Powerful bang extinguished their voices once more.

"He was killed while trying to sneak out of the castle grounds," said Voldemort,

and there was a relish in his voice for the lie. "killed while trying

to save himself - "

But Voldemort broke off: Harry heard a scuffle and a shout, then another bang, a

Flash of light, and grunt of pain; he opened his eyes an infinitesimal

amount. Someone had broken free of the crowd and charged at Voldemort: Harry saw the

figure hit the ground. Disarmed, Voldemort throwing the challenger's

Wand aside and laughing.

"And who is this?" he said in his soft snake's hiss. "Who has volunteered to

Demonstrate what happens to those who continue to fight when the

battle is lost?"

Bellatrix gave a delighted laugh.

"It is Neville Longbottom, my Lord! The boy who has been giving the Carrows so

much trouble! The son of the Aurors, remember?"

"Ah, yes, I remember," said Voldemort, looking down at Neville, who was

Struggling back to his feet, unarmed and unproctected, standing in the

no-man's-land between the survivors and the Death Eaters. "But you are a pureblood,

aren't you, my brave boy? Voldemort asked Neville, who stood facing him,

His empty hands curled in fists.

"So what if I am?" said Neville loudly.

"You show spirit and bravery, and you come of noble stock. You will make a very

valuable Death Eater. We need your kind, Neville Longbottom."

"I'll join you when hell freezes over," said Neville. "Dumbledore's Army!" he

Shouted, and there was an answering cheer from the crowd, whom

Voldemort's Silencing Charms seemed unable to hold.

"Very well," said Voldemort, and Harry heard more danger in the silkiness of his

voice than in the most powerful curse. "If that is your choice, Longbottom,

we revert to the original plan. On your head," he said quietly, "be it."

Still watching through his lashes, Harry saw Voldemort wave his wand. Seconds

later, out of one of the castle's shattered windows, something that looked like a

misshapen bird flew through the half light and landed in Voldemort's hand. He shook the

mildewed object by its pointed end and it dangled, emtpy and ragged: the Sorting Hat.

"There will be no more Sorting at Hogwarts School," said Voldemort. "There will

Be no more Houses. The emblem, sheild and colors of my noble ancestor, Salazar

Slythering, will suffice everyone. Won't they, Neville Longbottom?"

He pointed his wand at Neville, who grew rigid and still, then forced the hat onto

Neville's head, so thta it slipped down below his eyes. There were movements from the

Watching crowd in front of the castle, and as one, the Death Eaters raised their wands,

Holding the fighters of Hogwarts at bay.

"Neville here is now going to demonstrate what happens to anyone foolish

enough to continue to oppose me," said Voldemort, and with a flick of his wand, he

Caused the Sorting Hat to burst into flames.

Screams split the dawn, and Neville was a flame, rooted to the spot, unable to

move, and Harry could not bear it: He must act -

Date: 2015-12-11; view: 458