Disclaimer-I I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER
-This takes place the day after the Astronomy OWLS in the Order of the Phoenix. This story is rated M! Read at your own risk! Warnings are character death. Harry Ron and Hermione do not die.
Chapter 1- Falling Wards
The day started with a buzz of the usual activity in the halls of Hogwarts. The Gryffindors were still buzzing with last night's action. Dumbledore, Hagrid and McGonagall were gone. Fear gripped the students' as they walked down to breakfast that morning, no one but a handful of teachers to stop the Toad now. The empty seats seemed larger than life. Little did they know, she was the least of their worries.
Severus Snape sat as far as he could from the High Inquisitor, and Hogwarts newest headmistress. He held his left arm tightly with his right, his agitation evident in every muscle. The other teachers spoke in quiet whispers. All this distracted them from the wavering buzz surrounding the school. A slight golden hue covered Hogwarts. It's shine, dulling. The air itself seemed to be getting heavier. The sky showing above the ceiling darkened as clouds gathered over head.
Hermione Granger looked up, a shiver running down her spine. Something was happening. Something big. She turned her head, this way and that. No one else acknowledged the tension gaining around them. Harry lay with his head on the table rubbing his temples. Ron ate and talked to his brothers. Another sudden rush jolted her.
"Harry, Ron. Come with me to the library! Now." She commanded, an uneasy feeling gripping her. Harry stood, the dark circles under his dull eyes and the slumped posture adding urgency. Ron groaned and tried arguing. With a hand gripping both of their arms, she walked as fast as she could out of the hall.
"What's going on 'Mione?" Harry asks as he follows behind her.
" Something is happening. I think the wards are falling!" Hermione pants as they pick up the pace to the fourth floor.
"Bloody Hell, How can that be?" Ron exclaims.
"Dumbledore is gone, Ron! And he renewed the Wards weekly! Especially with Voldemort back." Hermione explains as they rush around the corner and into the library. She races around for a few minutes as she picks up book after book on wards. Ron stands by the window over looking the Forbidden Forest.
Harry sat near by, a sharp pain goes through his scar before suddenly he is no longer in Hogwarts. He stands outside of Hogwarts in the forest. Hundreds of Death Eaters stood at attention in individual groups. The long pale hair of Lucius Malfoy to his right, his wand trained on a dozen Inferni. A pack of bloodthirsty werewolves stand off to the left, away from the ten adult giants lined up along the back. The giants wear thick dragon hide, and carried giant weapons resembling medieval weaponry, such as a spiked flail, a Morning star, a Scythe, and axes. Above him, dozens of dementors covered them like a blanket. Harry felt his mouth move and a voice that wasn't his own spoke up.
"Today, we have the perfect opportunity to attack! From what I heard, the new head of Hogwarts is a total fool! She has blocked the floo network, except for her own , and has run out the best defenses this school has. The children haven't learned much this year. They are vulnerable! We can over take Hogwarts before the Order has even heard what has happened. Kill ALL MUGGLEBORNS. KILL ALL TEACHERS. Find our young Harry Potter and bring him to me. Kill anyone who tries to protect him!"
The jeers and shouts of the crowd almost seemed to echo in his mind before he snapped back into the library, his breath fast and his chest tight. With a groan he shoved his friends aside, ignored their surprised gasp, as he rushes to the window. He squints into the dark trees. Dark shapes take form, shining masks, weapons and sleek dragon hide, glisten behind the golden wards.
"It's too late, Hermione." Harry whispers.