Harry Potter and the Final Journey(A6)

8/6/2019 Harry Potter and the Final Journey(A6)

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Harry Potter and the Final Journey by Arthur Weasley

Chapter : Chapter

The sky overhead was clear and sunny, beckoning children to come out and bask in its

rays. A horrible reflection of the true state of the world, whether people knew it or not,

thought a teenager sitting outside number four Privet Drive. Nothing could be farther

from the truth. The world was a bleak and cold place where murderers can run

rampant and loved ones can die in a flash. True justice was rarely delivered whendeserved. And so, the journey began...

Harry Potter sat outside staring at the sky, contemplating the events that had

transpired since he joined Hogwarts. He had fought Lord Voldemort four times now,

only to escape by sheer luck but not without losing those dear to him. Harry could still

remember his horrific nightmares from the previous summer of Wormtail crying the

two terrible words that wiped life from Cedric Diggory. Sirius Black, the closest

person Harry could call a relative, had also been mercilessly attacked by Bellatrix

Lestrange and lost his life in the Department of Mysteries. And most recently, the

tragedy still fresh in his mind, Albus Dumbledore, the greatest Headmaster in the

history of Hogwarts, was now dead. Everything until now had been a build-up factor

towards one ultimate goal: the destruction of Lord Voldemort once and for all. But

Harry now had two clear goals in mind: Voldemortand Snape.

SNAPE! Harry yelled loudly to the empty silence of the street around him. He

didnt care who heard him. Hatred welled up inside him as he bitterly thought about

his former Potions Master who had relentlessly tormented him for the past six years.

And finally, to add insult to injury, Severus Snape took the life of Dumbledore. Harry

no longer had dreams of a dark graveyard and a flash of green light crumpling his


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Triwizard friend, but instead of his only mentor being struck down, tumbling out of the

Astronomy tower.

Hogwartsthe place seemed so distant now. Once he had called the castle his home.

But there was no Hogwarts without Dumbledore, and Harry now had no home,

especially not Privet Drive. He returned only because Dumbledore had requested it

the summer before. A final request granted, but Harry could not grant everything. No

matter what Dumbledore said, he would never forgive Snape. Harry knew that

Voldemort would have to be top priority, far more dangerous, and truly the one who

finally killed his parents. But Snape was a close second.

Hours later, Harry sat in his room anxiously watching the time. He smirked to

himself as he remembered the first time that he had watched a clock ticking away

towards this one date. Six years before, he had sat in a broken down old shack, about

to turn eleven, and his entire world changed. Hagrid the half-giant rescued him from

his dismal life with the Dursleys. HagridHarry would surely miss him, and all that

he had done for him. But now, Harry was about to take care of business himself. The

clock chimed twelve. It was now July . The moment Harry had been waiting for all

summer was here at last.

Accio trunk! he cried as he raised his wand. A loud commotion was heard as

Harrys trunk burst out of the cupboard downstairs and landed beside him.

Scourgify! he yelled as he swept clean Hedwigs cage. Piling his belongings

together, he began to descend the stairs, unsurprised by the unpleasantness awaiting

him.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY IT, BOY?! Uncle Vernon cried as his face purpled.

Dudley was crouched in the corner, clearly terrified by his cousins use of magic.

Aunt Petunia looked strangely calm.

Im done here. Im leaving, Harry responded with no trace of emotion.


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Youre not allowed to do magic, boy! Youll be in trouble now! Put that nonsense

back in the cupboard and go back to your room! Harry shot a clearly malevolent

grin back at his uncle.

Im of age. Im allowed to do magic. Im leaving. Im not letting you lock me in a

room, keep me under a cupboard, keep my past away from me, or anything else

anymore. Im leaving. Get out of my way, Harry calmly retaliated as he pointed his

wand at Uncle Vernon, who seemed beside himself. Harry could see his mind

straining trying to decide what to do. On the one hand, he was losing his nephew

finally, but Vernon Dursley never liked not having control of any situation. Seconds

passed in a tense silenceand finally he stepped aside. Harry trudged forward

dragging his trunk and Hedwigs cage.

Good-bye Harryand good luck, Petunia said to him softly as he reached the door.

Harry turned around, completely in shock. He considered her for a second and then

quietly uttered thanks. Not wanting to delay his exit at all, however, he continued

outside and stood on the sidewalk, taking in his surroundings.

So, this is it, he said to the night. Harry prepared to thrust his wand out to once

more call the Knight Bus, when a loud CRACK rang through the silence. Whirling

around prepared to strike, Harry was completely surprised by the sight before him:

none other than his two best friends, Ron and Hermione.

Happy birthday, Harry! Hermione said as she rushed up and hugged him.

Happy birthday, mate, Ron said, patting him on the back.

What are you doing here? Harry said incredulously.

You didnt think wed miss this, did you, Harry? Hermione said.

Yeah, weve got the most evil wizard of all time to destroy, Ron said, as if things of


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this nature occurred every day. So lets get out there and smash some Horcruxes.

I know you cant Apparate legally just yet Harry, so grab my arm. Ive been

practicing, Hermione said as she extended her hand.

Harry reached out and ran them through his mind once morethe cup, the locket, the

snake, something of Gryffindor or RavenclawsCRACK!

Back to index

Chapter : The Walk

CRACK! The trio reappeared in a grassy field. Harry looked around, unfamiliar with

his surroundings.

Where are we? Harry inquired of his friends.

Were a mile or so off of Godrics Hollow, Hermione replied.

What? Why did you Apparate us here?

Its one of the newer Ministry guidelines. Its unwise to Apparate directly to your

destination, in case a Death Eater is lying in waitor worse. So, as long as you dont

mind a bit of a walk, we can be on our way to go see your parents, Harry.

His parents. Despite the hatred for Voldemort and Snape, Harry could always count

on his friends to be there for exactly what he needed. And this time they definitely did

not fail him. The three began to walk in the direction of the village that Harrys

parents had once called home.

Hows the summer been so far? Harry asked.


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Not too bad, considering. No deaths of anyone we know lately. What more could you

ask for in times like these? Hermione replied. Harry nodded and continued in step

with Ron and Hermione, who he now noticed were holding hands.

So, you two, huh? Ron glanced over with a slight smirk on his face.

Yeah. Kind of hard to believe after everything last year, isnt it? he answered.

Not so much. About time is more what I was thinking. Harry said the smirk now

upon his own face. It left abruptly, however. Harry had been waiting for this to

happen for a long time, for his friends to finally realize they were right for each other.

Unfortunately, this happy occasion caused another thought to surface to his already

troubled mindSohows Ginny? Ron and Hermione looked at each other with

slightly grim expressions on their faces. Neither said anything for awhile, until

Hermione finally broke the silence.

Im not sure you want me to answer that, Harry. Harry looked over in alarm.

What do you mean? Has something happened to her? Is she all right?"

Harry, no, its nothing like that, its justshes miserable, Hermione quickly

responded.

Yeah, Ive never seen her this upset. I dont think shes stopped crying since we left

Hogwarts, Ron chimed in.

What? What do you mean? She seemed all right when I left.

Thats because Dumbledore was on everyones mind. Ginny was bottling everything

up at that time. You break up with her just fazed her a bit then. When she got back,

everything hit her. Shes devastated. Its all too much, Dumbledore dying, you leaving


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her, Fleur swooping aroundshe cant take it, Hermione dismally continued. Harry

was in too much shock to respond for a few minutes.

But...I did it for her. The last thing I want is for her to get hurt, or worse! Voldemort

already tried to kill her once!

I know Harry, but dont you see? Ginny loves you. Shed rather be by your side and

with you than you out there risking your neck by yourself. She finally had you after

four years, and now youre gone again. And you know Ginny, shes never been one to

just sit around when things are at stake. You know shed join you in a heartbeat. But

she loves you too much to go against what you asked.

Harry had nothing to say anymore. He didnt know what to feel either. True, he still

liked GinnyNo, you love her and you know it. He was shocked also to hear himself

think that, but he knew it was true. He would never feel the same about any other girl

in his life. And now he had upset her, which only made everything weighing on his

mind feel heavier. The only consolation he had was that he had not yet lost her

forever. Somedaymaybe someday when Voldemorts reign was over he could go

back to herbut not now.

Finally they came out of the field onto a dirt path that wound its way towards a small

area of houses and shops. It was a desolate place. Not a person in sight, windows

boarded up, doors securely barred or locked. An old sign hung crooked on its post

that read, Godrics Hollow.

So, cheery place. This is where they used to live? Harry queried the vast silence.

It wasnt always like this. This wasnt a wizarding community at all. Remember,

Hogsmeade is the only all magical village in all of the country. Your parents were

probably the only witch and wizard here. It would have been a good idea, anyway, to

be hiding out around Muggles with Voldemort hunting them down, Hermione

answered. Harry stole a glance at Ron and noticed him jump a bit at the mention of


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the Dark Lords name, but certainly didnt react as violently as he had in the past.

After Voldemort killed your parents, the residents started to become frightened.

Many left just a week or so after that. The village gradually lost all of its people, and

became abandoned. Most Muggles are too afraid to come back. They said that a

house didnt just fall down to shambles like that. Some claimed to have seen green

flashes in the house and heard screams. Its amazing Obliviators never took care of

them.

Just HOW do you know all of this? Ron asked his girlfriend.

Honestly, Ron, the first fall of Voldemort is one of the most celebrated events in all

of magical history. Do you never see me reading? Hermione shot back, but she was

smiling all the same. Harry laughed aloud at this comment, and they continued

walking on the main path through the deserted village. There was little variation the

entire trip. They passed row after row of falling down establishments, nothing

extraordinary or particularly interesting to look at. The ground was littered with

leaves, twigs, and old newspapers dated from years before. Hermione was right,

everyone must have up and left after his parents were murdered. No one said anything

the rest of the walk until they finally reached their destination.

There it is. Harry pointed forward at the cemetery. Harry continued onward into

the area then stopped and turned around. Ron and Hermione were now a distance

away from him, talking quietly. They stopped when they realized Harry had and

looked up.

You go on, mate. Theyre your parents. Well be along, let you have a little time to yourself, Ron said. Harry could see no reason to argue and continued forward. It

took him only a few minutes to find them. Alone off in a somewhat secluded corner,

lay a gravestone that was a bit cleaner and newer than the others surrounding.


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James Potter and Lily Evans Potter

Together Forever

After sixteen years he was finally here, with his parents again, where it all began.

Harry was suddenly glad that Ron and Hermione had decided to stay behind. He

could have a little time to speak his mind.

Hi Mum. Hi Dad. Im back. I know its been awhile, and Im sorry I didnt come

sooner. You know, Voldemort and all. It hasnt been an easy life so far. Your relatives

are really horrible, Mum, but Im sure you knew that already. Still, life could be

worse, I suppose. I hope youve seen Sirius. It was great to get to know him while he

was here Harry trailed off. He was avoiding what he really wanted to say. It was

difficult to bring it out, but now was the time. Sixteen years had passed, no sense

waiting any longer. I want you to know that---that---me---I---oh---AHHHHHHHH!

Harry began screaming. Pain like he had never felt before gripped his head, right

along his scar. Harry clutched his head and vomited onto the grass by his feet. He had

never felt any pain this terrible, even the Cruciatus Curse would be bearable next to

this feeling. In his intense agony, he heard a cold, mirthless laughter ringing through

his ears. And to add to this horror, he heard a matching voice. Attack not the physical

self, but the heart At once, his pain ended. Harry looked up and found himself

sprawled on the ground, next to a pile of sick and twitching slightly. He slowly pulled

himself up off of the ground and turned to find his friends running towards him.

Harry, are you all right? What happened? Harry still couldnt look up. He heard their voices but they didnt register completely. He knew what he had just heard. But

what did it mean? As if in answer, a loud CRACK rang out over the cries of his

concerned companions. All three looked over to the grave of the Potters to see a

cloaked Death Eater. It was Hermiones turn to scream this time. Harry, however,

drew his wand.


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With a quick swipe of his own wand, the Death Eater silently disarmed him. Again,

without a word and another motion, all three were suddenly thrown back onto the

ground, unable to move. The Death Eater turned its back on the trio and began

chanting in a low voice. Bound by whatever spell the minion of Voldemort had cast,

all the trio could do was helplessly watch as the eerie voice droned on. Time passed

terribly, whether it had been a minute or an hour, Harry could no longer tell, but the

chanting suddenly changed to yelling. Words that Harry could not decipher poured

out of the masked figure, when at last the servant turned around and gave one more

sweeping motion of its wand. At once Harry, Ron, and Hermione were able to stand

up and pulled out their own wands. Harry recovered his from nearby, but much to his

dismay he heard another CRACK. He looked up and saw no one besides his friends.

Who was that? Harry demanded. Both Ron and Hermione shrugged.

I think it was a man, but thats not very much to go on, Hermione answered. She

suddenly pulled back from where she was standing, only a few feet from the grave.

Whats wrong? Ron started, but he too jumped back a second later. The ground

where they were just standing was beginning to shake.

Back to index

Chapter : The Horror

Whats going on? Harry cried. At this point, however, he no longer needed to ask,

he could see it for himself. The immediate area was quaking before them. What did

he do?

Harry, Harry, I thinkaahhhh! Whatever Hermione thought, she did not have a

chance to explain, for at that moment the trio was thrown backward by a sudden

upheaval of earth. The grave of the Potters shot into the sky and landed only inches


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away from Hermione. No, no, it cant be!

Hermione, what---? Harry trailed off as his question was no longer relevant. As his

gaze shifted forward again, he saw what was waiting before them. Where his parents

were previously buried, a chasm had opened up. Slowly two figures rose up out of the

gaping hole. Harry could not discern any visible features at first and he did not have

time either. Once again his head split open with pain. Harry yelled out in agony once

more, but his friends were more concerned with the horrific sight before them. So it

beginsShow no mercySTOP! Harry yelled out, unable to bear anymore. His

pain subsided instantly and he looked up again. Two figures were still trudging

towards him and his friends.

Harry, lets go! Hermione practically screamed.

No, somethings happening, I have to find out what.

No, Harry, we have to go now! Her words fell on deaf ears, for Harry would not be

moved. Voldemort had something planned and there was no more running from him.

Whatever evil was now in store for Harry, he knew he had to face it head on.

Voldemort would certainly have far worse ready for him later and there was no sense

avoiding his works now. But nothing could have possibly prepared Harry for what

was now before him. As the shapes came close enough for Harry to observe them

clearly, he noted at first what appeared to be two very pale individuals walking

towards him. He noticed one of them appeared to be male and had dark untamed hair.

He looked vaguely familiar, but nothing that Harry could identify at first. The other

seemed to be female and had longer red hair. As she came closer, Harry noted shehad green eyes and a familiar green at that. Somewhere he had seen before

With a thrill of horror Harry finally realized exactly what was going on. Never in all

of his worst nightmares did he ever expect anything like this to happen. Clearly an act

this horrible only showed just how evil Voldemort truly could be. Mum! Dad! No!

Harrys words were now the ones that were useless. All he could do now was watch in


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shock and panic as his parents trudged towards him menacingly.

Ron shouted out something that Harry could not decipher, but it sounded oddly like a

swear word. Harry! Do something! he cried. Harry, however, stood frozen to the

spot with tears running down his face. Hermione ran over and shook him.

Harry, I know this is horrible, but we have to do something! Theyre going to kill

us! Harry seemed to snap out of a reverie at this action. He looked over at his

friends.

What am I supposed to do? he yelled.

Fight them! Theyre not going to stop, and theyre almost here! she retaliated.

Fight them? Fight my parents?

Theyre not your parents anymore, Harry. Theyre Inferi! Theyre not alive! And

theyll kill us unless you do something! Harry looked from Hermione to the

advancing minions of evil. He knew she was right, but again he stood frozen. These

were still his parents in a way. Seeing them like this, the first time in sixteen years, it

was just too much. Ron, however, decided that it was the time for action. Stop---!

No! Hermione cried out as she shoved his wand arm into another direction. Let

Harry do it!

Hermione, look at him! He cant do this!

Just trust me, let Harry do it!

But---

RON! Now is not the time!


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HERMIONE! Ron yelled. The Inferius of James Potter was reaching out for her.

No! Impedimenta! Harry drew his wand and knocked back his former father. He

careened backward and tumbled into Lily. Both were momentarily on the ground, but

then quickly rose back up and redoubled their march on the trio. Harry looked

forward at them, still stunned, but this time ready to act. MumDad! Im sorry!

Harry, please! someone said on his left. Harry raised his wand and looked

forward, steeling himself. INCENDIO! Flames shot from the end of the wand and

set the Potters ablaze. The Inferi fell to the ground and began writhing and twisting in

the heat and light. In all of this, however, not a single sound escaped their lips, which

somehow made Harry feel worse. As Harry looked on at the burning nightmarish

creations before him, he felt something brush against his arm. He looked over and

saw Hermione clutching his arm with an expression of utmost pity on her face.

CRACK!

All three reappeared in front of the gates of Hogwarts. Why did you want us to come

here, Hermione? Ron asked.

This is the only safe place anymore. Voldemort knew Harry was there. He cant get

us in here. Not yet, anyway, she added dismally.

Hermione, look Ron pointed behind her. Hermione turned around and noticed

Harry several feet away, staring off into space. You all right, Harry? He didnt

answer them. Never, in all of his life, did he ever expect anything so horrible tohappen. His own parents reanimated and sent to kill him. Clearly Voldemort was

counting on him being unable to attack those that were once so dear to him.

Admittedly, it had not in any way been easy. Attack not the physical self, but the

heartThose words would resound with Harry forever, the awful chill in the voice

lingering with a truly sinister effect. He could not possibly continue on his mission

right now. He needed to see someone first. He needed to talk. And there was only one


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person that might understand. Harry?

Harry turned and looked at Hermione. I have to go.

What?

I have to go. Ill come find you later. But for right now, I have something that I need

to do. With that, he Disapparated.

Back to index

Chapter : Return

As the feeling of iron bands left him, Harry saw the Burrow come into focus. This

place had been more of a home to him than anywhere else, except perhaps Hogwarts.

Mrs. Weasley was the closest thing he had ever known to a mother. But it was not her

that he came to see. Harry walked towards the door when he heard a rush of air

behind him and what he thought to be a broom touch down. When he turned around

he was scarcely able to look at the source of sound when he was enveloped in a tight hug.

Harry! Ginny cried out.

Hi, Ginny. Out flying?

YeahI, uh, didnt like being cooped up in there. She pointed to the house. Harry

noticed, despite her happiness, that her eyes were red and puffy. What are you doing

here? she asked incredulously.

I needed to see you. Can we go inside? I want to talk.


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Of course. Are you all right?

Lets just talk. They crossed through the door.

Back already, Ginny? What---Harry! Mrs. Weasley rushed over and also caught

him in a tight embrace. What are you doing here?

Oh, I just fancied a visit.

Ron and Hermione left to find you, did you see them? Are they all right?

Yes, theyre fine. I just left them. No offense, Mrs. Weasley, but I really need to talk

to Ginny.

Oh, well, all right. Mrs. Weasley left them, although there was a faint glimmer of

hurt showing in her face. Harry and Ginny proceeded up the stairs to her room.

What happened? You look upset, Harry.

Voldemort just attacked. In a way that only you would be familiar with.

He what?! Harry, what did he do? Ginny gasped.

Do you remember when he used you to draw me out? Almost killed you just to get to

me?

Ginny looked slightly apprehensive at this question, but answered nonetheless, Yes,

but I dont see what this has to do with---

Harry interrupted her, Did Ron and Hermione tell you where we were going?

Yes, Godrics Hollow, to go see your par---Oh no. Comprehension finally dawning


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upon her, Ginny trailed off. Did he---

Slowly, Harry let the truth out. He turned them into Inferi. They tried to kill us.

Oh Harry She walked over and hugged him. Thats too horrible to even think

about!

I had to see you. You were the only one that I know would understand. Voldemort

used you in the same way. The only difference is that at least I still have you. Harry

knew what he had to do know, but getting it out was difficult. Ginny, I ended things

before because I didnt want you to get hurt. I cant bear the thought that because of

me something might happen to you. But I realize now that were all in this together.

None of us is going to be here much longer until Voldemort is gone. And I need all of

you with me to get it done, especially you. They stared at each other for a moment,

and then kissed.

Glad to have you back, Harry. Ginny started crying again, but Harry could tell that

sadness was not behind the tears.

So, does this mean were setting off again? Ron asked. Harry and Ginny both

looked to the doorway where Ron was standing, grinning.

Ron, honestly, dont interrupt! Hermione also came up behind him. Sorry, Harry,

Ginny.

Never could hide anything from you two, could I? Harry replied. Its all right,everythings fine. At least, it will be. And yes, Ron, were setting off. Hermione, I have

an idea. Do you still have your DA Galleon? Hermione rummaged in her pocket and

procured the artifact. Good. Use it.

Harry, what good is that going to do? Hermione objected.


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Im sure Neville still has his coin on him and that he will want to help. Just try it,

please.

But, Harry, he wont know where to find us. We were always at Hogwarts when we

used the coins.

Then Hogwarts is where were going.

Harry, are you sure you want another person along? Anyone of us could get hurt, or

worse

And you think that any of us is safer anywhere else? Neville has every reason to go

with us, just look at what happened to his parents. Dont forget that he helped us in

the Ministry and the night that Dumbledore died. He deserves this chance. Harry

stared at her with such fierceness that she saw no feasible way to object. All argument

having been resolved, the four Disapparated, with Harry holding Ginny.

CRACK! All right, Harry, here goes. Hermione pulled out her wand and tapped the

coin, which glowed briefly and then faded. Theres no guarantee that this will work.

Like I said, Neville doesnt know where were at, and we cant be sure that he still has

it on him. No sooner had she spoken these words when another loud crack rang out

through the air. Everyone turned around to see Neville standing behind them, who in

fact was not alone. Luna Lovegood was clutching his arm, looking as dreamy as ever

with her necklace of butterbeer corks and wand behind her ear.

Hello everyone Luna spoke in her airy voice, taking in her surroundings as if nothing could be more fascinating.

Hi, all! Neville said happily. Whats going on? I felt my coin get hot and figured

you would probably be here of all places.

Harry smiled and replied, Spot on, Neville. Were all going to try to bring down


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Voldemort. I want you to come along. Neville looked slightly pale at this request, but

it was Luna that spoke next.

What about me? she inquired. Harry considered her for a moment. Voldemort may

not have done any personal damage to her, but she had also come to their aid the

night that Dumbledore was murdered and fought at the Ministry. And if he couldnt

depend on his closest friends now, then there was no sense in asking anyone.

If you want in too, youre welcome. This looks familiar, doesnt it? We were all the

ones that went into the Ministry a year ago. And we fought Death Eaters then. Looks

like we might have some more of that in our near future. So, are we all in? Harry

looked around at the small group he had formed. Everyone nodded.

You know, we truly are Dumbledores Army now, Ginny said. Were fighting for

him in a way. At first it was just a clever little name. But now She drew out her

own Galleon. This has so much more meaning. Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Neville

each drew out their coins to show their support for their former headmaster. Luna,

however, was left to stand without the item.

Wheres yours, Luna? Ginny asked.

I havent been able to find it since that one night when we fought the Death Eaters. It

must have fallen out of my pocket, she finished unhappily.

Oh, thats too bad. But at least you were with Neville and you can still be with us for

this, Ginny answered.

Speaking of which, Luna, why were you with Neville just now? Ron inquired. At

this question, Neville started turning a deep shade of crimson.

Um, well, weuh Neville began to stammer.


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Weve started going out, Luna supplied for him.

Really? Wow. That means that all of us Hermione began.

Yeah finished Neville somewhat lamely.

Are we ready then? I think its best that we head off, Harry interjected.

Where are we going anyway, Harry? said Ron.

Well, I have an idea. The problem is that it involves getting inside Hogwarts first.

Probably not the easiest of feats to accomplish right now, but I have another idea for

that one. Harry thought for a moment and then pointed his wand skyward. Expecto

Patronum! he shouted. A silver stag erupted from the end of his wand and sprinted

towards the castle, out of sight into the interior.

Harry, what are you--- Hermione began.

Tonks told me that the members of the Order are communicating with each other

using their Patronuses. Im not quite sure how it works, but Im hoping that I sent that

one to McGonagall and shell realize that its me out here, Harry answered. The

next few moments passed in silence. Each member of the DA was quietly gazing at

their school, all uncertain if they would ever be able to learn there again. Soon,

however, a figure came walking out of the doors and down the grounds to the gate.

Potter? Weasley? Granger? What are you all doing here? Longbottom and Lovegood too? McGonagall demanded of the group.

Hi, Professor. I was wondering if you could let us in perhaps? Harry said.

Let you in? In the middle of summer? Why? McGonagall again demanded.


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Its essential to the defeat of Voldemort. McGonagall winced slightly at the mention

of the name but quickly regained her composure.

Why do you need in here? What does Hogwarts have?

Please, Professor, I know it sounds odd, but if you want a world without Voldemort,

then please unlock the gate, Harry answered while staring intently at his

transfiguration teacher. McGonagall hesitated for a moment, and then tapped the

chains with her wand. They instantly snaked backward and unlocked. The gate opened

and the DA stepped forward onto the grounds.

Back to index

Chapter : Horcruxes and the Unexpected

Are you going to tell us why youve brought us here yet, Harry? Hermione asked.

Its just a thought I had. The Room of Requirement hasnt failed us yet, has it? And

lets face it, none of us have any idea where any of Voldemorts remaining Horcruxesare. So I figured, why dont we try here and see what we can find, he answered.

Neville and Luna only look baffled by this statement, however.

What are Horcruxes? asked Neville.

I tell you what, Ill give this an attempt, and Ron, Hermione, bring Neville and Luna

up to speed on the situation. Harry put on his Invisibility Cloak for good measure,

and then walked past the blank stretch of wall on the seventh floor. I need a way to

find Voldemorts HorcruxesI need a way to find Voldemorts HorcruxesI need a

way to find Voldemorts HorcruxesSuddenly, a door materialized beside him.

Smiling slightly to himself, Harry walked forward and entered the mystery room that

would surely contain something useful


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Of all things that he was expecting, this was not one of them. Harry never imagined

that he would look upon this particular item of interest again. Although, it was fitting

in a way. After all, Voldemorts first encounter with Harry in the castle revolved

around this piece of magic, and his final meeting would no doubt now be influenced in

a similar manner. The Mirror of Erised? Harry inquired aloud of the otherwise

empty room. Harry smirked yet again as he gazed upon the enchanted mirror that

once showed him his parents, the deepest desire of his heart. But now, things were a

bit different. His deepest desire was to rid the world of Voldemort, and he knew that

there was only one way to accomplish such a feat. Harry stepped forward and gazed

into the reflective surface. Unlike any other time that Harry had looked into this

mirror, he did not see a single image, but instead split images throughout the mirror.

In the center, he could see his reflection, which as he knew he could expect regardless

of what he was looking at. This reflection, however, was somewhat dim and shrouded

into the back of the surface, as there was much more that this image had to tell.

At the top, for example, he saw a gold locket, with an ornate S set into the center.

Slytherins own locket, the valuable piece of ancestry that Merope Gaunt had sold for

only ten Galleons in order to survive until she gave birth to the terrible wizard that

would one day threaten the entire world. At the bottom Harry could see a small

golden cup with a badger engraving. Helga Hufflepuffs contribution to the relics of

the founders of Hogwarts and the other half of the reason that Hepzibah Smith had to

die at the hands of Lord Voldemort. Finally, set into the center against his own

reflection, Harry could see Nagini, the snake that the Dark Lord had entrusted with a

piece of his own soul, twisting and slithering through corridors. The mirror showed so

much more than just these items, however, as Harry could see them set against locations. Locations that ultimately revealed exactly what he needed to know

Harry stepped out of the room that still had not failed him and found his five

companions conversing with each other. Did you find what you needed? Ginny

said.


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Oh yes, Harry said while grinning. For the most part. Heres what I know for

now. Slytherins locket is back at number twelve, Grimmauld Place.

What?! How could it be there of all places? Ron said dubiously.

Listen, when Dumbledore and I were gone that night to go find a Horcrux, we didnt

actually get one. There was a locket there all right, but it was a fake. Someone had

been there before and had taken the real one. The one that we took had a note inside it

saying that someone had come in, taken the real Horcrux, and was going to destroy it.

The note was signed with R.A.B. Everyone looked confused at this explanation,

except for Hermione, who suddenly had recognition on her face.

Regulus Black! she exclaimed. He used to be a Death Eater and then was killed

for trying to back out.

Yes, Harry replied. Ill bet you anything that the locket was one of the things that

Kreacher smuggled off to his room when we were cleaning the house. Youre going to

find the locket there. Ron, Hermione, I want you to go and take care of that one. Now,

the next Horcrux is Hufflepuffs cup. Its amazing, I could barely believe it when I saw

it, but the cup is right behind me. When I hid my potions book from Snape I put it in

the Room of Requirement. Somehow, the cup has been in the room all along. Although

I must admit that its a great idea, no one would ever be able to find it unless they

knew exactly where it was kept. As for the snake, Im not sure where it is right now. I

have no doubt that wherever she is Voldemort is bound to be close. So for right now,

lets concentrate on the two that we know about.

But Harry, what about the fourth? Didnt you say that Voldemort should have four

remaining Horcruxes? You destroyed the diary, Dumbledore destroyed the ring, you

told us about the locket, the cup, and the snake, but thats only five, Hermione

wondered to the group.

I know, thats been bothering me a bit. My only guess is that the mirror didnt have


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quite enough room to show me all of them. Lets hope that once we get some out of the

way that the mirror can show us the other one. At least for now we have two to

definitely go after. Right, so you two take care of the locket, Harry said pointing to

Ron and Hermione, and the rest of us will destroy the cup. Ron and Hermione

nodded and left the group so as to Apparate once having left the castle, while Harry

once again marched past the blank wall. I need to find Hufflepuffs cupI need to

find Hufflepuffs cupI need to find Hufflepuffs cupAgain a door magically

appeared for them. Well, lets go, Harry said as he opened the door.

Neville, Luna, and Ginny gasped as they entered the cavernous room full of rows

upon rows of broken, forbidden, and mystical objects. Fanged Frisbees hovered

overhead and everyone ducked as one tore a path through their positions. This is

where you hid your potions book, Harry? Ginny said in awe.

No one would ever find it, would they? And this is where Voldemort has a piece of

his soul he responded. Harry led them past the enormous stuffed troll, veered left

at the now repaired Vanishing Cabinet, and stopped at the damaged cupboard that

still held the Half-Blood Princes copy of Advanced Potion-Making... Help me, he

said as he began to push on it from a side. Together he and Neville successfully moved

the cupboard away and found a small ornate box sitting on the ground. This is

itReducto! His spell blasted the box open to reveal the last known relic of Helga

Hufflepuff. Reducto! he shouted again, but to no avail this time. The spell

connected with the cup and harmlessly bounced off of the shiny surface.

What happened? Do Horcruxes have extra protection? Neville asked.

Not that I know of. After all, I destroyed the diary without even using a wand,

Harry answered. He strained his memory to try to remember what he could about the

cup. Slowly, something that Hepzibah Smith had said bubbled to the surface of his

mindAnd all sorts of powers its supposed to possess too* The cup has some

kind of magic added to it besides Voldemorts soul. That shouldnt come as much of a

surprise, what with it belonging to Hufflepuff and all.


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If its a matter of destroying a magical object came a drawling voice from behind

them. The four members of the DA turned around to find the infamous Draco Malfoy

standing with his wand at the ready. Before anyone could react, however, Malfoy

gave a complicated wand movement and wordlessly shot white lightning at the cup,

which subsequently melted. All astonishment at this action aside, Harry, Ginny, Luna,

and Neville suddenly had all of their wands leveled at him.

What are you doing here?! Ginny demanded.

Ive come to help, Malfoy answered.

What do you take us for? Neville said.

Calm down, Longbottom. I dont want to serve the Dark Lord anymore. Id prefer a

side that doesnt have such an unforgiving figurehead.

And do you expect to find that here? Neville shot back.

Maybe not, but at least none of you would kill me without so much as giving it a

seconds thought. Think about it, if I had really wanted to hurt any of you I could have

done so when your backs were turned. You saw what I just did to that cup, do you

think thats all that the Dark Lord has shown me? Malfoy attempted. Neville opened

his mouth to object again, but Harry stopped him.

Malfoy, how did you get here? Harry inquired.

Vanishing Cabinet. No one really knew where to look for it. The Death Eaters

already got their mission accomplished so they have had no reason to come through

again.

But why come here? What made you think we were at Hogwarts? At this question,


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Malfoy gave one of his trademark sneering smiles and held up what appeared to be a

Galleon. Luna gasped at the sight.

I think someone dropped this, he said. Harry stared at him. Was Malfoy telling the

truth? He had seen him seem to be upset and regretting the decision to side with

Voldemort in the Astronomy Tower. Plus, another piece of Voldemorts soul was gone

thanks to him. Of course, that begged the question

Malfoy, do you know what you just did to that cup? Harry said.

Destroyed it, like you seemed to want. Was there a good reason for that? Ill bet that

cup was worth at least a thousand Galleons, Malfoy drawled again.

So, Malfoy doesnt know about the Horcruxes. No sense telling him then, Harry

thought. All right. Well try this. But if any of us get the slightest inkling that

somehow youre here on Voldemorts orders, its over. Malfoy jumped badly at the

sound of the wizards name, but quickly regained his composure and nodded. The

group of five turned back towards the exit, cautiously giving Malfoy the front and

watching his every move. Before they could reach the door, however, they turned a

corner to find Ron and Hermione waiting with the locket of Salazar Slytherin.

Harry, we found it, but we couldnt---Stupefy! Hermione caught sight of Malfoy

and fired her spell before anyone else knew what had happened. Whats he doing

here?! she yelled.

Hermione, stop! Ginny shouted back. He just helped us out. Were not entirelysure whats going on, but he claims hes left You-Know-Whos side and wants to join

us.

Thats rubbish! This is Malfoy were talking about! she replied heatedly.

Wait! I have an idea, Harry yelled above everyone else. He walked over to Malfoy


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and murmured, Ennervate. Malfoys eyes shot back open and he slowly sat back

up. Sorry about that. She didnt expect you to be with us at all. And no offense, but

who could blame her? But I want you to do something, if you really are with us now.

What? Malfoy said with a trace of a growl. Harry took the locket away from his

best friend and set it on the ground by Malfoy.

Do it again. Whatever you did to that cup, do the same thing to this locket.

Now I know that this one IS worth at least a thousand Galleons. Why do you want

treasures blasted apart, Potter? Malfoy said with a sneer. In response, Harry

pointed his wand at him.

If you would rather we believe that youre still with Voldemort and not us, then by

all means keep acting in this manner. But if you want to prove to us that you really

want to fight him, then do what I say. Malfoy glared at Harry, but then repeated his

wand movement and dissolved the Horcrux.

There, happy? Malfoy sneered.

Ecstatic, Harry said in an equal tone of unhappiness. Now lets go. We still have

two left.

Two of what, Potter? Malfoy demanded.

In time, Malfoy. We started trusting you five minutes ago. These things dont comeeasy. The seven teenagers walked out of the Room of Requirement and watched as

the door disappeared behind them. The next sounds that greeted their ears were the

screams of Hermione and Ginny as they noticed the body of their former headmistress

lying on the floor.


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*Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, pg. U.S. version

Back to index

Chapter : Expect the Unexpected

Professor McGonagall! Hermione screamed. Everyone stared in horror as they

took in the terrible sight that was before them. Ron slowly walked over and examined

the body.

Shes dead! Must have been Avada Kedavra. Theres nothing that looks to be wrong

with her otherwise Ron said in a horrified whisper.

But then that means that someone else is here! Harry looked around wildly,

searching for the mystery intruder that had wiped away the life of his Transfiguration

teacher. As if in answer, a high, cold voice rang out through the halls, magically

amplified and made more sinister in the process, Did you really think I wouldnt find

you here, Potter?

No, no, it cant be! Hermione screamed again.

RUN! Harry yelled. The others needed no further urging. Everyone scrambled and

took off in a different direction, fleeing from the evil voice that had infiltrated the

place that had once been a sanctuary from all outside forces. Harry ran on with

Ginny at his side, his lungs burning and his breath becoming shorter, until finally he

skidded to a halt, unable to keep going.

Harry, we cant run from him. He could be anywhere here! Ginny said.

What do you recommend we do? Fight? He still has two more Horcruxes


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somewhere. I never got the chance to look at the mirror again! Harry retaliated.

Harry! Look behind you! Ginny screamed. Harry whirled his head around and

saw, as if in answer to his question, Nagini slithering from the corridor. Stupefy!

Ginny yelled, but to no avail. The snake swiftly dodged the spell and continued on her

path towards them. Harry similarly shot another spell at the animal, but had the same

result. Panicking again, he grabbed Ginnys arm and started running again. Pain was

gripping his side and he could feel sweat gliding down his forehead, but still he and

Ginny tried to escape from the fearsome creature in pursuit. The feat almost seemed

plausible, until Ginny screamed again. Harry turned his head to find the snake

draining her venom into his girlfriends side.

IMPEDIMENTA! Harry screamed. The spell missed the snake and knocked Ginny

into the wall, where she crumpled and fell to the floor. NO! he yelled. Stupefy!

This time the spell hit its mark and left the snake unconscious. Unlike other victims of

this curse, however, she began to stir almost immediately. Without thinking, Harry

took off down the hall again, surprised to find that he had run all the way to the

headmistress office. Even more surprising was the fact that the gargoyle had already

been turned aside and the stairs were there, almost beckoning him to ascend. Harry

took the opportunity and ran up them, closing the door behind him and shouting

Colloportus! to boot.

Panting heavily, he took in his surroundings. The office was mostly the same as it had

been when Dumbledore was the headmaster. Slumping down into a chair, Harry

reflected on the events that had just happened. Ginny had been poisoned, Nagini was

after him, and Voldemort was also in the castle. There was no way out this time. Thishad to be the end.

You cannot hide, Harry Potter. The game is over. Dumbledore is not here to help

you this time. He has left these walls forever, Voldemorts voice rang out through the

silence again. In fury, Harry jumped up and shouted at the office.


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Dumbledore is never gone from Hogwarts!

Dumbledore has died. My faithful servant has seen to that. He cannot help you

anymore. Hogwarts is mine now! Voldemort replied cruelly.

Only when none here are loyal to him! Hogwarts belongs to Dumbledore, even

now! Harry heard an odd sound behind him and turned around to see what new evil

was about to greet him. Instead, however, he found one of the most welcome sights he

could ever imagine. A phoenix had appeared in a flash of fire. Fawkes! Harry

shouted. Fawkes squawked in response and flew over to rest on Harrys shoulder. At

least now he had someone else here with him. But what to do now? The snake had to

be just outside the door, waiting to bite into Harry as she had done to Ginny. Every

time he tried to launch an attack the snake simply dodged. If only there was a way to

stop her some other wayand then a memory from four years before came to him.

Fawkes had blinded the basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets, and that was a great

serpent many times the size of Nagini.

Fawkes, would you care to help me with the snake? Harry requested of his new

companion. The phoenix chirped in response, to which Harry took for a yes. Harry

then undid his spell upon the door and blasted it open with his wand. Almost instantly,

Nagini slithered forward through the hole that was created and made to strike at

Harry. Fortunately, Fawkes swooped upon the serpent and swiped at her eyes with his

talons. Screaming in pain, the snake writhed on the floor and hissed ferociously,

unable to stop the attack upon herself. Harry saw a glint of light on his left and

noticed the sword of Godric Gryffindor resting in its case, the rubies on the handle

glittering. Struck with a sudden thought, Harry raised his wand again. Acciosword! The third treasure of the founders crashed through the glass and came to rest

in Harrys outstretched hand. Fawkes! Move away! he shouted. The phoenix

obediently flew up and away from the snake and back onto Harrys shoulder. Free

from the merciless onslaught of talons, Nagini raised her head up again and blindly

struck at air with her deadly fangs. With no hint of remorse, Harry raised the sword

high and made a clean slice through the head of the snake. Naginis headless body fell


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to the floor and Harry dropped the sword, exhausted by the efforts that the last few

minutes had asked of him. Breathing heavily, he managed to utter, Five down.

Harry managed to fall back into a chair and reflect on everything that had now

happened. Fawkes flew over to the perch that he had claimed when Dumbledore

inhabited the office. Harry could hardly believe that in the course of a few hours, he

had managed to eliminate three of Voldemorts Horcruxes. But they had by no means

been easy. Seeing his parents turned into Inferi, coming face to face with a supposedly

reformed Draco Malfoy, running from a deadly serpent with GinnyGinny! his mind

screamed, as he bolted from the room back down the stairs. When he reached the foot,

he quickly glanced around to find her still on the ground by the wall where his curse

hit her. Her eyes were closed and she was motionless. Ginny! he yelled. Slowly, her

eyes fluttered open.

Harry she said weakly as she tried to raise her arm. Harry grabbed her hand and

clutched it in his own.

Ginny, please he pleaded.

HarryI love you. I always have, and always will. With these words, her eyes

closed again.

FAWKES! Harry screamed. The phoenix flew down the stairs and landed beside

him. Fawkes, help her! Fawkes looked at Ginny, then back at Harry, at whom he

sadly shook his head. Dont waste time, Fawkes! You can help her! Fawkes again

only shook his head. WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! SHES GOING TO DIE! But evenas he said it, Harry realized the truth. It was already too late for her. He could

already feel the tears streaming down his face. Voldemort had now cost him his

parents, his godfather, and Ginny. Was there no relief of pain for him?

Awfully touching, Potter. The voice filled with malice was no longer echoing

throughout the halls but now right behind him. Completely disheartened by the


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abysmal chain of events that had now culminated here, Harry slowly turned back

around and stood up, hate and dismay etched into his face. Dumbledore always said

that love was the most powerful magic, and yet love couldnt save her, now could it?

He closed with a cruel laugh.

Cruc- Harry tried to shout, but with a casual flick of his wand, Voldemort parried

the curse.

Now, now, Harry. Where are your manners? Did Dumbledore teach his favorite

student spells like that? Again Voldemort let out a harsh laugh, clearly amused by

the superiority he held. Let me show you how its done! Crucio! Harry was gripped

with mind numbing torture piercing every inch of himself. Writhing and twisting with

the sheer agony of the curse, his thoughts verged on the wish for death to release him

from all of his pain. Voldemort relaxed his wand and laughed once more. Oh, I had

almost forgotten. Let me stop using Occlumency against you As soon as his words

ended, Harry felt his scar burn again, almost as terribly as when he heard

Voldemorts merciless use of his parents in his head. Are you ready to die, Harry?

Still determined not to give in, not to humor Voldemort in the end, Harry said nothing

as he slowly picked himself up off of the floor, ignoring the searing pain emanating

from his scar.

CRACK! Snape appeared, standing between Harry and Voldemort. Thank you for

removing the Apparating restriction, my lord, he said.

Cruc- Harry tried to shout again, but Snape simply countered the attempt. The two

wizards Harry hated the most in the world were now standing right in front of him,and he was unable to do anything to either of them.

Not at all, Severus. Now please, step aside so that I may put an end to the boy.

Voldemort raised his wand again.

No, Snape said simply. Voldemort froze on the spot, unable to comprehend what he


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had just heard.

What did you say? Voldemort said, his voice dangerous.

I said no. Im not moving. And true to his word, Snape stood his ground,

unfaltering. Harry was now the one to be perplexed. He had no time to puzzle over

this new development, however, as Snape turned around and said, Run, Potter!

What are you doing?! Voldemort yelled. First Wormtail betrays me over this boy,

and now you?! Do you want the same fate as that fool?

Dumbledores orders, Snape said with a slight grin. We are in his territory after

all, master. Snape finished with a sarcastic tone. Are you deaf, Potter? I said run!

Or shall my death be in vain? Harry needed no further urging. He took off down the

hall and disappeared down a corridor.

What faithful servants I have. Avada Kedavra! The jet of green light hit Snape

squarely in the chest and he drew his last breath. Harry, meanwhile, ran until he

realized that he was back at the Room of Requirement. Panic gripping his mind, he

did the only logical thing he could think of: he hid behind the tapestry of Barnabas the

Barmy on the opposite wall.

This was the end then. There was no hope left. Despite all of his efforts, Voldemort

was only a few moments away from him and one Horcrux was left. Oh, Harry?

Voldemorts voice rang through the hall, half taunting. I seem to remember telling

you before that we are not playing hide-and-seek. You will never learn respect.

If only the mirror would have shown me the last one! Harry thought bitterly. Why did

it have to fail me? He could still see it vividly in his mind: the cup, the snake, and the

locket, but nothing else. Nothing else could be seen in the mirror. Nothing except

At last, Harry understood. Realizing what he finally had to do, he stepped out from the


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tapestry and faced the wizard.

At last, Harry. Now, I ask you again, are you ready to die? Voldemort said with

another soft laugh. Harry said nothing, only stood where he was, staring blankly at

Voldemort and feeling the pain in his head escalate. I grow tired of you not

answering me. Imperio! This did him no good, though. Harry had seen enough of

this curse to resist it, and his resolve had never been stronger. Infuriated, Voldemort

raised his wand one more time. Be silent then, boy! I will let the world know that you

said nothing and foolishly gave up your life to me. Still Harry said nothing. Cold

fury pulsing through him, Voldemort screamed, Avada Kedavra!

The jet of green light shot out of the wand and obliterated the life of Harry Potter.

Almost instantly, Lord Voldemort fell forward onto the ground, never to rise again.

Six Horcruxes destroyed, Voldemort was no more.

Harrys eyes opened one more time. He looked around at his unfamiliar

surroundings. He had no idea where he could possibly be, but the sight before him

made him less concerned with where he was. Four people stood before him: James

and Lily Potter, Sirius Black, and Ginny Weasley. Wha---How? he stammered. No

one said anything, but merely smiled, and in his heart, Harry understood perfectly

what had happened. Ginny walked over to him and hugged him. Finally, all of his

pain was over. Ginny stared at a familiar spot on his forehead.

Harry, its gone! she exclaimed.

What is?

Your scar.

Harry Potter and the Final Journey(A6)

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Transcript of Harry Potter and the Final Journey(A6)