The Jade Malfoy Book 4: Deathly Hallows

Chapter 21

     Voldemort and his followers come down the stone bridge, Hagrid carrying Harry's body. Neville is already outside with the Sorting Hat in his hand. Ginny and some other start to come out.

     "Who is that?" Ginny asks as she comes out of the school. "Hagrid's carrying. Neville who is it?"

     "Harry Potter..." Voldemort says. "Is dead!"

     "No! No!" Ginny tries to run towards Harry, but Mr Weasley holds her back. More people start to come out. Hermione and Ron stand behind Neville while Ursa stands back further with Draco, tears in her eyes. Relief shows on Narcissa's face as she sees them both.

     "Silence! Stupid girl. Harry Potter is dead. From this day forth, you put your faith... in me." Voldemort turns to face his followers. "Harry Potter is dead!" His followers laugh, Bellatrix's louder than all. Voldemort chuckles smugly. "And now is the time to declare yourself. Come forward and join us... or die."

     "Draco!" Lucius says. Everyone looks at Draco and Ursa. "Draco!"

     "Children," Narcissa says. "Come."

     "I can't Draco." Ursa whispers sadly as she squeezes Draco's hand.

     "We promised to go down together." Draco replies in a whisper.

     "I know. I can't do it."

     "Then I'm staying here."

     "No." Ursa shakes her head. "You need to go. They're your family. This is mine." Ursa starts to walk down the stairs and pulls Draco with her. Several people gasp in shock. They stop in front of Neville and Ginny. Ursa turns to face Draco. "Take care of her." Ursa says with tears streaming down her face.

     "Ursa-"

     "Just take care of her. Go." Draco nods and kisses Ursa's forehead.

     "I love you."

     "I love you too." Draco steps back and walks across the courtyard. Hermione places her hand on Ursa's shoulder and Ursa turns around. She hugs Hermione tightly and Ron hugs them both.

     "Well done Draco." Voldemort says as he awkwardly hugs Draco. "Well done."

     "Ursa?" Narcissa says as Draco walks up to her and Lucius. Ron and Hermione release Ursa. Ursa turns and shakes her head. "Ursa please. We're your family."

     "You are not my family!" Ursa shouts. "This is my family." Ursa motions to everyone behind her.

     "Ursa-"

     "Enough!" Voldemort yells. "She has made her decision." Neville hobbles forward. "Ah well, I must say I'd hoped for better." His followers laugh. "And who might you be, young man?"

     "Neville Longbottom." Neville replies, causing Voldemort's followers to laugh again.

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

     "I'd like to say something."

     "Neville what the hell are you doing?" Ursa hisses.

     "Well Neville I'm sure we'd all be fascinated to hear what you have to say." Voldemort says.

     "It doesn't matter that Harry's gone." Neville says.

     "Stand down Neville." Seamus says and Neville turns to face the Hogwarts crowd.

     "People die every day. Friends, family... yeah. We lost Harry tonight. But he's still with us, in here." Neville touches his chest. "So's Fred... all of them. They didn't die in vain." Ursa steps up behind Neville and puts a hand on his shoulder as Neville turns back to Voldemort. "But you will." Voldemort laughs. "Because you're wrong! Harry's heart did beat for us! For all of us! This is not over!" Neville draws the sword of Gryffindor from out of the Sorting Hat. Harry drops out of Hagrid's arms and people gasp.