A Home At Hogwarts

Part Eighteen

Spells flew in all directions, and they ran for the exit. Death Eaters kept trying to intercept but got blocked with spells at every turn. A spell was let off, and the orbs started to fall. their shelves collapsing along with them.

"Get back to the door!" You all ran towards a door and fell through it.

"Department of Mysteries. They got that bit right, didn't they?" You all stood. You were in a room with a misty archway.

"The voices. Can you tell what they're saying?" You heard the whispers but couldn't tell what was being said.

"There aren't any voices, Harry. Lets get out of here" You gave her a confused look.

"I hear them too." You looked to Luna.

"Harry, it's just an empty archway. Please, Harry." Harry looked around.

"Get behind me." Black mist flew around and separated you all. Each of you was held by a Death Eater while Harry was left in the middle with Lucius.

"Did you actually believe... or were you truly naïve enough to think... that children stood a chance against us? I'll make this simple for you, Potter. Give me the prophecy now... or watch your friends die."

"Don't give it to him, Harry." Bellatrix put her want to Neville's throat. Harry dropped the orb into his hand. A white light flashed.

"Get away from my godson." Sirius punched him in the face. White mist started forming all round, attacking the Death Eaters. They formed into some people you had never seen before but in the photo in the training room. Lucius fell, and the orb shattered. Each of you were pulled away by an Order Member, You were helped by Remus. The fighting was confusing to watch. Flashes of color as spells were cast. Black and white mist trailing around the room. Sirius, Harry, and Lucius ended up in the center. Sirius flicked away Lucius' wand then repelled him backwards.

"Avada Kedavra!" There was a flash of green light that struck Sirius right in the chest. You'd know that light anywhere. You'd seen your mother use it plenty of times. Your heart stopped. Sirius slowly fell back into the veil and vanished. Harry screamed his name but Remus grabbed him before he could go forward. Bellatrix snuck out and Harry ran after her. You ran to Remus.

"Moony..." His eyes were downcast. He'd just lost his last friend. You pulled him into a hug. He slowly wrapped his arms around you as well.

"I'm so sorry." He took a deep breath and stepped back.

"I'll be ok. It's not the first time I've lost a friend."

"That doesn't make it any easier." He gave a sad smile.

"No. No, it doesn't." You all grouped together to make sure everyone was ok. Once everyone was accounted for, you all went the way Harry did. Dumbledore Stood there fighting Voldemort. Spells flung back and forth until Harry started writhing on the ground. You couldn't hear what was being said but after a bit, Voldemort appeared above him. Then, the Floo networks activated, and the Minister and others appeared. Voldemort vanished, and reporters arrived. They took photos, and the news of Voldemort's return was publicized.

"He's back!" Dumbledore was reinstated as Headmaster of Hogwarts, and everything seemed to go back to normal for the most part. Sirius' death still stuck with you. You may not have known him long, but just the fact he was your father figures friend meant his absence left a hole in your heart.

~~~~

The end of year feast went off without a hitch. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. You sat with Draco.

"I don't blame you. For what happened with Umbridge." He sighed.

"I didn't mean for you to get hurt."

"And I didn't. Everything is fine. Write me over summer, yeah? I miss our talks." He gave a small smile.

"Yeah. I'll write you."

"Promise?"

"Promise." You both ate until it was time for him to leave. The castle always felt cold after everyone left. You were always left with your thoughts, and after the recent events, they weren't good ones.

Months seemed to stretch on ever so slowly. Soon enough it was the start of the new year.

~~~~~

Dumbledore stood at the podium, it seemed something was wrong with his hand.

"The very best of evenings to you! First off, please join me in welcoming the newest member of our staff, Horace Slughorn." The entire room burst into applause. He continued.

"Professor Slughorn, I'm happy to say, has agreed to resume his old post of Potions master. Meanwhilethe post of Defense Against the Dark Arts will be assumed by Professor Snape." The dining hall seemed stunned. He'd been wanting the position for as long as you'd been there. But you're surprised that he's finally gotten it. Dumbledore claps once then a few first years follow.

"Now, as you know, each and every one of you was searched upon your arrival tonight. You have a right to know why. Once there was a young man who, like you, sat in this very Hall.Walked this castle's corridors. Slept beneath its roof. He seemed, to all the world, a student like any other. His name?Tom Riddle." The hall filled with hushed murmurs.

"Today, of course, the world knows him by another name. Which is why, as I stand looking out upon you all tonight, I am reminded of a sobering fact. Each day,every hour, this very minute, perhaps, dark forces attempt to penetrate this castle. But in the end, their greatest weapon remains...you. Just something to keep in mind. Now, off to bed. Pip pip!" You looked over at Draco. He'd only written you twice even though he'd promised otherwise. He seemed uninterested in the whole affair. As the other students left, you went up to him.

"Are you ok? You didn't respond to my letters. You did get them, right?" He looked up sharply.

"I got them. Just didn't have time to reply." You felt like something was off.

"Draco... tell me what's going on. I want to help you." He stood abruptly.

"Well, you can't!" He stormed off. His raised voice catching the gaze of a few students left in the hall, including Harry and his friends. You gave them a small smile and waved. Hermione waved back, and you left for your dorm.

1.20.23