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Author: Robert Owen Story: Invictus Rating: Teens Setting: Pre-HBP Status: Completed Reviews: 8 Words: 146,488
Dedication: For Imogen's niece. An angel called home far too early. The day dawned cold and overcast, which Harry thought perfectly reflected his own mood as he stood with Ron in the Gryffindor common room waiting for Ginny and Hermione to join them. In a little over an hour they would be burying Elizabeth Smith and he still had no idea what he would say at the service. Again, he silently cursed himself for being so adamant about speaking on her behalf at the service and yet Harry knew that if he didn't, there was no one else to render that honour. He knew it was precious little, but he owed her that much at least. Shifting uncomfortably in his robes, Harry turned to Ron and said, "You know you really don't need to do this. It's my responsibility, not yours." Ron stopped rubbing his hands together and looked over at his friend. "I know, and, to tell the truth, I briefly did consider skiving off to Honeydukes, but in all honesty, Harry, I want to be here. Granted, Hermione would skin me alive if I left you hanging, not to mention what Ginny and my mum would do to me, but you're my best mate, and if it's important enough for you to do this, then it's important enough for me to be there with you." Ron then glanced at the stairs leading to the girls' dormitories and muttered under his breath, "What's taking them so long?" Harry simply nodded his head in agreement, still uncomfortable at saying too much in front of Ron, or the rest of the Hogwarts student body. To his surprise, when Harry had awakened in the common room after falling asleep with Ginny nestled against him, he'd discovered Ron sitting in a chair across from the sleeping couple, his arms crossed and an unreadable expression upon his face. After an awkward moment of silence, Ron had simply stood and made his way to the exit, pausing only long enough to turn and say, "Thank you, Harry. It's good to have you back, mate. Tell Ginny that I said good morning and that I'll see you both later." Perplexed and relieved, Harry had only given a slight wave of his hand in acknowledgement before shifting his attention to gently waking the sleeping form resting upon his chest. The next two days had proved both a relief and a bit uncomfortable for Harry. It was clear that people wanted to ask questions, but, for some reason, were unwilling to do so. To his further amazement, Malfoy and the majority of Slytherin House had been rather conspicuous in their silence, instead choosing to act as though Harry and Hermione didn't even exist. Harry hoped it would last forever, but doubted that it would continue past a week. It wasn't until the previous night that he had learned the reason behind everyone's strange behavior, as he returned from a meeting with Dumbledore to discuss the funeral service set for the next morning. Passing the empty classroom where he and Ginny had gone on Valentine's Day, Harry overheard voices and stopped to investigate. Peering around the edge of the slightly open door, Harry had discovered Ron, Hermione, and Ginny discussing him. Harry heard Ginny ask, "So we're agreed then?" Hermione then replied, "I agree. Ron?" "I don't know, Hermione. It's one thing for Dumbledore to pass the word for the rest of the students not to bother Harry, but we're his friends." Hermione gave a sigh of resignation. "Ron, I've already told you what I know, which, I agree, is precious little. I don't know what happened in that room. All I could hear was that terrible chanting as they tortured Harry. What I do know is that something scared Malfoy and the other Death Eaters, and caused Voldemort to leave in such a fury that his anger was enough to destroy the building." Hermione paused, and then continued in a softer tone. "Ron, something terrible and monstrous happened in that room involving Elizabeth Smith, the girl whose funeral we're attending tomorrow. I know you and Ginny want answers, but Professor Dumbledore has asked us not to pry and we need to trust him on this. Besides, your mum also made it clear that we were not to bother Harry for answers. When Harry's ready, he'll tell us." Ron sighed and replied quietly, "I know. It just doesn't mean I have to like it!" It was then that Harry realized that Hermione had not told them everything. He knew she was not a fool and had probably deduced what Voldemort had been after. The test he'd watched Malfoy perform on Beth would have told her what his goal had been. Harry knew she was protecting both himself and Ginny by being silent and, for that, Harry knew he'd be eternally grateful. A slight scraping sound brought Harry's attention back to the present, and he looked toward the stairs to find Hermione and Ginny waiting at the foot of the staircase. Both girls wore, like the boys, traditional black mourning robes and had, like the boys, dressed appropriately in dark clothes. Hermione wore a knee-length, simple black dress, and a single strand of transfigured pearls, while Ginny had opted for a similar length dark blue silk skirt and matching blouse, apparently borrowed from Parvati, and the silver necklace he and Ron had given her. Even on a day such as this, Harry again felt his breath taken away by Ginny's beauty. Walking over, he said simply, "You both look lovely today," an opinion quickly echoed by Ron. Both girls blushed at this praise and then each leaned up and gave their boyfriend a light kiss on the cheek in thanks. Taking Harry's hand, Ginny looked up into his eyes and asked, "Are you ready?" Giving her a reassuring squeeze, Harry replied, "Yes." With that said, the two couples made their way out of the common room and down towards the main entrance to the castle. Reaching the main entrance, Harry was surprised to find Professor Lupin waiting for them. Motioning for Ron and Hermione to proceed, he and Ginny crossed over to the waiting Defense teacher. Reaching out, Remus clasped Harry's arm and asked, "Are you sure you want to do this?" Harry nodded, his jaw set, and replied, "Yes, Remus. I have to do this. Beth was an orphan, same as me. There's no else who can do it." Remus looked into Harry's eyes and saw the determination reflected in those pools of green. "I'm proud of you, Harry. Sirius sends his regrets, but he wanted you to know just how grateful he is that you and Hermione are both okay." Then, with a gleam in his eye, Remus added, "Sirius also wanted me to tell you that, for giving him another heart attack, you're grounded for the next month!" Harry started to protest at this, but stopped as Ginny started to giggle. Remus chuckled as Harry realized that he was being given the mickey and then said, "However, I managed to persuade him that a more fitting punishment would be order. Instead of grounding you, I proposed, and Sirius agreed, that we should simply chain you to Ginny's bed for the next month. That way, we'd at least know where both of you were since I rather suspect she's not going to let you out of her sight any time soon." Harry felt his face flush with heat as he groaned, "Remus!" However, inwardly, he was relieved to see Ginny's face turn tomato-red at Lupin's teasing. Neither of them had said anything regarding the events in the common room two nights ago, each apparently content to be grateful that their love had survived the recent events. However, in spite of his epiphany that night, in the back of his mind, Harry still had his doubts that everything would be all right between them. Now, the spreading flush on his girlfriend's face at Remus's comment served to help settle many of Harry's concerns. Smiling now, Remus gestured towards the door and said, "Shall we?" Harry took Ginny's hand and nodded in agreement. "After you, Remus," and the three made their way outside and around towards the back of the castle. As they approached the cemetery, Harry debated about telling Remus about the presence of James and Lily's graves. However, upon reflection, he decided not to because this was Beth's day, and telling Remus would only detract from that. There would be time enough to tell the old Marauder at a later date. Preferably one, Harry thought, with Sirius present as a free man since word had arrived the previous day that the Minister of Magic had personally granted Sirius a full pardon, based on Hermione's testimony, and declared him cleared of all charges. Harry smiled quietly at the memory of Remus's expression at the news. The Defense teacher had acted just like a child who'd received the best Christmas present ever, as he hugged Hermione repeatedly while thanking her over and over again before racing out of the Gryffindor common room to the Owlery, so he could send word to his old friend. Ron, Harry, and Ginny had watched in amusement as Hermione staggered back to their sofa and collapsed in a daze following Lupin's final kiss on her cheek. Ginny, looking up, noticed Harry's expression and said, "A Galleon for your thoughts." Coming out of his revere, Harry replied, "A Galleon again is it? Will you ever make up your mind, Ginny?" The angelic sprite beamed up at him with a mischievous grin and said, "No. It's a woman's prerogative to change her mind." Harry shook his head ruefully and sighed. "I was just thinking about Sirius." The humour faded from Ginny's eyes and was replaced by a warm look of understanding as she nodded at this. "I'm glad he's finally a free man, Harry. Maybe this means you could spend the summer with him instead of the Dursleys. Do you think Dumbledore would allow it?" Harry shook his head. "Afraid not. I already asked, and Professor Dumbledore says I need to stay this one last summer. However, once I turn seventeen, I never have to go back!" Approaching the cemetery gate, Ginny stopped and pulled Harry close. Placing her fingers to Harry's lips, she whispered, "You do realize that I'm going to count the days until that joyous moment arrives, right?" Harry grinned as he gently grasped her hand and kissed the fingers which had just so gently caressed his lips, and said, "That makes two of us." Entering the cemetery, Harry was pleased at what he saw. A tent had been erected next to the open grave with chairs for the mourners and a lectern had been positioned near one end for Harry to use when he spoke. In addition, a small table full of flowers had been set of to the right of the lectern. As he glanced around, Harry saw that most everyone was there. Molly, Percy, and the twins sat at one end of the first row while Ron and Hermione stood quietly talking with her parents. To his surprise, however, Professor Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Madam Pomfrey were off to one side talking with Remus, Mr. Weasley, and the last person he expected to see today, Sgt. Major Clarke, who looked splendid in his full dress blue uniform, complete with white gloves. Glancing around, he saw no sign of Bill or Charlie, but then realized that they might not have been able to come. Suddenly, Ginny gave his hand a warning squeeze and he looked up to find Mr. Granger walking over towards him, a hand outstretched in greeting. Harry shook the offered hand and said, "Thank you for coming, Mr. Granger." Mr. Granger smiled slightly and replied, "When Hermione told us what had happened, we both felt that you deserved our support today. And I also�c" But whatever Mr. Granger had been about to add, was cut short by the arrival of Clarke, followed by Dumbledore, and Remus. "Ready, Ted?" Mr. Granger replied, "I believe so." Puzzled, Harry asked, "Ready for what?" Clarke answered, "It's customary, Harry, for friends and family to act as pallbearers for the deceased. When Bill stopped by Puller's the other day and updated me on everything, he asked me if I would consent to assist. I told him I would be honoured." Harry said nothing, a feeling of shame spreading over him as he realized that he should have thought of this. As if sensing his thoughts, Clarke said softly, "In the Corps, Harry, we look after our own. You've had enough of a burden to shoulder in this. We..." and he paused to indict Mr. Granger, Remus and Dumbledore, "...felt it was the least we could do for her." Then, clasping Harry's shoulder, Clarke added, "You didn't have to do this, but you chose to because it was the right thing to do. Let us help you honour her memory." Harry felt his eyes start to tear up as he softly replied, "Thank you. Thank you all." Clarke nodded in acknowledgement, looked to the others, and motioned towards the gate. "Gentlemen, let's move out. Professor Dumbledore, we'll be ready in five minutes." As the three men walked off, Dumbledore turned to Harry and Ginny. "Harry, once again, I find myself being reminded by you of the true meanings of honour and integrity. Your parents would be very proud of you today. Now, if you both will take your seats, we will commence with the service shortly." The two walked slowly over to the tent and took their seats at the end of the front row, closest to the lectern and flower-laden table. As they settled in, Ron and Hermione, followed by Mrs. Granger, came up and sat down behind them. Mrs. Granger leaned forward and whispered, "Thank you, Harry, for saving my daughter." Harry looked up in surprise at this. He replied, "But, I didn't�...." Mrs. Granger put a fingertip to his lips to silence him. "No, but you risked you own life to go after her, and for that, Ted and I both thank you." Harry nodded in acknowledgement even as he felt a wave of nausea sweep over him at the memories of what had really happened in the chamber. He glanced down at Ginny and saw that she was watching him closely, deep concern filling her eyes as she tried to read his emotions. He squeezed her hand and said, "I'm fine." Ginny returned the gesture and whispered, "No, you're not." Harry sighed and replied, "You're right, but don't tell anyone, please." Ginny was spared from responding by the sound of the cemetery gate swinging open and the sight of six men entering, carrying a polished wooden coffin between them. It took a moment for Harry to realize what was happening, and then it hit him. The men, Sgt. Major Clarke, Mr. Granger, Remus, Bill, Charlie, and -- to his astonishment -- Professor Snape, were actually carrying the coffin. Positioned three men to a side, instead of a levitation spell, they were using actual brute strength to carry Beth the final yards to her resting-place. In a world where magic was used routinely to avoid manual labor, their gesture was an extremely powerful statement of respect for the young Muggle girl. Beside him, Harry felt Ginny's hand tighten her grip as the procession neared the tent. Then, as the men walked past, first Harry and Ginny, then the other mourners rose and stood in respectful silence as the coffin was gently maneuvered over the open grave. When it was in position, Professor Dumbledore first quietly cast a levitation spell to hold the coffin up during the service and then opened the lid to display Beth's body, now dressed in Hogwarts robes. Satisfied that everything was in order, Dumbledore nodded to Sgt. Major Clarke, who quietly gave the command, "Pallbearers, dismissed!" and the men stepped back and moved to take their seats under the tent, with Clarke moving to stand at the end of the second row, next to Hermione. Dumbledore waited for everyone to be seated before approaching the lectern and addressing the assembled mourners. "This cemetery exists for members of the Hogwarts family as a place of final resting. Here, you will find faculty, staff, alumni, Ministry officials, students, and, I must admit, the occasional pet. When a service is held, it is customary for a member of the family of the decedent to deliver the eulogy, or, as in this case, when there is no family member to do so, for the Headmaster to assume this duty. Today, however, Mr. Potter has requested this post of honour and so I shall defer to him." Stepping back, Dumbledore waited until Harry had made his way up to the lectern before taking his seat next to Professor McGonagall. Harry looked out at the sea of faces, swallowed, and began to speak. "Elizabeth Smith was my friend. Although I only knew her for a short time, she was someone I admired and respected. Beth was an orphan, like me, although her parents were killed in a fire." Harry paused, not sure how to proceed, then plunged ahead. "Beth only had two real dreams in her life, to find her uncle and to have a real family again. She....." Harry again paused, his throat now tight with emotion. Gripping the lectern, he swallowed hard and again tried to speak. "She�....." but the words once more refused to come. Suddenly, Harry found he couldn't speak at all, his throat so tight that he could barely breathe. Helpless, he looked to Ginny for support but before she could act, he felt a gentle hand upon his shoulder. Turning, Harry discovered that Clarke had come up behind him. The older man looked down with eyes that spoke silently of understanding as he said, "No man is an island, Harry. Go on back to Ginny; I'll finish it for you." Grateful for the assistance, Harry slowly stepped back and walked over to join Ginny and the others. Clarke waited until Harry sat down before he began to speak. "A good leader is one who puts the welfare of others before himself. He is the last to eat, the last to sleep, and the first into danger because he will ask nothing of another that he is unwilling to ask of himself. He is someone who refuses to take the path of least resistance, but instead follows the road less traveled not because it is any easier, but because it is a challenge. He is a man not only of courage, honour, and integrity, but also one of humility and compassion. He is also a man who has learned the three immutable laws of war." Clarke's gaze swept over the mourners and stopped, ever so briefly, upon Harry, before he continued. "The first law is that in war, young men and women die. The second is that despite our best intentions and efforts, the innocent shall suffer. The third, and most important, is that no matter how hard we try, no one has the power to change rules one and two." Clarke paused a moment to allow his words to be considered, then he continued. "When I arrived this morning, I had the opportunity to speak with Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall, who were kind enough to share some insights into Miss Smith." Harry glanced over at the two professors and wondered what they had told Clarke. "Miss Smith was an exceptional young woman with dreams of becoming a fashion designer. She also wanted to attend a university someday and complete her education, as well as finding her uncle and raising a family. I'm even told that that her favorite song, which her uncle used to sing to her as a child, was one of mine, 'Puff the Magic Dragon.' She was, by all accounts, a loving and caring woman whom any parent could have been proud of, and all of this, despite having been orphaned at the age of two and being raised as a ward of the Crown." Here, Clarke paused, and then continued in a voice tinged with emotion. "I've been a Marine for almost thirty years and in that time, I've seen scores of my fellow Marines die in combat. Yet, I can truthfully say that, with a handful of exceptions, few have met death as bravely as Miss Smith did. I say this because she knew that she was going to die, and told me so in the ruins of the mine defense building, as we awaited the arrival of those who could remove the debris around her. It was her wish that no one know of this at the time because she felt that Harry had suffered enough and didn't want to add to his burden. I can only hope that should I face death on a battlefield someday, that I will be as brave as she was." Harry felt his heart seize at these words. Beth had known and yet had carried on to protect him. A slight groan escaped his lips as he uttered, "Oh, God!" But even as he spoke, Harry felt the warmth of Ginny's hand as it tightened around his own, and the simultaneous touches of both Ron and Hermione's hands upon his back in silent displays of support. Stepping back from the lectern, Clarke said, "Ladies and gentlemen, would you please rise. Gentlemen, would you please remove your hats, and would all those present bow their heads with me." The mourners did as directed, although only Harry, Hermione, and the Grangers understood the significance of Clarke's request. Removing his cover, Clarke bowed his head and began to speak in a loud, clear, tone. "Dear Lord, we gather here today to commend unto you, the body and soul of your servant, Elizabeth Smith. We ask you to take her into your arms and to give unto her all the joy, love, and laughter, that she never received in this life. We ask you to welcome her into your house and to restore her to those loved ones that have preceded her from this world. We ask this in your name, Amen." Looking up, Clarke then reached into his pocket and produced a small, dog-eared Bible. Opening it, he began to read: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff comfort me....c" Behind him, Harry could hear Hermione and her parents repeating the words. "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." Clarke stopped, raised his head, and said quietly, "Amen." As he repeated the word, Harry thought, to his astonishment, for a split-second that he had heard a softly spoken, "Amen," come from the direction of Professor Snape. Closing the book, Clarke returned it to his pocket, stepped back, and motioned Harry to come forward. Standing up, Harry stepped forward, reached down, and picked up a flower from the small table to his right. As per his request, Professor Dumbledore had arranged for it to contain Beth's favorite flowers, stargazer lilies, enchanted to bloom in the cool March air. As he started towards the coffin, the air was suddenly filled with the soft sounds of a lone piper playing Amazing Grace. Surprised at this, Harry glanced around for the source of the music, and was amazed to discover Professor Flitwick standing on the castle parapet, next to an enchanted set of bagpipes. Walking up to the coffin, he gently laid the flower next to Beth and then, realizing that he was again about to lose his composure, stepped back and quickly returned to the lectern, where Ginny stood waiting for him. Sensing his mood, Ginny wrapped Harry in a loving embrace and held him while the tremors rippled through his shoulders as he fought to regain control. Dimly, in the back of his mind, Harry was cognizant that Remus, Dumbledore, and the rest were all very politely ignoring his display of emotions, and Ginny's efforts to comfort him. Finally, after several minutes, Ginny felt the tremors cease and she reluctantly released Harry from her embrace. Reaching up, she gently laid a hand on his cheek and asked, "Better?" Harry nodded and whispered, "Yes." Giving his hand a firm squeeze, Ginny whispered back, "I'll only be a moment," and she moved to the table where she picked up a flower and repeated Harry's gesture. Then, with her own eyes bright with emotion, Ginny returned to Harry's side where she wrapped her right arm around his waist and buried her head against his chest as her own tears flowed. Following Ginny, one by one the assembled mourners filed past the coffin, each, as Harry had done, laying a single stargazer lily in the coffin with Beth. Harry watched with interest as the twins laid their flowers and, after exchanging nods, added a small box, which Harry recognized as containing an assortment of WWW practical jokes. Ignoring the glare that Mrs. Weasley threw their way, Fred stopped and said quietly to Harry, "She never had much fun in this life, so we thought we'd help her in the next." Harry could only nod in thanks as he fought to keep the tears from rolling down his cheeks again. Finally, only Professor Snape remained to come forward. The others watched silently as the taciturn man approached the coffin, laid his flower, then reached into his robes and removed a small, old, and very battered child's teddy bear. Slowly, Professor Snape reached into the coffin and tenderly placed the bear under Beth's hand, next to her Hogwarts letter. Straightening, Snape, with a tenderness that astonished the onlookers, then brushed an errant strand of hair out of her face before he turned, and with a face that could have been etched in stone, quietly made his way out of the cemetery. The rest of the mourners stood stunned at what they'd just witnessed. Then, the remaining guests turned back to the coffin and watched as a wave of Dumbledore's hand closed the lid and gently laid it to rest in the bottom of the prepared grave. Harry took that as his cue to conclude the proceedings. Gathering his courage, Harry stepped forward, picked up the shovel and tossed in a load of dirt as he whispered, "Goodbye," then grounded the shovel and stepped back next to Ginny so as to allow the others to follow his lead. In turn, each mourner stepped forward and tossed a shovel-full of dirt into the grave then slowly made his or her way towards the gate. Finally, only Professor Dumbledore remained. As Harry and Ginny watched, Dumbledore stood over the open grave for a second and then effortlessly tossed a load of dirt onto the coffin below. Then, after grounding the shovel, he simply stood and slowly brought his hands together, as if in prayer, and, as he did so, the last of the dirt flowed into the hole, and the ground became solid once more. In seconds, the cemetery looked as it had before the service, with only the headstone revealing the presence of the new grave. Dumbledore then looked at the young couple and motioned them to follow him. Harry and Ginny followed the Headmaster out of the cemetery to a point out of earshot of the others, then waited for him to speak. Dumbledore stood silently observing the young couple before him then spoke. "Professor Snape owes you a great debt of gratitude." Both students were stunned at this revelation. Harry finally managed to sputter, "Excuse me, Professor? How exactly does Professor Snape owe me a debt of gratitude?" Dumbledore smiled slightly before answering. "During the first war, when Voldemort was beginning his rise to power, Professor Snape was much the same person as you see now. However, he did have one great love of which he seldom spoke, his sister." Harry's jaw dropped at this revelation. "Snape has a sister?" Dumbledore nodded slowly, but his eyes showed only pain. "True, but with one important correction, Harry, he had a sister. She was killed during the war by Voldemort's followers for daring to speak out against the Dark Lord." Comprehension dawned in Ginny's eyes. "And that's why he turned against Voldemort, Professor?" "Not precisely, Miss Weasley. Although Severus loved his sister, it was a love that he could not openly express due to his association with Voldemort. This hurt him very much because she was the driving reason for his becoming an expert in potions. You see, his sister suffered from a rare condition which rendered her infertile and for which there is no magical cure." Ginny's soft, "Oh," echoed Harry's own sentiments at this bit of news. "As you know, Miss Weasley, the Wizarding community places a high value on children. When a witch and a wizard conceive, there is a mingling of their magic. Unfortunately, her condition was one in which such a mingling, or even the conception of a child with the ability to perform magic, would have killed her. Thus, unable to have children, Serena left our world and settled in York where she met and fell in love with a man who'd recently lost his own wife in an accident, leaving him to raise their infant daughter by himself. The two were soon married and, although he could never openly admit it, Severus stayed in touch with his sister and soon came to love the little girl as though she were his own." Harry stiffened and he suddenly had a sickening feeling as to where this story was going. Dumbledore noted Harry's reaction and nodded sadly. "Yes, you are quite correct, Harry. Despite Severus's warnings, Serena chose to speak out against Voldemort and several Death Eaters were dispatched to kill the family. It was assumed that when Voldemort's men set fire to the house that all three members of the family had perished, although the child's body was never found. Severus was so enraged at this action that he sought me out and offered his services as a spy within Voldemort's ranks." Harry's voice was barely above a whisper as he said, "But the girl didn't die, did she?" Dumbledore nodded gravely. "No, she apparently did not." Ginny now looked from Dumbledore's somber face to Harry's ashen countenance and realized what the Headmaster had just admitted. In a very soft tone, she asked, "Professor, are you saying that�c." Dumbledore finished the question for her. "Yes, my dear, Elizabeth Smith was his niece." Harry now asked, in an angry tone, "Then why didn't he say something now, today? Why didn't he acknowledge her when she was alive?" A regretful sigh escaped Dumbledore's lips as he replied, "We did not know any of this until she was brought to the castle and Severus discovered an old photograph of her family as we sorted through her belongings. When he looked at it, he recognized the faces of his sister and her husband. I, in good conscience, cannot discuss his reaction, Harry. I can only ask that you not judge him too harshly. Remember that any acknowledgement of Miss Smith as his relative would have meant risking exposure of his real allegiances and, most certainly, his death. It took a great deal of courage for him to come here today and make the gesture that he did." Harry felt Ginny's hand slide into his own as he looked down the hill at the solitary figure of Professor Snape, only a slight movement to his hunched shoulders giving any sign of life to the onlookers behind him. "And I thought I was alone." Ginny squeezed his hand and whispered, "No, Harry. You're never alone, anymore. You have all of us as your family." Harry looked down at the pair of soft chocolate brown pools that stared back up at him full of love and concern and replied, "I know that now, Ginny. I know that now." THE END
A/N: This story is my attempt to address the unsolved mysteries and unanswered questions posed by Imogen in her masterpiece ALPHA & OMEGA: Book 2 of the Carpe Diem Universe. I hope that you have enjoyed the ride. There is an Author's Addendum which will be posted that explains the story behind INVICTUS. The poem INVICTUS is by William Ernest Henley, 1849-1903, and can be found at www.Bartleby.com The poem TO ANTHEA, WHO MAY COMMAND HIM ANY THING, by Robert Herrick, can also be found at www.Bartleby.com The spell "Repercitio" is the creation of Neil, the author of "Hogwarts Exposed," and its sequel, "Hogwarts Too Exposed, A Slytherin Among Us," which can be found at www.portkey.org Likewise, "Floribunda" is the creation of Vicarious Leigh for her delightful story, "The Next Great Adventure" at www.portkey.org The character of Merc Thompson is the creation of Vicarious Leigh and is a central participant in her brilliant story, "The Triumvirate of Resolve" at www.portkey.org The minefield control building does actually exist overlooking the Sound of Kerrera in Scotland, three miles south of Oban. A photo of a similar structure located in Burnham-on-Crouch can be found in AFTER THE BATTLE #116, page 32 in the article on WW 2 Defenses in Essex by Fred Nash. www.afterthebattle.com The cover art is courtesy of Kristin B, whose work is posted at www.chamberofkeys.com The lyrics to "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (Marvin Gaye & Tammy Terrell) are courtesy of www.azlyrics.us The spell "Confisare Biancheria" originally appeared in the classic story H/G story, "The Long Road Home," and is used here with the kind permission of Ashwinder and Maid Marion of www.bitchnmoan.net. The characterization of Blaise Zabini, and the character of Moira McTaggert are shamelessly borrowed from Ruskbyte's brilliant "Order of the Phoenix" at www.fanfiction.net The descriptions of Harry and Draco's costumes come from the Richard Sharpe series, by Bernard Cornwell, specifically Sharpe's Regiment and Sharpe's Rifles respectively. Lucius Malfoy's costume is taken from the portrait of Marshal Ney which can be seen at www.carpenoctem.tv Ron and Hermione's costumes can be found at www.museumreplicas.com while Ginny's is taken from pictures of Elizabeth Hurley as Lady Farthingdale in the movie "Sharpe's Enemy," pictures of which can be found at www.full-of-beans.net Again, I make no claims as to this work. The characters belong to J. K. Rowling, the world in which they play is the creation of Imogen, and I am just a humble writer of words.
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