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The burning embers of the shield flew in front of the Snatchers, making Neville's eyes widen. That fast? They broke down the barrier that fast? Scabior raised his wand and twirled it around the burning piece of the shield before he looked at Neville who suddenly looked a little nervous.

Scabior slowly stepped his foot over where the barrier was supposed to be at. Neville's eyes widened at the sight of his foot safely going over and the sound of the leaves crunching under his feet. The Snatchers looked at him triumphantly. They've got him now.

"Nev... get ready. We'll be waiting at the back." He heard Eleanor whisper behind him and gulped, stomping twice on the ground to let them know he understood.

Scabior let out a yell, and the Snatchers followed after him. They rushed towards Neville who ran back down the bridge. Tons of Snatchers were running after him, and Neville willed his legs to run as fast as he could until the end of the bridge. He was going to take them all down. Spells were cast in the narrow bridgeway, and Neville expertly dodged and blocked them all with the spells they had been practicing for the past months. Soon, they were very deep into the bridge with almost all the Snatchers in.

"NOW, NEV!"

At Eleanor's yell, Neville pointed his wand at one of the pillars. "Pompus!"

Fireworks burst from his wand and hit the pillar. The explosives on it spreading throughout the entire bridge with small sparking noises. From the very start of the bridge where most of the Snatchers were entering, the bridge started exploding. As it exploded, Neville ran harder than ever and the Snatchers were blown up with them, having nowhere left to go. The bridge gave out from under them, and Neville had only a few steps left to go before the bridge would complete collapse.

"Neville, jump!" Seamus called out to him, and the Longbottom took a literal leap of faith and jumped as far as he could, letting out a sigh of relief when he felt two hands grab his and pull him up to the floor.

Laying on the floor, Neville gasped and panted for air before grinning at his two friends and the other students who helped them and were looking at him worriedly. "That went well."

On the North side of Hogwarts, Death Eaters started Apparating near the castle's entrance, joining the Giants, Acromantulas and a few werewolves who were under Greyback's command. Roars and yells were heard from both side of the battlefield as they advanced onto Hogwarts.

Vines started sprouting from the grounds and wrapped themselves around whoever they could wrap themselves around, binding them to the ground. Some Death Eaters were flying, draped in smoke as they made some suits of armor explode. The other suits of armor met their enemies head on, using their weapons to take them down.

Flitwick who was in between the suits of armor quickly ran back to take cover along with everyone else while Professor McGonagall was waiting for everyone to come in. "Get inside! This way, everyone. Take cover!"

Death Eaters however had already entered the grounds and started Apparating in random places, destroying bits and pieces of the castle as they went. One arrived right in front of Arthur Weasley who met the Killing Spell with his counterspell. Meanwhile, another came into the window in front of Kingsley who nonverbally cast his spell that froze the Death Eater and the shards of glass before making them fly back. Remus and Sirius were engaged in a duel with a pair of Death Eaters, working like a well-oiled machine as they quickly finished them off.

Noah saw a Death Eater right in front of him and panicked for a moment, realizing that he really was in a war. But when he saw the Death Eater raise his wand, Noah's hand worked before his brain, and he yelled. "Expungovir! Stupefy!"

"Expelliarmus!" Luna cast at the Death Eater who was about to cast a spell at Mr. Weasley.

"Flipendo!" Noah followed up with his own spell, sending the Death Eater flying through the broken window.

"Thank you." Mr. Weasley smiled at the two teenagers, proud to see them and his family fighting so bravely. Oh, he was proud of his daughter indeed. Noah and Luna only sent a smile in his direction before they continued on with the fight.

Back inside the castle...

"Stupefy!"

"Expungovir."

"Flipendo."

Jemina and Ginny held each other's hands tight, having their backs to each other as they battled Death Eaters all around them. It was chaos all around them, but they kept their promise to stay together as they battled and helped others around them.

"You stubborn boy, Andrew. Come on, let's get you to the Great Hall." Jemina hoisted the unconscious boy with a broken leg on her back while keeping her wand out. The first year rushed in to help them a while ago but got injuries in turn.

"Don't worry, Jem. I got you covered." Ginny reassured her. They went back into the battlefield where random spells were being thrown everywhere. Ginny noticed a Death Eater from behind them and quickly blocked his spell.

Jemina's eyes widened when she saw two more coming towards them and readied her wand, waving it as much as she could from the hand that was holding Andrew up. "Stupefy."

The Hufflepuff successfully stunned the one coming from the left, but unfortunately, she couldn't do anything to save herself from the spell that was coming from the front. She closed her eyes and waited for the impending hit.

"Protego! Stupefy!"

Jemina's eyes fluttered open at the familiar voice and saw Neville running towards them with a worried look on his face. "Ginny, Jem, are you two alright?"

"Yeah, we are. Thanks for saving us." Ginny sent a smile at him. "How about you guys? Where are the others?"

"Never better. I feel like I could spit fire." Neville grinned all of a sudden, making Ginny and Jemina glance at each other in surprise. "But Eleanor, Seamus and the others joined in the battle. They're back downstairs. You haven't seen Luna, have you?"

"I heard she was with Noah and the others, by the East Side. Why?" Jemina asked him.

"Thanks!" Neville yelled out before he started running up towards the East Side. "I'm mad for her! I think it's about time I told her since we'll probably both be dead by dawn."

As he disappeared, Jemina and Ginny couldn't help but chuckle before they quickly ran down towards the Great Hall which they turned into their safe place. Jemina set Andrew down near Madam Pomfrey. "He's got a broken log, Madam. Please check it out."

After that, Ginny and Jemina held hands again as they rushed back out into the battle, casting spells immediately at the Death Eaters who they saw on their way.

"Expungovir!"

"Reducto!"

The Death Eaters collapsed at their spells, and Jemina and Ginny ran back inside, fighting fiercely while still having each other's backs.

"Help!"

"NO!"

They suddenly heard from two different directions, ahead and the East. The two of them glanced at each other before making a decision with their eyes. Ginny didn't hold herself back any longer and pulled Jemina in for a short yet passionate kiss, making her feel all the love that Jemina had waited for and deserved. "I love you. Wait for me."

"I love you too. I'll always wait for you." Jemina grinned widely, realizing Neville was right. They might be dead by dawn so might as well be fools in love while doing so. With one last reassuring squeeze of their hands, they soon separated with Jemina going to the East and Ginny going straight ahead.

"Reducto!" Ginny pointed at the ceiling that fell directly onto one of the Death Eaters who was attacking the injured Terry Boot.

"Thank you, Ginny – Watch out!"

"STUPEFY!"

Before Ginny could even turn around to see her attacker, Ria had already cast a spell at the Death Eater, knocking him backwards.

"Ginny, you and Terry should go to the Great Hall." Ria told them before she went back to where Tonks was dueling with Bellatrix.

"Come on, Terry." Ginny wrapped an arm around the Ravenclaw's shoulder and helped him up when...

"You filth! Unworthy to be part of the Black family."

Ginny looked back to see Tonks who was down on the ground wandless and defenseless while Ria was dueling with Rodolphus Lestrange. The Muggleborn was obviously struggling with keeping her eye on her wife and keeping her focus on the battle.

"Stay here." Ginny dropped the boy gently onto the ground and made their way towards them, but Rabastan Lestrange suddenly appeared in front of her with an evil grin.

"You're not going anywhere, weasel."

"Flipendo!"

"Expungovir!"

Ginny and Terry cast at the same time, making Rabastan fly away a few meters from them. The Gryffindor glanced behind her and saw Terry smiling while holding his wand.

"Who cares if I'm worthy and filthy? At least I've got great hair unlike you." Tonks' loud laugh caught Ginny's attention, and she saw the witch even change her purple hair into orange. It made Ginny's eyes widen. Just how brave was Tonks to even laugh when she was facing death?

Of course, Nymphadora Tonks was scared. For the first time in her life, she was scared of dying because she now knew she had something to protect. She had Ria whom she loved with all her heart. She had a promise to keep, to have a family with her love who had been so brave. But if this was her end, she would gladly accept it. At least, she got to live and love with all her heart.

"Why you little minx!" Bellatrix yelled angrily at her before pointing her wand at Tonks. "It's time to shut your mouth forever."

"No!" Ginny yelled as she started running towards them. She willed her legs to run faster than they had ever done before, knowing she may not reach them in time but still trying. She hoped with everything she had. Not Tonks... Someone, please save her.

Hearing Bellatrix's words, Ria cast a nonverbal spell that made Rodolphus Lestrange soar up through the ceiling before she immediately ran too towards her wife. She would be damned if she let her Dora die. Anything and everything could happen, but Tonks... She wouldn't die today. Ria promised that to herself, and she would keep it with her final breath.

"AVADA KEDAVRA!"

Tonks closed her eyes, seeing the green light flash before her and remembering how much she loved Ria Docherty-Tonks with her entire being. She hated the thought of dying. But at least, she lived her life with no regrets and got to find her true love before she died. This was the end for her...

Until she felt arms wrap around her waist and a body come on top of hers. Tonks's eyes fluttered open in shock when the green light of the Killing Curse hit Ria on the back and left her lifeless on top of Tonks. The Metamorphmagus could only stare at her lover's blank face, frozen at the turn of events.

Bellatrix let out a loud laugh upon seeing Tonks's face. "I think this is better. You'll be living in grief, all alone without your Mudblood lover."

The Death Eater then Disapparated away with satisfaction. Ginny's lower lip trembled while she stared at Tonks who was still in shock before she wiped away her tears and slowly walked towards the Auror who couldn't believe what was happening.

"Tonks..." Ginny whispered out in a pained voice. "I'm so sorry."

Hearing Ginny's words made Tonks come out of her shock. She held Ria in her arms and let out a soulless chuckle. "Ria. Ria Docherty-Tonks, you better wake up this instant or I'm not going to make you your favorite ham and cheese sandwich when we come home. Wake up now."

Ginny's heart became heavier at that. She swallowed the lump in her throat and blinked her tears back. "Tonks..."

"You made a promise." Tonks couldn't hold her tears back anymore. "You made a promise to finally have a family with me. You can't just go to sleep after making me the happiest woman in the world. So, wake up now, Ri. Wake up! Please..."

The Weasley could only let her tears fall while Tonks' cries filled the corridor. She let them be for a while, defending them and Terry from the spells and the Death Eaters that came their way despite how she too was crying. Ria always beat herself up for being a coward and a fool when it came to love. She was always so afraid with taking a risk, knowing that there would always be a price that came with happiness.

However, in her final moments, Ria Docherty-Tonks proved to be one of the bravest women in the history of the Wizarding World. She chose to love despite the dangers. She sacrificed herself for love. She died to save her love and left this world with only one regret.

She wished she could have risked a little earlier.

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Meanwhile, on the East Side of the Castle...

Sirius, Remus, Fred, George, Percy, Noah, Luna, Neville, Arthur and Kingsley were fighting with the Death Eaters. They made sure to have each other's backs as they fought the many Death Eaters coming towards their way. They were the most vulnerable since they were being attacked the most.

Suddenly, Sirius felt the alarm of the South Side go off, making his eyes widen. "They've entered from the South. I need to go there and create a barrier."

"No. I'll go." Remus said while he cast a nonverbal Stunning Spell at one of the Death Eaters who was about to attack Neville.

"NO!" Sirius yelled in protest, holding Remus' hand with his free one. "It's too dangerous – "

"We've got too many of them attacking us from here, Siri." Remus explained to him in a gentle voice before leaning in and placing a swift yet sweet kiss on his husband's lips. "I'm sure there will only be a few there. I'll be back as soon as I recast the enchantments."

Sirius was still skeptical, but he couldn't do anything else and nod, knowing he made a point. "Please, be careful, Moony."

"Always, Padfoot. Take care."

With that, Remus started running towards the South side of the castle, passing by Jemina who glanced at him briefly before she continued on her way, remembering the shout she heard.

"Expungovir!" Jemina cast at the woman who was about to curse Percy Weasley before following up with another spell. "Stupefy!"

The group grinned at the Muggleborn who immediately joined them in the fight. However, Sirius still had a bad feeling about sending Remus alone to the South side. Remus would be fine. He should trust in Remus, right?

Remus finally reached the South side of the castle, his eyes widening when he saw a few giants and the remaining Snatchers about to break through the enchantments they made. He knew he was practically on a suicide mission, rushing into the battlefield without a plan. But he knew the decision he was making. It was all for their sakes.

Remus Lupin smiled widely, casting enchantments on the castle behind him. Enchantments that would prevent them from entering. He knew he couldn't stop them from coming in, but he could at least delay them. As he had done the final touches, the enchantments that Sirius and the others made were finally broken.

With the thought of Sirius Lupin-Black in mind, he faced them head on and yelled. "Come to Moony Lupin-Black!"

Remus cast spell after spell at the coming giants and Snatchers, making use of every spell he knew of. Like he said, it was a suicide mission, and he knew he would be overpowered with how many they were and how exhausted he felt with every spell he cast. But this was what he planned anyway. To give their side time to prepare for the incoming troops. He knew they would know what was happening soon.

"You're a fool, Lupin." Augustus Rookwood Apparated right in front of Remus who paid him no attention and continued with casting his spells at the Snatchers and transfiguring the objects around him to keep the giants at bay. "Facing us off on your own? You've got your head in a bin."

"I do." Remus managed to answer and even smile. "My husband's crazy, so I am too. We're crazy for each other."

"Stupid." Augustus Rookwood mumbled before coldly staring at Remus and not letting this go on any further. "Avada Kedavra."

Remus Lupin wondered if this was how James and Lily felt when they died. Did they see their entire life flashing before their eyes? His memories made with the Marauders, the Order, his students, his friends that he now came to know as family... And Sirius. Sirius was always the beginning and end of his day. He woke up, thinking of Sirius in the morning and he slept, thinking of Sirius in the night.

"The night sky can't even compare to the beauty of our love, Moony. I love you to the moon and the sun and the stars, to the entire universe and back."

He remembered those specific words of Sirius back when they got married, closing his eyes with a smile. He too now would be a star in the sky, loving and watching over Sirius from where he was.

Rookwood struck Remus Lupin, killing the werewolf who loved a star and would soon be one.

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While in battle, Sirius' eyes widened suddenly. He had no idea what was happening, but he just felt like something bad happened. Remus was still not here even after minutes passed. Did something happen to his Moony? He hoped not, but he needed to know now.

"Remmy." Sirius didn't care anymore and started on his way to the South side, but Arthur stopped him.

"Sirius, where are you going?" Arthur asked while he protected them with the Shield Charm from a Death Eater Sirius didn't notice in his worry.

"I need to see Remus. H-He's still not here, Arthur. I'm sorry." Sirius tried pushing past him again.

"Sirius, I know you are worried, but please be rational." Kingsley spoke in a calming tone, continuing his battle. "Why don't you go to the Great Hall first? He might have gotten injured there."

"I'll come with you, Sirius." Noah offered with a comforting smile. "If he isn't there, we can go to the South side."

Sirius let out a deep and shaky breath, knowing they had a point. They were in war. They shouldn't act recklessly. He nodded and smiled gratefully at Noah before the two of them went off towards the Great Hall. The others who were left knew it would be harder as they were two wands down, but they continued fighting with everything they had. Jemina found herself with Percy, Fred and George as they battled against four Death Eaters together.

"Hello, Minister!" Percy yelled cheerfully at Pius Thicknesse who appeared right in front of them. "Did I mention I'm resigning?"

"Was that a joke? I'm a proud brother." George sniffed in a fake manner.

"You're joking, Perce!" shouted Fred as the Death Eater he was battling collapsed under the weight of his Stunning Spell. Thicknesse suddenly fell to the ground with tiny spikes erupting all over him; he seemed to be turning into some form of sea urchin, making the four of them laugh. "You actually are joking, Perce... I don't think I've heard you joke since you were 11!"

All of them couldn't help but laugh at that even if they were intensely battling with the Death Eaters now. Trust Fred to make a good joke in the middle of a war.

"NIGHTINGALE!" Amycus Carrow suddenly appeared in front of Jemina, making the Hufflepuff's eyes roll at their obsession with her.

"You just won't stop, will you?" Jemina countered the Carrow's spell with one of her own. "You and your sister keep crowing, but you can't even kill me. Give it up already!"

"I won't stop until you die!" Amycus shouted in anger while the Weasleys laughed at Jemina's comment. The Death Eater suddenly cast a spell that confused Jemina momentarily because she didn't feel anything.

The air suddenly exploded then, the ceiling and the corridor being demolished by Amycus' spell. The wreckage was coming down on them. Jemina's eyes widened when she saw that George was directly under the falling debris and acted without another thought. She pushed him out of the way and heard someone yelling her name... Everything happened so quickly.

An image of a woman with red hair and brown eyes came into Jemina's mind. The image of her angel imprinted... She felt sorry. She only got to let her feel loved for a short amount of time, she made a promise she didn't get to keep, she wasted 5 years of waiting and pining when she could've had a good relationship with Ginny in those 5 years.

But despite all those regrets and pain, Jemina could only think of one thing in her mind. She was happy. She got to love Ginny Weasley even if it was only for a short amount of time, she made a promise of waiting that she somehow managed to keep, she loved Ginny Weasley in secret for 5 years and got to experience the best thing that could ever happen to a person: to be loved. And so, Jemina embraced death with a heavy yet happy heart.

The scarred and bloody warrior perished, finally being able to rest in peace after her tireless fight. She fought courageously, and it was time for her to lay down her wand.

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Ginny was still at her place with Tonks and Terry, still defending and protecting them although she was feeling a little tired now. Tonks was still grieving over Ria's body, and Terry was still helping Ginny from his position. Suddenly, right at that moment, all of them stopped what they were doing because of the sudden and horrible headache that they felt.

"You have fought valiantly but in vain."

Ginny's eyes widened at the high and cold voice, the same as the one they heard only a few hours ago. Voldemort.

"I do not wish this." The Heir of Slytherin continued speaking. "Every drop of magical blood spilled is a terrible waste. I therefore command my forces to retreat."

The Gryffindor almost could not believe it. What? They were retreating. She glanced at the Death Eaters in front of her and saw they were just as confused as them.

"In their absence, dispose of your dead with dignity." Voldemort said before his tone turned dangerous as he addressed Harry and Deanna. "Harry Potter, I now speak 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. If you do not do this, I shall kill every last man, woman and child who tries to conceal you from me. And you, Deanna Dumbledore. Wait for me, dear badger. I'm coming for you."

Ginny could finally breathe again after that, the pain in her head finally being relieved. She glared at the Death Eaters in front of her, daring them to try anything. They could only glare back at her before they finally Disapparated away, leaving them peaceful for who knew how long.

The Weasley sent a smile at Terry Boot who helped her as much as he could despite his broken legs before looking back at Tonks who was hugging Ria's body tight. Ginny let out a sigh and sat down beside her. "Tonks... Let's bring Ria to the Great Hall. Come on."

"No..." Tonks whimpered and shook her head, burying her face in Ria's neck.

"We're not saying goodbye, Tonks. We're just going to move her somewhere safe, okay?" Ginny patted the older girl on the shoulder, knowing this must be hard for her. She didn't know what she would do if that happened to Jemina. "Let's... Let's let her rest comfortably so that she can have a... peaceful sleep."

Those words seemed to soften Tonks's heart a little, and she managed to take Ginny's hand and stand up though she was still holding onto Ria tightly. Ginny smiled at her before she went to Terry Boot and pointed her wand at the huge cuts on his arms. "Cicatrize. Let's go."

As Ginny helped Terry up, the group of three – four slowly went towards the Great Hall. Ginny's face fell when she saw bodies being carried in. They must have lost a lot of people then. But nevertheless, they went into the Great Hall. Ginny immediately set Terry down near the Healers before she went back towards Tonks's side. Ginny felt her heart drop at every body she recognized as they walked through the hall. Colin Creevey. Lavender Brown.

"Remus." Ginny said in shock when they reached the middle and saw Sirius crying over his husband's body while Kingsley was trying to comfort him.

Suddenly, Ginny felt her heart ramming hard against her chest. But not in excitement or glee. Did they lose someone else? Who else died? She felt anxious for her family and friends and let her eyes roam the halls. Her heart dropped when she noticed her family on the other side. Her mother, her father and her brothers were crying while crowded around something. Ginny felt herself tremble when she noticed two of them missing: Fred and Ron.

The Gryffindor then made her way to them shakily, hoping she was wrong and they were crying over something else. She was hoping it wasn't what she was thinking. Her hopes went all to waste when she finally got close enough to see who it was.

There was Fred Weasley, lying on the floor, the ghost of his last laugh still etched upon his face. Her brother who was always there for her through laughter and tears... Her brother who may seem like he had jokes at his priorities but always put his family first over everything. Her brother was gone forever, another light gone in this world.

"Ginny." Arthur noticed her first and slowly made his way towards her who didn't realize she was already crying and hugged her tight. "Oh, dear..."

Ginny cried loudly into her father's shoulder for the loss of her brother. "D-Dad. F-Fred... Fred can't be gone, he's still smiling."

Arthur cried even more at that and only tightened his hug around his daughter before letting her go and hug Fred. They knew nothing could comfort their souls right now, but they only had each other. They could only lean on one another and cry it all out. The Weasleys lost a member of their family, and the hole left by Fred's death would never be filled.

"NO! NO! This can't be happening!"

"Please! No!"

"Jem, no!"

Ginny stopped crying momentarily when she heard her love's name. Everyone turned to where the cries came from, and they saw a lot of people crowding around a body. And it was back again. The anxiety that Ginny felt before discovering Fred's body. She started pleading to the deities up there.

'Please, don't take her away from me. Please let her be alive. Please.'

She was about to go towards them when George suddenly held her arm, making Ginny confused. "What are you doing, George?"

"Ginny... I'm so sorry." George whispered in pain, remembering how it happened so vividly. How that brave girl sacrificed herself to save him.

"Let go." Ginny pulled her arm from his grasp and quickly made her way towards the crowd and the body. The anxiety she felt had increased upon hearing George's words, but it wasn't true. Jemina was always waiting. She was always waiting with that enchanting smile and those calming green eyes. She promised Ginny she would be waiting, she said she would take care. There was no way she was dead.

No matter how much Ginny would deny it, the cold and harsh reality slapped her in the face when they all saw her and parted to make a path for her. That was the moment Ginny felt her entire world crashing down. That was the moment she cursed the deities up there for the cruel fate they made happen.

That was the moment Ginny felt like a part of her died... A part of her died with Jemina who lay there, wounds and scars all over her body but still with that enchanting yet empty smile on her face.

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