young friend. By stepping forward, he lives to see another day..." Voldemort scolded her.

         "I'd like to say something," Neville said, ignoring the comments made about him.

         "Very well, Neville. I'm sure we'd all be fascinated to hear what you have to say," Voldemort allowed him.

         Neville faced the students, "It doesn't matter that Harry is gone."

         "Stand down, Neville!"

         "People die every day. Friends. Family. Yes, we lost Harry tonight. But he's still with us, here –" he tapped his heart, "And so is Fred and Remus and Tonks. They didn't die in vain." Then he turned to the Death Eaters, "But you will! And you and you and you will! And so will you. Because you're wrong. Harry's heart did beat for us. All of us..." then he reached into the hat, "This isn't over!"

         He pulled out the Sword of Gryffindor.

         Then Harry squirmed out of Hagrid's arms. Voldemort saw him, and then Draco yelled, "Potter!" and tossed him his wand.

         And then the fighting began again. Everyone piled inside, closing the doors to buy them more time. Rosalie felt her hope rising again at the sight of Harry. She ran, silently shooting spells at Death Eaters, but not killing them. She wasn't a killer. Never a killer.

         But she shot more spells, and she saw Mrs. Weasley kill Bellatrix. She found herself something, the bitch was dead!

         And there was more fighting, and it continued. And she was shot, she had been knocked down, but she was still alive. She wouldn't be killed – not that day. And as quick as it began, it was over. Tom Riddle was dead – Voldemort was dead!

         People were resting as the Death Eaters retreated. Rosalie looked around, finding that she didn't fit in. She didn't deserve to be there. Going outside, looking to see Harry with Ron and Hermione, she felt content. The war was over.

         They had won.

         And she Dispparated from Hogwarts.

         Because they had won the war.

longest chapter of this book is the last one...epilogue coming next!