Redamancy

• Chapter 2 •

The True Battle Begins:

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It was a stand off.

The Death Eaters on one side, stood infront of the bridge with Harry Potter being carried bridal style by Hagrid; Dumbledors Army scattered around the doorway and shattered windows, some even standing bravely out in the open air of the courtyard.

Nicolai and Fred hovered just outside the doorway where, whilst still slightly leaning on Nicolai, Fred couldn't help but want to protect the boy next to him who was clearly shaking in fear of what this situation could mean for everyone standing around them.

"Harry Potter is dead."

The air seemed to go stale as you could visibly see the array of emotions that danced across everyone's faces, shifting through the crowds of children and adults alike; their hearts stopping in terror, and their hopes diminishing by the second.

"He was killed as he ran away, trying to save himself while you lay down your lives for him. We bring you his body as proof that your hero is gone."

Fred sucked in a shakey breath as Nicolai unconsciously latched onto the gingers shirt, eyes wide, and disbelief written all over his face.

"The battle is won." Voldemort continued, no remorse in his voice, "You have lost half of your fighters. My Death Eaters outnumber you and the Boy Who Lived is finished. There must be no more war. Anyone who continues to resist, man, woman or child, will be slaughtered, as will every member of their family. Come out of the castle, now, kneel before me, and you shall be spared. Your parents and children, your brothers and sisters will live, and be forgiven, and you will join me in the new world we shall build together."

There was a deadly silence in the grounds and throughout the castle, nobody daring to so much as breath to deeply in fear of retaliation.

"Come," Voldemort called as he moved forward.

For a second, Nicolai believed that he was talking directly to him, and further tighted his grip on Fred, which didn't go unnoticed.

However, Hagrid was the one who was forced to follow instead, the half-giant's sobs were the only thing that could be heard other then the footsteps of the Death Eaters moving forward to join there leader.

It was only once Harry's body fully came into view that it finally dawned on all of them that this war was in fact, over. All hope seemed lost.

"NO!"

The scream was one of pure anguish and it seemed to shake everyone to their core. Nobody expected Professor McGonagall to have the capacity to create such a heartbreaking noise.

The voices of Ron, Hermione and Ginny were soon heard, echoing this same anguish in an even more painful tone, voices cracking under the physical heartache of seeing the limp body of a person they all held so close to their hearts.

Their cries acted like a trigger, the crowd of survivors took up the cause, screaming and yelling abuse at the Death Eater as Nicolai seemed to curl into himself.

"Silence!" Cried Voldemort as he cast a silent spell, there was a bang and a flash of bright light, and silence once again filled the air.

"It is over! Set him down, Hagrid, at my feet, where he belongs!"

Harry was lowered to the ground, and Voldemort moved towards to stand next to where he lay.

"You see?" Said Voldemort as Nicolai slowly moved away from Fred, towards the front of the crowd to try and get a clearer view of what was happening.