Too Far Gone (Don't Save Me Book 4)

Chapter 90: It's Not Over Yet

I'd been expecting anger and looks of betrayal but Poppy and Pomona rushed forward, pulling me into their arms, not caring that the darkest wizard of our time was standing less than a foot away from us.

When we pulled away my father spoke. "Y-you're alive?" he asked, searching my eyes as if he might find a sign of death within them.

I nodded. "I'm your daughter." I smirked, easily falling into the act for what I hoped would be the final time. "They can't kill me that easily."

A sickening grin spread over his face and he grabbed my hand, lifting it with his as he turned to address the Death Eaters. "She lives!" he cried, joyously and loud cheers surrounded us before he turned to me again. "You called me dad." There was a hint of a question in his tone as he spoke and I nodded once more.

"You won, father," I said. The word felt bitter on my tongue and I regretted that I'd addressed him that way to begin with but there was no going back now. It had been the only way to get his attention. There was a shuffling sound behind us and I turned to see Neville taking a few steps toward us.

My father smirked. "Come to join us, boy?" he chuckled. "Ah, well... I must say I'd hoped for better. And who might you be, young man?"

"Neville Longbottom," he replied.

There was laughter among the Death Eaters, particularly by Bellatrix.

As my father was distracted with Neville I ushered the students back to the other side of the courtyard. Arthur quickly gestured for them to come forward, concealing them in the crowd. I turn to find Pomona and Poppy still standing behind me.

"You should go too," I whisper to them. "It's safer over there."

"It's not safe anywhere," Pomona retorted.

"Just, please... You shouldn't get too close to him... One wrong move and he could kill you."

"The same applies to you, dear," Poppy replied softly.

I shook my head. "I have to finish what we started," I said, being careful not to say exactly what on the off-chance that someone was listening. "Please," I begged them. "Go... It'll be safer."

Pomona sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing. They hugged me before crossing the courtyard and finding Minerva shaking.

I kept my face cold and expressionless even as Neville pulled the sword from Gryffindor's hat. "It's not over!" he shouted. I pressed my lips together in a thin line, fighting the urge to smile. There was a thump behind me and I turned to find Harry lifting himself off the ground.

"Potter!" Draco shouted and quickly tossed the boy his wand. The Death Eaters were scattering in fear and I could see Lucius's eyes widening as he looked around, grasping his wife's hand. His eyes locked with mine and I made my way over to them as Harry tossed spells at my father.

"Do you want out?" I asked him.

He fearfully looked at my father before returning his gaze to me and nodded, just barely noticeable.

"Get Draco. Go to the shrieking shack. Severus will be waiting for you."

"But-," Narcissa interrupted but I stopped her.

"Go! Harry and I will take care of this. Tom will be dead before the day is over."

"What about you, sweetheart? What will happen to you?"

"Come on," I smirk. "I can't die twice in one day, can I?"

She gave me a pointed look and I simply hugged her. "Go! I'll come find you when this is all over."

"Be safe."

I squeezed her hand, nodding. "Now, go. I'll come find you when this is all over."

"Promise?"

"I promise."