31

Chapter XXXI: Next Time

(Harry P.O.V)

Harry's heart cramped in his chest. His dry throat itched and blood and begun to dance atop his tongue as he held back the quiver. Screams exploded internally in his chest, as a single tear slid down his cheek after a long-fought battle.

His arm tingled as he entered the castle, leaving McGonagall's words in the distance. Even hearing about his sister was too much. He'd beaten back Voldemort; he'd slowed his plan, but at what cost? "Wotcher Kid, how was school?" Tonks' memories ran through his head like a film, "I'll tell you what, after you come back from school today, I'll show you this new spell I learned this week."

The resistance against his tears fell as he climbed the stairs of the wounded castle. The higher he climbed, the louder his sobs grew, "You're my little brother Harry, you're a pain in the ass, but I love you." He wiped his tears as Tonks' words continued to scroll through his mind. "I'm with you Harry, if that bastard wants to get you, he'll have to go through me first."

The Astronomy Tower was in shambles. Bricks that sealed off the room from the outside elements were missing; the gyrating pendulum had been destroyed, and star charts laid scattered along the ground. Harry had never seen the castle in such disarray, but disarray had seemed to become his new normal.

Harry fell to his knees as Tonks final words raced through his head, "I guess, no matter how strong you get, you'll always be my little brother. Forgive me, Harry." Harry gripped his chest as he released a roar of anguish, the wall quaking at his cry. His forehead hit the stone floor as he hugged himself tightly, the tears now flowing uncontrollably. "Damn it!" Harry cried, his fist slamming against the cobbled floor, "Why! Why am I never enough?!"

"Who said you weren't enough?" A warm voice whispered from behind him. "You know, after Dr. Thatcher went through all that work creating that bandage for your arm, you shouldn't treat it so recklessly."

Harry turned, his eyes blurred from the tears as the black-gowned woman stood before him with a gentle smile. "I'm sorry," Harry whispered, "I tried so hard, I did everything I could, but I couldn't save her. I'm so sorry, it's my fault, and I know you'll never forgive me for letting her die, but I'm so-"

Harry froze as the Andromeda pulled him off the ground, wrapping her arms tightly around him. Her chin rested upon his shoulder as tears from the Black sister's cheeks dripped through his fabric. Her hand ran through his hair before she placed a gentle kiss on his neck. "You have nothing to apologize for, Harry. I know you did everything you could for her. You're not to blame for what happened to her."

"Yes I am," Harry cried, "She died because of me. She took a spell aimed at me. If I had just been paying more attention or-"

"I know," Andromeda whispered, "Daphne, she told me what happened before she went to St. Mungos to see you." Her grip around Harry's body tightened as she continued. "Harry, if Nym died for you, I couldn't be happier. Because at least in my heart, I know that she didn't die with any regrets."

His eyes widened at the woman's words. "To Nym, you were the most important person in the world to her. She loved you more than anything. You have no idea about how homesick she was in all of her letters whenever she was at school. How excited she'd get whenever she heard reports of how well you were doing once you got to Hogwarts. She used to fight Amelia all the time so that she could secure days off from work whenever you had a quidditch match scheduled. She loved you, Harry, more than you could ever imagine."

"In dying, she protected her little brother and the key to defeating a threat to the wizarding world." Andromeda's tears flowed heavily, but she pressed on, "When she was the sole inductee into the auror corps of her year, she made a vow to put her life on the line for the security of the wizarding world, she fulfilled that vow in her sacrifice for you as well."

"It wasn't worth it," Harry muttered through gritted teeth, "I'm not cut out to be the leader. I- I don't want to fight anymore. I don't want any more of my friends and family to die." His fist tightened, "I wish- I wish just quit being a wizard, I don't want to do this anymore."

"Then quit," Andromeda whispered, "Nobody will ever force you to fight, not me, not Sirius, not Remus, not Ted, none of us will ever demand you go out and fight. But consider this, just because we won't ask you to fight, doesn't mean that everyone will give up. They took my daughter from me, and they won't rest until they kill you, a boy I look at as my own son. Until they are gone, I won't give up the fight, and neither will Sirius, or Remus, or Ted, or Moody. The war's taken so much from us; it is our duty to see it through."

Ted's hand rested on Harry's shoulder, and Harry turned to face the mustache-clad man. "You're mission to rescue Dora was a failure. She died, and so did the Weasley boy. Your friends were injured, and you all barely made it out of there alive." The man's eyes hardened, "But you also gained power that now rivals the Dark Lord. You gained the power to make you capable of completing your destiny. Putting down Voldemort for good, it's not some pipedream anymore. Andromeda was right, we'll never force you to fight, but if Voldemort wins, do you think he'll spare our lives just because you gave up being a wizard. You know him, Harry, he's not the merciful type."

"You can learn from this experience, and you have the power to match him now," Ted whispered. "This isn't fair, Harry; this shouldn't be a challenge that a boy your age should have to rise to. But Tonks died for you because she believed in you, that much I know for a fact. What you do next is up to you, but know this, whatever it is you choose to do, we will love you, always."

Harry's body trembled as he gritted his teeth. His muscles tightened and clamped as he cried, Tonks' smile rising to his mind. "Next time," Harry sobbed, "The mission will go perfectly."

(? P.O.V)

Screams ripped from the Dark Lord's throat, the agony from the burns unending. "Master!" Bellatrix cried, "Master what shall I do!" Voldemort's mind swam in a sea of anguish, his thoughts muddy as every inch of his skin riddled with pain. He hissed with frustration, his body unable to move as Bellatrix and Dolohov carried him to his throne. "Master, please, what shall we do?"

"It's no use, Bellatrix," Severus called from the shadow of the Riddle's manor, "The Dark Lord's body is currently beyond repair."

"Whose side are you on, you bastard!" Bellatrix hissed, "You're a potions master are you not! Brew him something! You won't be welcomed back at Hogwarts without Dumbledore to vouch for you any longer! So you better not be thinking of switching sides! Fix him!"

"There is no way I know of to fix his body," Severus whispered, "We'll have to find a way of possibly finding him a new body."

"That's not an option," Jonathan Greengrass hissed, "It is only because Potter's blood runs in this body's veins that the Dark Lord is capable of even touching Potter." The Greengrass patriarch grit his teeth, "There must be another way. Think, Bellatrix. Before the Dark Lord became crippled, did he give you any final orders? What did he suggest we do?"

"He asked me to return a gift he gave me to protect years ago to him," Bellatrix whispered, "The Cup of Helga Hufflepuff. But I- I fail to see how a cup could help him in this situation?"

"It is not our place to question the Dark Lord," Severus said, his voice cold and icy, "If he demanded you retrieve his cup, then I suggest you do as your told. Perhaps the Dark Lord has a method of how he plans to restore himself." Bellatrix glared at the Hogwarts Professor with contempt, not happy to be receiving orders from someone other than her master. "For now, however, I will do what I can to keep the Dark Lord's body in stasis. Jonathan, I fear I will require your assistance. We have much pain-numbing potions and sleeping draughts to brew."

"Of course, Severus," Jonathan said with a nod.

Bellatrix snarled, but nodded, "Very well, Dolohov and I will see to it that our master's final orders are carried out as quickly as possible. But understand this, Snape," Bella's eyes had turned to daggers, "You hold no authority over me."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Severus said with a shrug, "But I suppose that as you are his most loyal, perhaps I can leave the duty to explaining to the Vampire queen why it is that her alliance partner is currently indisposed. Do have fun with that."

Bellatrix's eyes widened as she clutched her wand. "Damn you, Potter," she hissed, "You'll pay for this. Your sister's pathetic life was just the beginning. I swear it!"

(Sirius P.O.V)

Sirius leaned against the entrance of the castle's walls, his heart heavy from the service. Tonks, he whispered to himself, as memories of the hyper girl that ran circles around Grimmauld Place with Harry raced to his mind. I just- I can't believe you're gone. "Sirius," His eyes flashed towards the voice finding the elderly witch clad in green-robes approaching him. A tired smile cracked against his face as his former Head of House approached, "I'm glad I found you. While you are no longer my student, should you need anybody to talk to-"

"I know, Professor," Sirius said with a soft nod, "Or I suppose I should say, Headmistress."

"And here I thought I'd forever be Granny Min to you," McGonagall said with a seldom grin. Sirius chuckled before the mood grew somber once more, "Tell me, Sirius, how is Harry holding up?"

Sirius shook his head, "I don't know. Harry, he's a strong kid, but Tonks- he idolized her. Nobody is ever really ready to lose one of their own family members, but for her to die like that-" Sirius sighed, "I just don't know." He glanced up once more at the emerald-green robbed woman, "I overheard that you had something you wanted to give Harry, or rather, Dumbledore did. Any idea what it is?"

"No," Minerva whispered, "Severus, the instructions he left for me were rather- minimal to say the least." She sighed, "Before he vanished, Severus, he told me that he wanted Potter to call out to Fawkes. If Fawkes appeared, he'd arrive with gifts for Potter." She rubbed her palm over her knuckles, "I have no idea what happens if Fawkes doesn't appear to him."

"Even in death, the Old Man's always finding a way to test people," Sirius let out a tired breath, "I have no idea what it might be, but phoenixes are known to appear only to those with good hearts. Dumbledore did tell me he had fears regarding Harry's character." He shook his head, "I suppose only time will tell if Harry still passes Dumbledore's test, but speaking of Severus, what are your plans for him."

"This time around, the Death Eaters are finally being seen for what they are, terrorist," Minerva hissed. "I don't believe that Severus is a bad man, but the mark on his arm is indisputable. Dumbledore managed to protect Severus due to his reputation, but I fear I don't share the same power as Dumbledore. Painful as it may be, it seems that I will not be able to hire him back for the next term." She sighed, "And the cycle of replaceable Defense Against the Dark Arts professors continues. I doubt you would happen to be interested in the job yourself, but perhaps, do you have any recommendations?"

"Yeah, teaching isn't really my strong suit," Sirius said with a shrug, "But if you're looking to hire someone during these trying times, perhaps you should consider seeing what Aberforth is doing. During the attack on the Burrow, he really showed how strong he was, and having a Dumbledore in the castle, well, it's never a bad look."

"I'll consider it," McGonagall said calmly, "Thank you for the help. I must be on my way now, but when you see Harry, deliver him the message, will you?" Sirius nodded as McGonagall turned to face him once more, "And tell him- tell him if he ever needs me, I'm available, even if its just to hear stories of his mother's school days, she was one of my favorites, after all."

Sirius smiled, sending the woman another nodded before she walked off. You have so many allies, Harry; please, don't get discouraged. Sirius sat against the wall for a while longer, watching as the sunset over the horizon. Remus arrived, followed by the rest of Harry's friends. Yet, nobody talked, a mournful silence hung over them all like a black cloud. Arthur had come to say goodbye, asking for some time off of the order for his family to mourn, a request Sirius granted quickly before the family entered the castle vanishing in a plume of green flames.

"Tell Harry," Fred started, "When you see him next-,"

"Tell him we don't blame him for Ron." George finished turning to Tracey, "We don't blame you either, Davis."

"Thank you, for being a good friend to him." They said, bowing their heads in unison before following their family into the nearby floo.

It hadn't been much longer after the final visitors had left that footsteps sounded from behind them. Sirius smiled as Harry emerged from the castle. His eyes while red burned with determination, and Sirius could only imagine the comfort Harry felt as Andromeda and Ted each held one of his shoulders. I knew you wouldn't let this break you pup, Sirius thought, James, Lily, I hope you're seeing how strong of a man your son has become. "Sorry I took so long," Harry whispered, "I needed to work some stuff out. But I think- I think feel a bit better now."

"Good," Sirius said warmly, "McGonagall, she came to talk to me a bit after the funeral. Apparently Dumbledore left some gifts behind for you. He asked you to call out to his phoenix to have them delivered. If you're up to it that is?"

Harry shrugged, "It was always one test after another with him." Sirius nodded as Harry walked out into the center of the courtyard. His heart pounded as Harry cleared his throat, "Fawkes!" The wind blew silently with only stars shinning in the dimly lit sky, no, Sirius hissed, this can't be- Before he could even finish his thoughts, Fawkes appeared in an explosion of brilliant orange and red flames. The large bird circled once around the courtyard before landing softly atop the marble statue. His claw loosened dropping a small chest into Harry's hand. He gazed up at the bird who looked at him before releasing a beautiful song, "Thank you, Fawkes, I hope I can call upon you again someday."

The bird nodded, disappearing just as quickly as it had arrived. Harry's hands trembled as he gazed upon the chest, which enlarged at his touch. "Guess I passed your last test, you annoying geezer," Harry muttered. "Time to see what you left me." Sirius hovered over Harry, as the lip of the chest creaked open and Sirius identified the handwriting of the note within instantly. Carefully he watched as Harry lifted the paper and read:

Harry,

If you are reading this, then it can be assumed I am either dead or indisposed. If it is the ladder, worry not, for I look forward to this next great adventure. Though I suppose with everything I've put you through, I shouldn't expect you to care much about me either way. Had our relationship grown the way I had hoped, this is where I would have imparted onto you some grandfatherly advice, though, to my dismay, that was not the relationship we had. So instead, I will write to you as an advisor. Below is my list of the Horcruxes I believe to remain.

1) The Cup of Helga Hufflepuff: Assumed to be in Bellatrix's care, further research required.

2) The Diadem of Raven Claw: Location Unknown, but few places were worthy of housing his soul. Perhaps his orphanage?

3) Nagini: Odd sounding I know, but I dare say that Snake is the only thing that Voldemort has ever loved. I'd gamble it shares a part of his soul as well.

Objects destroyed: Guant Ring, Riddle's Diary, and Slytherin's Locket.

I know that I haven't always been the most helpful to you. I fear that part of that was that our personalities hadn't meshed the way I had hoped. I wanted you to be a follower of my orders, but it was foolish to expect that. The Potter's were always strong-willed. In truth, I fear your way of leadership may be too ruthless, I'd implore you to give mercy where you can, and to forgive- but as I am dead, I suppose my words are just empty advice.

As for the gifts, I've left you:

1) As much Basilisk venom as I could obtain. The venom is capable of destroying the material Horcruxes, though how to destroy Nagini is a different problem.

2) I leave you the tales of The Tales of Beedle the Bard, I recommend you read of the Deathly Hallows should you so choose. As well as your first captured snitch, the days ahead will be long, and I wish to impart on you something to remember the easier times.

3) Finally, I leave you my wand. I had planned to give it to you further down the line as it is a wand of great power, but as I am dead, I fear the time has arrived sooner than I'd hope. Regardless, it is yours to wield should you choose, and I recommend it greatly, every advantage against Voldemort is one worth using.

I suppose this is the end of the letter. With me dead, I do fear for the safety of this castle, and while you may feel the same, I would encourage you to look at the greater good. You must not return here, Harry. Hunt down the Horcruxes, and defeat Voldemort once and for all. It's up to you now Harry, the fate of this wizarding world lies in your hands. I pray that you will do the right things.

Harry sighed as he lowered his letter, and Sirius watched as the boy dug through the contents of the chest finding exactly what Dumbledore had described. He watched as Harry's eyes race immediately towards the snitch and smiled, pocketing it carefully. His attention then fell to the putrid green liquid collected in thin, yet durably charmed glass vials. Beneath it all, however, was the item that most caught both his and Harry's attention. Harry's finger coiled around the wood, it was larger than his first wand, and a far lighter shade of wood. It was smooth, with an unadorned shaft and a handle formed from two conjoined spheres. Sirius stood silently as Harry channeled his magic through the wand. His heart raced violently as the wind swirled around his godson with ease forming a miniature twister. Harry canceled his magic panting as he gazed upon the wood. For a moment, Sirius saw fear fill Harry's eyes before he smirked. "Not a bad parting gift, Old Man." Harry whispered as he gazed up at the sky, "Thanks, Dumbledore."

Sirius stood with a grin as Harry turned to face him, the rest stepping closer to the boy. "For too many years, we've simply been reacting to what the Death Eaters have done. In doing so, we've lost land, we've lost time, and we've lost people precious to us. I don't know about you, but I'm done waiting. From this moment on, The Order of the Phoenix is launching its counter-attack! From now on, we'll lead this war!"

Nods filled the crowd as Harry forced a smile to his face. "I won't be returning to Hogwarts for next year, the mission it's far more important to me than continuing on here. Dumbledore left us with a list of items to track down and destroy so I can put Voldemort down for good. I know this may seem stupid to say, but I am not asking any of you to follow my choice. If anyone here wants to return to Hogwarts next year, I won't stop you."

"Hermione and I will stay," Neville called out, "The S.P.I.R.E, they're going to need leadership, and if you're not around, I guess it's up to me to keep morale here strong. I imagine things around the castle are going to get a lot worse before they get better without Dumbledore around. But if you ever need me, I'll be there."

Harry nodded as he turned to Michael, "I said I've got your back for years now. I don't really care about graduating Hogwarts anyway either, just don't let my mom hear that." Sirius chuckled at the blue-haired boy's statement before Harry turned to Astoria.

"I'm a target for them because of my dad," Astoria whispered, "If I stick around the castle, I'll just be a fish in a barrel. There may not be much I can do yet, but I want to fight with you, Harry. I'm staying.

"I'm going with you Flyboy," Daphne whispered as she showed their inscribed wrists, "We're stronger together, after all. Plus, you're going to need someone capable of patching you up. I can always come back to school later. If you're not here Harry, there's no reason for me to be either."

Harry smiled as he turned, facing the three-quarter moon, "Alright then, a new dawn stars tomorrow. But for now, let's get some rest, we've got a big day tomorrow." Harry clenched his fists as he grinned. Sirius placed his hand calmly on his godson's shoulder as he listened to the boy's whisper. "Tonks, Dad, Mom," Harry started, "I won't let your sacrifices be in vain. I'll finish what you started, I swear it."