Chaos broke out, and Harry immediately grabbed hold of Ginny’s wrist, throwing her behind him as he whipped out his wand. He began running through the marque dragging Ginny with him, tables were ablaze and screams were ringing through his ears. He dodged a shot of red sparks, ducking slightly as he tried to make his and Ginny’s way through the maze of uproar, staying to the sides of the tent.
“Harry!” Remus shouted from somewhere across the room having jut blasted one of the many hooded figures out of the way. As Remus helplessly tried to reach him, Harry was distracted as a shot of green sparks this time blasted a hole in the tent just above Ginny’s head. He turned around suddenly, stunning the death eater who had been making his way over, immediately being forced to shout, “Protego!” to the next threat that had approached.
“Harry, you need to get out of here!” Ginny shouted at him, now pushing him along. He barley heard her through the noise, and before he could even think, a spell hurdled towards him out of nowhere. He felt all of the air leave his body as he was blasted backwards, hitting into a table and falling to the ground. feeling blood trickle down his face, he raised himself, still clutching his wand tightly as Ginny ran over to him.
“Get behind me!” He yelled at her, staggering to his feet and protectively jumping in front of her as two death eaters began to move towards them. Harry backed up as far into the corner as he could breathing heavily as his heart pounded in his chest.
He raised his wand ready, shouting, “Protego!” The two spells hit his barrier bouncing off it instantly, and he vanished his shield. Using “Diffindo” to create a gap in the tent, he pushed Ginny through it, tumbling out after her. As he fell on the cool grass beside her, he didn't even stand before he turned to the gap he had made, shouting loudly, "Confringo!"
A blasting noise erupted through the air as the explosion he had caused gave them enough time to jump to his feet, pulling Ginny up with him.
“Run!” he gasped to her, not allowing them to catch their breath as they both ran back towards the Burrow, following the crowd of guests who were all heading that way. Outside now seemed silent compared to the madness they had just left behind inside the tent, even though the shouts that came from the crowd, people calling to eachother worriedly, all of them panicking. They sprinted across the field, not even looking back as more shouts and screams of pain could be heard.
“Ginny!”
Harry ran towards the voice of Molly Weasley, throwing her daughter into her arms.
“Go to Grimmauld place Mrs Weasley! I’ll tell the others.” Harry managed to gasp out, and without waiting for a reply, he turned around sprinting back towards the huge tent, his wand raised.
“Harry! Come back!” He heard Ginny cry as loud as she could through the atmosphere that was ripping the world apart.
Harry sprinted as fast as his legs could carry him, dodging the many guests that were making their way to the Burrow. Harry assumed there was an anti-apparation spell on the area, as everyone seemed to be either heading for the fireplace or running as fast as they can away from the place.
Upon entering the tent, Harry began to cough violently. Thick smoke hung in the air, wrapping itself around his chest, and if it wasn’t for the many fire’s which were scattered around the place, he wouldn’t have been able to see a thing. There was still much duelling going on, as frequent flashes and bangs slashed through the air, followed by the screams of pain which echoed inside Harry’s ears until he could bear it no longer. His first thoughts were to find Ron and Hermione.
Trying not to breathe in too much, he pushed his way forwards.
“There he is!” shouted one masked death eater, distracting him momentarily, and before Harry could raise his wand, he was hit again, flying backwards out of the marquee and onto the grass. He landed hard, yelling in pain as his body rolled across the ground away from the tent that still echoed with screams of terror.
The air seemed to have gone cold, all of the warmness of that night’s evening evaporated completely. He jumped off the floor, ignoring any of the injuries he may have already sustained as three hooded men followed him out.
“Crucio!”
Harry collapsed back to the ground writhing in pain, he felt as though he was on fire, the pain licking at his insides, erupting all over his body. He tried to contain his cries, but it was not long before he was shouting more than ever, his yells tearing his throat apart. After what felt like forever, he lay panting on the floor, bringing a trembling hand before him and pushing himself off the ground in an attempt to regain his stand. His breath was rattled, black dots inking their way into his sight as he tried to shake them away.
“Stay down!” One of the men screamed, as they stamped their boot hard onto his back. He gritted his teeth together, falling back to the ground. He took in several gulps of air, trying to blink away the black dots that still invaded his vision.
Again he tried to raise himself, this time the black hooded figure booting him in the face. He yelled loudly as it connected, throwing him harshly back to the grass, his face throbbing. He spat out a mouthful of blood, realising suddenly that his wand was no longer in his hand.
The three men began to laugh to each other, slowly closing the gaps between them. Harry breathed in deeply, hoping he had enough energy for what he was about to do, and without thinking his idea through, he clumsily leapt to his feet, throwing his fist back and then straight into the jaw of one of the masked death eaters. After he connected it with the side of the man’s face, he spun around, aiming for the next man. His attack was as quick as his body would allow him, and he punched the second man hard, where he stumbled back shouting in surprise. Feeling the next threat, Harry jolted his elbow backwards, hearing a satisfying crunch as the third death eater fell over this time. Spinning around, Harry swung his right leg to the death eater he had first attacked, but before he could reach him, he was grabbed roughly from behind, both of his arms tight behind his back, and the death eater who was saved from the blow to his stomach marched towards Harry who was struggling to throw off the death eater who increased his painful hold. He yelled as the masked man belted him hard.
“Not gonna try that again are you Potter?” His attacker asked, smiling nastily at him. Harry glared back at him, trying to wrench his body away from the death eater holding him. His face was throbbing and feeling rebellious, he breathed heavily through his nose, before spitting before the death eaters feet. The man let out a scream of frustration, his hand lunging to harry's face which he held onto tightly.
Harry groaned in pain as he felt the gloved hand tighten around his face, feeling as though his jaw would surely break. The masked man shook his face to the side, his face an inch away from Harry’s.
“Answer me!” the death eater screamed down his ear, before releasing Harry’s face who let out a small sigh of relief before yelling in pain as he was unexpectedly hit with the cruciatous curse once again. The death eater who had been holding him released his shaking form, and he did not even feel the ground that he hit, as his screams pierced the air.
The pain stopped abruptly, and rather quicker than Harry could have thought as he saw all of his attackers stunned in a circle around him. He couldn’t even raise himself to see who had rescued him, but it did not matter, for three footsteps found them running to his semi-conscious form.
“Harry!” Hermione screamed as she was the first to reach him, shortly followed by Ron and Remus. All of them were breathing heavily, none of them looking untouched. Hermione had a small cut across her cheek, and a burn mark on her arm, she was pale with fear and her eyes shone brightly with tears as she looked at Harry.
“Are you… okay?” He asked her worriedly, trying to raise himself of the ground as Remus and Ron reached him.
“Me? Have you seen yourself?” She said, clutching her wand tightly, looking over her shoulder. Harry laughed lightly, groaning in pain as he forced his body to work.
“Quickly, we have to get to the Burrow, all of the guests are out, some of the Order are still fighting, but we need to get you away.” Remus said, holding one of his arms as gently as he could and helping him to his feet. He had a large gash across his face that still looked fresh, and Harry noticed a dark stain sinking through his trouser leg. The moment he was up, his legs collapsed beneath him. If it wasn’t for Remus’ hold, he would have been back on the ground in a crumpled heap. Ron swung his other arm over his shoulder, taking his full weight.
“It’s okay Remus, We’ll get him back.”
Remus nodded, releasing Harry. He gave him a concerned look before taking a deep breath and running back towards the tent, where flames that were higher than the structure were hissing and spitting violently.
“Harry where’s your wand?” Hermione said hurriedly, her focus on the situation never leaving her.
“Dropped it… over there somewhere.” He said, hearing the words loudly in his head as a loud buzzing noise had struck inside his ears, ringing loudly. His shaking legs that were just managing to hold him up were beginning to fail, and Ron hoisted him in a more secure position as he waited for Hermione to return.
“C’mon Harry, try and stay with me, you can pass out as soon as we get back.” Ron said to him, shaking him slightly as his head was lolling to one side, even though Harry tried to fight it. Hermione showed up through the deafening darkness, Harry’s wand in her hand.
“Let’s go.” She said, walking past the both of them. Ron walked as fast as his legs would carry him, dragging Harry along with him away from the disastrous marquee, noise renting the air.
The roar of flames could be heard by all of them as they walked, but even the heat of the deadly fire could not melt the thickness of cold that had erupted. Bangs and flashes were still visible through the black smoke which stuck to their surroundings, suffocating them all with the realisation of what was happening.
“What about.. the others… we need to help.” Harry barely whispered, his eyes shut as he concentrated on remaining awake.
“They’ll be fine mate, they came looking for you, and the quicker we get you outta here the better.” Ron replied, breathing heavily now as the crooked building of his home seemed to get bigger and bigger with each step they took together.
“Ron? Is that you?” Charlie shouted silhouetted in the door frame of the house, a large bruise on his face.
Without awaiting a reply, Charlie sprinted towards the trio, immediately helping his brother support Harry. As all four of them rushed inside, Harry who was ready to protest was literally pushed into the grate first, Charlie holding on tightly to him.
“This will be a bit of a squeeze I’m afraid Harry.” Charlie said, as Ron threw the floo powder near their feet. Charlie said loudly and clearly, “Grimmauld place!” and Green flames illuminated the kitchen of The Burrow, whisking the both of them away. The moment the uncomfortable sensation had ended, both Charlie and Harry fell out onto the carpet of the musty damp smelling house that Harry had hoped he would never need to step foot in again. He clenched his teeth together as every part of his body seemed to stab him with pain. He was in agony, nausea and dizziness overwhelmed him, and with hope that everyone would return safely, he fell to the world of unconsciousness.
Ron watched with a huge sense of relief flooding through him as Harry was dragged into the fireplace with Charlie. He was sickeningly pale, a deep gash right at the top of his hairline which was dripping heavily in crimson blood, whereas the opening was black with its thickness. There were bright red marks across his face where bruises were sure to from in the next few hours, and his best friend couldn’t even stand. By the looks of it he had had the crap beaten out of him, but by Harry’s bruised knuckles he was proud to believe that Harry had taken in advice that Ron had given to him once before, in their first year of Hogwarts; “Throw away your wand and punch him right in the face!”
The moment in which he had thrown the floo powder, and Charlie had whisked them both away, Ron turned to Hermione.
“You go! I’ll get the locket.” He said a thought that had been worrying him since the first sign of danger. Just as he was about to run off however, his arm was caught.
“I’ve got it, come on, let’s get out of here before they break free of the perimeter the Order have tried to form.” She replied, hurriedly taking a handful of the glittery powder. “Follow me straight awa-”
“Don’t worry! Just go!” He interrupted, hurriedly pushing her into the large grate. Doing as he said, she threw the powder beneath her shouting, “Grimmauld Place!” The moment she had vanished, Ron took one last look around the kitchen, pausing at the window where the marquee that had been filled with such joyful celebrations not long ago. All he wanted more than anything was to be sat with Harry, drinking butter beer after butter beer, both of them coming up with good insults for Viktor Krum. Not this. Not on his eldest brother’s big day. Seeing a struggle and men running towards his home, he forced himself to act, taking the floo powder and repeating Hermione’s words.
“What the hell do you think you were playing at?!” Yelled Hermione, who dragged him out of the fireplace of Grimmauld place and shook him, angry tears sliding down her face.
“What? I…-” He stuttered.
“You said you’d be right behind me!” She yelled again, hitting him on the arm.
“Hermione, calm down-” George began as he and Fred walked over to her, reaching out to pull her back.
“No I will not!” She shouted, sighing and sitting down on one of the moth-eaten sofa’s her head in her hands.
Ron shrugged at the twin’s, who both rolled their eyes at his ignorance. Both of them left, leaving only the two of them in the room.
“Hey.” Ron said, kneeling down to her level and taking both of her arms. “I’m fine okay. Sorry if I scared you, I never meant too.” He was satisfied when he saw her nod gently, snuffling and rubbing her eyes with a hand. It scared Ron too see her like this, too see her so scared and worried when he had only been half a minute longer, if that. She was so strong and focused, but to see her let her guard down shook him.
He brought her into a hug, where she clutched him tightly shutting her eyes. Ron buried his face into her shoulder, seeing the goose bumps that trailed over her skin. Releasing her, he took of his jacket, wrapping it around her. She didn’t have her heels on anymore, as he remembered her throwing them to the floor as she struggled to run.
“Thanks.” She sighed, snuggling into it as she smiled at him.
“It’s fine.” Ron replied, raising a thumb to her face to gently wipe away the blood that was on her cheek. “Where’s Harry by the way?”
“Mrs Weasley is with him in the kitchen. He’s not too good, though he keeps saying he’s fine. He’s not happy actually, he wants to see that everyone’s okay. I guess we should go in there really, I know Ginny hasn’t left his side since, I bet she’s in a right state though.”
Ron smiled at her, knowing for sure that the whole time Harry was gone Ginny had been nothing but nuts. He gave her a hand to her feet, and they both walked out of the dreary living room and into the hallway, making their way downstairs, heading for the kitchen.
“Harry, just stay still mate, they’re gonna be fine…” Ron heard Charlie saying through the black door that stood at the bottom of the stairs that they were descending.
“No, I need to see them, I need to go help them! We can’t just sit around!”
“Harry!”
Just as Ron and Hermione opened the door to the kitchen, they saw that Harry had tried to stand and leave but failed miserably as he was now on the floor, furiously trying to get up.
“Harry mate,” Ron began upon seeing his best friend. “You alright?”
Harry sighed in obvious relief at the sight of his two best friends, and so he allowed Charlie and Fred to help him back onto the kitchen chair, where Mrs Weasley was stood with her wand and a magical medical box.
“Are you both alright? Where are Remus, and the rest of the order?” He asked quickly, his face a empty grey, the blood still standing out brightly on his face, though he clearly didn’t care.
“We don’t know, there still there Harry.” Hermione said, not wanting to see his reaction.
He made to stand again, but Charlie held onto his shoulder tightly, saying, “No, you aren’t going anywhere, they want you.”
“Well I’ll have to bloody well give them me then, they wanna play dirty then so will I.” Harry replied, gritting his teeth and searching the kitchen for his wand.
“Harry James Potter!” Mrs Weasley said disapprovingly, “Mind your Language Young man! And you’re injured, so you wouldn’t be going anyway, over my dead body!”
Harry seemed to shrink under her stern gaze, as Fred and George exchanged amused looks at how effective their mothers words were on not just her own family, but everyone else too.
“Okay Mrs Weasley.” Harry sighed, looking to the floor, “But I’m fine honestly, see to the others first, Hermione’s got a nasty burn there.” And he looked at the bright red mark on Hermione’s arm; clearly he had not seen himself yet. “And Ron, are you alright?” He asked worriedly, wanting to make sure that he had not caused too much damage for his friends and their family.
“Oh Harry! You are not fine! Have you not seen yourself?” Ginny spat angrily, coming from the end of the kitchen table to stand glaring at him with her hands on her hips.
“No? Why, what is-”
Ginny sighed in frustration, leaving the room momentarily to return with a hand mirror which she shoved into his scratched and bruised hands. Raising the mirror, he looked at his reflection and grimaced.
“That’s grim.” He replied, not wanting to look anymore. “When did that happen?”
Everyone in the room laughed at him, including Ginny, who shook her head and pulled out a chair next to him.
“Well Harry dear, apart from your nasty head wound, I can’t seem to see any more physical signs of injury that can be healed, so I think you’ve done yourself pretty proud this time.” Mrs Weasley smiled, as she began too siphon of the blood on his face using her wand.
“See, I told you I was fine.” He said, shrugging and smiling at Ginny, though his body was still trembling, sweat breaking out on his forehead. Hermione and Ron shifted their feet uncomfortably.
“Why are you so unstable on your legs then Harry?” George asked laughing.
“He was hit with the cruciatous curse.” Remus said, opening the door and limping inside, followed by several others.
Everyone flinched violently, Harry realising his mistake recoiled away from Ginny, knowing she would soon be screaming at him for forgetting this detail.
“Did he forget to mention?” Remus asked to the room at large, his eyebrows raised as he looked at Harry sternly.
“I actually did you know.” He said, chuckling to everyone who did not seem to find it as amusing as he did.
He looked to Ginny, expecting to see fury but her eyes only held fear and concern. She had never felt the curse herself, but the way in which people talked about it made it seem horrifying. Immediately the thought of Neville and his parents sprang to her mind.
“I’m okay though.” Harry replied, mostly to Ginny as he closed a shaky hand around hers wanting to reassure her and rid of the scared look in her eye, hoping he would never have to see it again.
“Okay.” Mrs Weasley began again, her face overcome with concern her motherly instincts kicking in. “Drink this Harry, and then you’re going straight to bed, do you hear me?”
Knowing he could not argue he nodded, looking around the crowded kitchen to everyone who was present. There was only two missing, and as the worry filled him up he said rushed, “Bill and Fleur, where are they-” Charlie, who’s hand was still on his shoulder tried to sit him back down as he had begun to stand again.
“They’re fine, there upstairs with Fleur’s family.” Tonks said, raising a hand to calm him.
“And is anyone-”
“Were all fine, just a couple of scrapes and bruises is all.” Said Arthur Weasley who was among the members of the order, looking dusty and tired, but otherwise quite well.
Harry nodded, his exhaustion taking over him as he sighed deeply, his eyes already tempting to close. He took the potion Mrs Weasley gave him, and drank it all, before Ron helped him to his feet where he swayed slightly.
"Oh! Ginny, do you have my-?" Hermione began before she was presented with the small beaded bag.
"Don't worry." Ginny replied as she gave it to her, raising an eyebrow at he obvious sigh of relief. "What's in there that's so important?"
Hermione Seemed not to hear her, as she opened the kitchen door, leading the four of t
Them out. With the help of Ron, Harry, Ginny and Hermione headed for upstairs, leaving Mrs Weasley and Tonks to sort everyone else out.
After what seemed like forever to Harry who had been clutching the banisters the whole w
Way up, He managed to stumble into his and Ron’s room, lying down on the bed he had occupied two years ago. Ron came in with Hermione who was still wrapped in Ron’s jacket, both of them sitting on the other bed. Ginny sat by Harry’s feet, who fought to keep his eyes open.
Ron laughed, “Just go to sleep idiot.”
Harry smiled, and was asleep the moment he succumbed to his exaustion. Ginny, Hermione and Ron looked on at him.
“I can’t believe it.” Ron said. Sadness filling his eyes which remained on Harry’s sleeping form. “Can we ever go home again?”
Silence left his question unanswered, as the three of them sat there for ages in a comfortable silence. It was not until Ron yawned that it seemed infectious and finally Hermione and Ginny both wished Ron goodnight and left to their own room.
Ron clambered into bed, not caring that he was still in his dress robes.
“It’s gonna be alright Harry.” He said as he flicked the light of with his wand.
“I know.” Came the whisper of his best friend, who Ron had not expected to reply. Slowly the room was filled with snores, as both boys fell into a deep and well deserved sleep.
Downstairs now sat Mrs Weasley, Mr Weasley, Charlie, the twins, Remus, Tonks, Moody and Kingsley.
“It’s a good job he couldn’t move then!” Charlie said, before regretting his words at his Mother’s glare. “Well, no, I didn’t exactly want him to be tortured, but at least he wasn’t able to get up and go.” He shrugged, looking away from Mrs Weasley.
“The moment they seemed to realise he really wasn’t there anymore they just all took off. Didn’t try and finish us or nothing. They just wanted Harry.” Remus said, leaving a silence in the air.
“Well the boy is just gonna have to stay with us till this war’s over then.” Moody grunted, looking at the disapproving looks he received. “Yeah? I don’t like the idea too, keepin him locked up in this place, but they’re after him, you want him safe don’t you?”
“Of course we do mad-eye!” Tonks said incredibly, shaking her head, "but locking him up? You seriously think he’ll stay here?”
“And I assume you lot still believe there not going to be going off? Harry Ron and Hermione?” George said.
“Cause by god, your wrong.” Fred laughed, not caring about the rest of their expressions.
“What?” He exclaimed defensively.
“What are we going to do then?” Mr Weasley asked, looking to Remus, exchanging looks.
Remus waited a moment as all of their eyes were waiting upon him expectedly.
“We’ll talk with him. Not now, but we’ll see what he thinks, but,” He paused, his face a calculating look, “We’ll make sure he knows we have to do something.”
Hey guys! This one’s a bit longer thank goodness! I hope it’s okay, this is like my first action chapter really, so I hope it isn’t too dull or slow! If it is, do tell me, I don’t mind being told, it only helps me as a writer:D hope everyone’s alright and thanks to my reviewers;D pease do review, as it makes me HAPPY!x EDITED
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