Chapter 2- The Horn and the Banner

Author's Note: Thanks to those who reviewed the last chapter. Here comes the next one. Again there were bits that I found difficult to write, as I had to squeeze my version in. I had to research the layout and map of Hogwarts, as far as I know that's fairly accurate. I was a bit disappointed with JK's battle plan, but in all fairness to her, she was more worried about the trio and the Diadem angle. Can anyone let me know, if there's a part of Hogwarts that I've left unchecked or unseen from any of the positions?

I hope you enjoy this chapter! I've put the Spanish translation at the end.

Neville motioned for Harry to walk through.

"Harry Potter!" screamed a voice, as soon as he had done just that.

"Gallardo?"

"Hermione!"

"Ron?"

All four of them were ambushed with a round of hugs, back pats and handshakes, as if they had just won gold medals for their country. There were over twenty people, all cheering in jubilation.

"All right, all right! Calm down!" Neville commanded.

Gallardo recognised a lot of them, through the scars, bruises and cuts on their faces and limbs. Seamus Finnigan, Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown, made up the Gryffindors. The Hufflepuffs consisted of Ernie Macmillan, Hannah Abbot and Susan Bones. Amongst the Marteslons were Masam Nobutada, Sandra Mars and Hayley Carpenter. The Ravenclaws were Michael Corner, Terry Boot, Anthony Goldstein and Eduardo Sempatho.

The room looked like a warm, most inner and strong part of a treehouse. The walls proudly held up four banners. There was the gold lion of Gryffindor, before a red background; the black badger of Hufflepuff, in yellow; the white stallion of Marteslon, in Persian green, and the bronze eagle of Ravenclaw, in blue. There were armchairs, multi-coloured hammocks, four bookshelves (propping a few broomsticks) and a wooden wireless.

"Where are we?" Ron asked.

"The Room of Requirement, of course!" Neville replied. "I guess, I really needed a sanctuary from the Carrows, where any of their supporters or loyalists couldn't get in."

"You have to tell the Room exactly what you want, but we leave that to Neville because he really gets this room," Seamus informed.

"It wasn't like this when I first arrived," Neville shrugged."Just had one hammock, but gradually more popped up, as did a bathroom when girls started to arrive."

"Yeah, because we actually care about hygiene," Sandra said.

"The path to Aberforth opened up, when we were hungry," Neville informed. "He's been providing us with provisions ever since."

"So, what have you been up to?" Ernie grinned. "There have been rumours, on Potterwatch, that you broke into Gringotts!"

"We did," Harry confirmed.

"And you broke out on a dragon?" Eduardo asked.

"Yes, that's true," Gallardo nodded.

"That is so cool!" Eduardo roared with laughter, prompting a ripple in the room.

Suddenly, Harry began to wince; Gallardo and Ron had to steady him.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Neville asked, as the others followed him in looking concerned. "Are you tired, do you want to sit?" A couple of people, who were sat down, willingly gave up their chairs.

"No, thank you, it's fine," Harry croaked. But the look on his face told Gallardo that anything was but fine.

"So, Harry, what's the plan?" Seamus asked.

"Plan? No...there's just something that we- us four- need to do and we'll get out of here?"

There was a stinging silence.

"What do you mean: 'get out of here'?" Neville demanded sceptically.

"We haven't come back to stay," Harry said. "There's something we need to do-"

"Which is what?"

"I-I can't tell you," Harry said, almost bashfully.

"Why not? It's to do with defeating Riddle, right?" Neville questioned. "Then we can help!" His words were met by the nodding and murmuring assent of the other people.

"Thank you, so much, but you don't understand. We have to do it alone."

Gallardo turned to look at his friend. It just didn't seem right to go on alone, when there were so many peole willing to help and show immense loyalty. Especially since, they had no idea what the object they were hunting actually was.

"Why?" Neville insisted.

"Because... it's a job that Dumbledore wanted us to keep... I mean, he wanted us to do!" Harry said feebly, feeling the loss of enthusiasm in the room.

"We are his army!" Neville implored. "Everyone here has been fighting and resisting, and been battered by the Carrows for two long years. But we don't care! Why? Because of you, and what you represent: hope! Have we not all proven that we're loyal to Dumbledore; loyal to you?"

Before Harry could answer, the portrait door opened to reveal Luna Lovegood, Dean Thomas and Michael Goodman, who Neville had called with the DA coins. Suddenly, they were followed by Lee Jordan, Fred, George, Ginny and Cho Chang, who stepped aside to make room for Yulia Schreiber, Tom Daniels and Penelope Llewis.

All these people, wanting to stand by them and help, it felt so heartwarming.

"You've got to stop this!" pleaded Harry to Neville.

"Harry!" Gallardo pulled him, Ron and Hermione away. "Necesitamos su ayuda; no debemos decir que es un Horcrux." He hoped they understood his discreet suggestion that he believed was a win-win situation.

"Um... Gallardo, en ingles, por favor?" Ron urged. Obviously not.

"We need their help, we have no idea what it even is," Gallardo whispered.

"We don't need to tell them it's a Horcrux, do we?" Hermione added, and the other two nodded in assent.

"Right, OK," Harry cleared his throat. "We've come looking for an object- a relic- that will help us defeat You-Know-Who. We don't know what it is exactly, but we think it may have belonged to Rowena Ravenclaw. Do you know of such an item?" He glanced at the Ravenclaws, who just look confused. This wasn't working, it just made them look like dipsticks.

"It might have the emblem of an eagle on it," Hermione suggested.

"Well there is the Lost Diadem of Ravenclaw," Luna said. "Daddy and I-"

"Yeah, but it's the Lost Diadem," Corner pointed out. "It's been lost for centuries. No living person or curator has ever seen it."

"Excuse me, but what's a diadem?" Ron asked.

"It's sort of-" Hannah began, but Neville had already said those words. Both stopped and looked at each other.

"Sorry," Hannah squeaked.

"No, you first," Neville said courteously, prompting her to blush.

"It's like a crown," Hannah said.

"OK, that's... something," Harry nodded.

Gallardo nodded back. It was something, though they had no idea where exactly it was.

"There's a statue of it on Ravenclaw's head, in our Common Room," Cho said. "Harry, I can take you there so can have a look. Would you like that?"

"No!" Ginny stood up, before Harry could answer. Cho looked as if she was petrified.

"No, Luna can take him," Ginny said sheepishly. "Won't you, Luna?"

"Of course," Luna beamed, standing up. "Right this way!" She led Harry out of the Room, as he threw the Cloak over them.

Just then, the portrait door flew open, to let in two people, who leapt in joy when they saw who was there.

"Hey, Gallardo!" Glenn exclaimed, hugging his brother.

"I've missed you so much!" Mary wept, as he held her tightly.

"I've missed you too, both of you," Gallardo croaked, breaking apart. Even though it had been weeks, to Gallardo, since they last spoke, but for Mary and Glenn, it had been two years!

"So, where's my present?" Mary laughed, through her tears, while the rest of the crowd quickly busied themselves with little chores.

Gallardo laughed, but then saw the face of someone that brought the tears to his throat. He swallowed as their dark brown eyes met. Her skin was worn from the stress and all that she had to endure this year, yet when she gave a teary and proud smile, she looked a few years younger and like an angel. She rushed to Gallardo, who threw his arms around her, as she kissed him twice on each cheek and forehead. Normally, something like this would have embarrassed him, but this time he was so happy to see the first woman, who had ever loved him.

"How are you, Mama?" he managed to utter.

"Now that I've seen you, I feel so blessed!" Miranda said, wiping her eyes. "Neville's coins told Mary and Glenn that you were coming here! I had to see for myself! Everyday and night, I would hope and pray that you were OK, that you would come back to me." She sniffed, wiped her tears and smiled brightly but longingly. "And here you are, alive, probably not eating as well as you should!" she laughed, prompting Gallardo to return it. "You've been out fighting, and inspiring so many, and I am so proud that you're my son!"

Gallardo swallowed and nodded.

"Can you forgive me? For not being as understanding as I should have? For not standing up for you and supporting you those times that I should have?"

Gallardo held her shoulders and took a deep breath. "No hay nada que perdonar, Mama. Can you forgive me, for leaving like I did?"

"No hay nada que perdonar, Gallardo!" Miranda replied, before hugging him once more.

From behind her, Clive Eagle stepped out, his hair greyer and eyes more tender than how Gallardo remembered.

"Dad," Gallardo acknowledged, nodding and straightening his composure.

"Gallardo..." Clive began, before motioning towards an isolated part of the room, like an office cubicle. "I was wrong," Clive said. "I was wrong about many things. I thought that all those times when I was harsh on you, when I- well- bullied you like no father should- I thought that I was toughening you up! But I was wrong, because you aren't just a stronger man than I am, you are better man than I have ever been. I know that even if I told you that I was proud of the man you are, it doesn't absolve-"

"Dad, it's OK," Gallardo nodded. Due to what had gone on between them, there was no hug, but a good handshake that had all the hope that was needed.

So it was, Gallardo Eagle was reunited with his family; the support, mutual forgiveness and pride made his heart leap with joy. But then, he gazed upon someone else and that sent a flush of guilt, surprise and anxiety down his body, even though it retained the joy he was feeling.

Gallardo excused himself to approach the brunette, who had her hair tied back and wore a Persian green caftan and black trousers.

"Hey," he said. But Marcena didn't respond.

"I didn't see you come in," he tried again.

"No," Marcena croaked, almost silently. "No you didn't."

Gallardo's heart caught in his throat. Granted that this was all his fault, but it terrified him that in the place of his sweet Marcena, was someone so hurt and so cold, that he could see it in her eyes. He hoped that his Marcena was behind those chocolate brown pupils.

"Hey, guys, we need your help!' Ron said, motioning for them to follow. They met Hermione at the door of the Room of Requirements.

"We still need to find a way to destroy the Horcruxes, don't we?" Ron asked.

"Of course," Gallardo nodded.

"Well, I think that I've just found a way!" Ron grinned.

"OK, how?" Marcena enquired, seemingly losing a bit of her coldness.

"Follow me, I'll tell you on the way," Ron said excitedly, as Hermione grinned in awe.

They each applied a Perception Filter Charm on themselves and stepped into the castle. Having lost the sword in Gringotts, they had one other option, and where better to get it than the girls bathroom at the end of the Second Floor.

"So let me get this straight," Marcena asked. "You and Hermione are going to venture down into a big smelly pipe, to get into a chamber that some psycho used to plan attacks on Muggle-borns, so that you can yank out the teeth of a snake that's been dead for six years?"

"About right, yeah!" Ron nodded, causing them all to chuckle.

"But Ron, you need Parseltoungue to get into the Chamber of Secrets," Gallardo pointed out. "Last time I checked, Harry's with Luna."

"That's true," Ron conceded, looking at the central sink unit. "But I've learnt a thing or two from Harry." He cleared his throat and made a strangled hissing noise.

"Ron, are you sure that this will work?" Hermione asked worriedly

"Hussssshhhhh!" Ron hissed, before following with another round of hissess.

To everyone's surprise, the sink unit began to rumble and dismantle into several smaller sinks, until they stepped aside to reveal a gaping hole in the middle of the floor.

"You two stay here, we'll go down and get some Basilisk teeth," Hermione said.

"But that's a vertical drop!" Marcena protested. "If you're going down you'll need us to give you some rope. Funis et Vecte!" she cried, conjuring up a rotating lever with a sturdy rope attached. "Gallardo, since you're stronger, you need to lower them in and bring them out. You'll need to use your wand."

Gallardo nodded and pulled the rope out, before throwing it into the dark hole. "Good luck," he said to Ron and Hermione, who climbed down the cord and softly reached the bottom.

"Well, mate, we've reached the end!" Ron's voice echoed. "Just pull us up when we get back, yeah?"

"Will do!" Gallardo shouted after them. He knew that Ron and Hermione had began walking away, deep into the Chamber of Secrets. The past few minutes served well to distract him from the anxiety that stung him. It felt good to see Marcena laugh and join in with their work, but the next moment was a very long and awkward one, where neither seemed to know how to progress.

Then Gallardo said something he should have earlier: "I'm sorry."

"Yeah, you're note told me that," Marcena muttered. "Do you realise how cheap and stupid you made me feel, when I woke up from the most amazing night I had for so long?" There was the icy bitterness that had returned to her voice.

"I never meant this, I swear!" Gallardo exclaimed.

"Did I not say that I would wait for you?" Marcena demanded.

Gallardo nodded remorsefully.

"So why did you lie to me and leave me a crappy note?"

"I knew that if I waited for you to wake up, if I held you, I wouldn't want to let you go!"

"So, all this, was it just a grand gesture for yourself?"

Gallardo shook his head and grabbed her shoulders. "No, Marcena! I did what I did to protect you! I did it for you! If I'd stayed, I would be putting you in danger! Diablus and Riddle would be looking for you! So how could I not go and find them first and finish it?"

Marcena began to cry silently, and brushed his hands off. "Did you know? All along?"

"No, I didn't!" snapped Gallardo angrilly, making her jump. He sighed and backed away, trying to calm down, hating himself for making the girl he loved scared. "Look, Marcena... I thought and hoped that I was to stay with you. I only realised yesterday that I couldn't." He embraced her and touched her forehead with his, and held her shoulders once more. She began sobbing quietly so he enveloped her with his arms.

After a few seconds, she hugged back, which eased the pain in his heart. Eventually, she calmed down, but pulled back.

"Did you ever stop and think how I'd feel if I was holding you back? That I was the reason you weren't out there fulfilling your destiny?" Marcena whispered.

Gallardo's heart sank; never had he thought of that angle. How could he have missed that, even though he claimed to know and love her.

"I am so so sorry," was all he could muster.

"Look, Gallardo, I can't deal with all of this now," Marcena wiped her eyes dry. "It's all too much. You've got better things to do, so maybe we should talk about this tomorrow."

Gallardo nodded sadly.

"Hey, Gallardo! Marcena!" Hermione's voice echoed. "We've done it! Can you pull us up, please?"

Gallardo circled his wand on the lever, which pulled the weight of Ron and Hermione up. He eventually resorted to the manual pull once he got the momentum going. Ron and Hermione flew over the edge of the pit yelling: "Geronimo!"

They were a little scruffier than before, and wetter, but were completely overjoyed like hyper children. In Ron's right hand were a few Basilisk fangs, in Hermione's was the Cup of Hufflepuff, with a gash through it. Their free hands were entwined together giddily. However, sensing the sombre atmosphere between their friends, they quickly let go.

"We did it!" Hermione smiled.

"No, she did," Ron corrected. " She stabbed and destroyed the Horcrux."

"That's great," Gallardo croaked.

Suddenly, a silver cat dashed before them, and spoke with the voice of Professor McGonagall.

"Hogwarts is under attack. Members of the Order meet in the Great Hall, as soon as possible!" The cat vanished as soon as it had finished speaking.

The friends drew their wands and marched towards the Great Hall- Hermione and Marcena walked side-by-side, while Gallardo and Ron lagged behind slightly.

"Mate," Gallardo whispered, patting Ron on the back. "If you love her, and she loves you, then don't let what's happening between Marcena and I get in the way of your happiness. We'll get through this."

Ron flushed slightly, but nodded and returned the gesture on his friend's shoulder. The look in his eyes said all the hope and understanding that Gallardo could ask for.

There was a crash echoing from one of the rooms nearby, as the friends reached closer to the Great Hall. Putting the Charm back on themselves, they stole into supposedly the strongest part of Hogwarts.

Before them stood a group of students in school uniform; the Gryffindors, Marteslons, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws and Slytherins. Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, Sprout and Slughorn stood at the back, almost frozen in anticipation.

The four friends looked at the front of the Hall to find a scarlett robed man and grey moustache towering before the students, behind him was a group of, what were no doubt, Death Eaters.

"I'm sure some of you will be well aware," the man boomed. "That Professor Snape has had to leave the school, which leaves me, Professor Octavian Scorpius, as Acting Headmaster, and within the remit of my power to call this meeting. It has been brought to my attention that Harry Potter may be within this castle tonight!"

There was a hush of whispering. Were they too late? Had they been discovered? Gallardo could not see Harry, which he took to mean that he had not been caught.

McGonagall, who had no doubt called a meeting, stood apprehensively. She caught sight of the four and shook her head.

[Professor Snape has been forced to flee] she communicated to them. [It's not safe to converse here, find Potter and meet him from where you came. Leave the Hall discreetly.]

Gallardo nodded, confirming that he had heard.

"Quiet!" barked Scorpius. "I will make it very clear, anyone found to be helping or sympathising with him shall be dealt with like the traitor they are!" The whole room's backs shivered, some even started to whimper.

"Silence! If anyone is found to be withholding information, they will be treated like a Potter and Order of the Phoenix sympathiser, so now will be the time to tell me if anyone knows anything at all!"

Scorpius strutted amongst the students, who all looked down or away from him.

"Anyone?" he demanded. "No one? Then perhaps Professor McGonagall would like to tell me how she, Professors Sprout, Slughorn and Flitwick knew that there was a meeting in the Great Hall before I even called it?"

McGonagall swallowed and edged her hand towards her wand.

"Very foolish, Minerva," scoffed Scorpius. He quickly grabbed a first year girl and flung her between himself and McGonagall. The students gasped.

"No!" a third year Hufflepuff, with dark blonde hair, shouted.

"E-eve!" sobbed the first year.

"P-put me in- in her place," stammered Eve, edging towards Scorpius. She held the first year's hand and gave a grim smile, before Scorpius flung her sister away and grabbed her by the hair.

"One insolent brat or another, it makes no difference to me!" snarled Scorpius. "Now answer my question, Minerva!"

"Let her go!" Gallardo bellowed, wand at the ready. Ron, Marcena and Hermione followed suite and spread out. The group of five Death Eaters also took aim.

"You cowards!" Marcena cursed.

"You'd fight us, would you?" Scorpius laughed.

Before anyone could answer, the glass behind him burst into shards. Scorpius and his band wheeled around to meet a grey Hippogriff descending upon him. He stumbled back, only to be blasted to the ground by the rider. The shock allowed Marcena to pull Eve to safety before deflecting a spell cast by one of the Death Eaters. Within seconds, McGonagall, Flitwick, Slughorn and Sprout had felled the remaining Death Eaters, while Gallardo and Hermione apprehended Scorpius with ropes. The doors flew open, as Kingsley, Lupin, Arthur, Molly and Neville led the DA students in. Following them were George, Fred, Clive and Miranda, and dozens of Order members.

Everyone present stared in awe and disbelief at the rider of the Hippogriff, who lowered a brown hood to reveal a man with slightly messy brown hair, stubble but a warm and energetic face.

"Excuse my unorthodox entrance, but I couldn't really use the door! Is everyone all right?" Professor Leono Marks grinned, before nodding to each of the four and the teachers. "As you were, Professor McGonagall."

"Right... yes..." McGonagall said surprised. "The castle is not safe for the students. I have transfigured the statues and suits of armour to defend the school, Professor Flitwick has applied the most complex Protective Charms, but nothing will keep the enemy out indefinitely."

There was a cold, high and chilling voice that echoed and shook Hogwarts, a voice that caused screaming and terrified tears.

"I know that you are preparing to fight! Your efforts are futile and you cannot win. You cannot fight me. I have a legion of soldiers, Dementors and Inferi! I have one thousand Rivarian riders, jackal men with vicious and hungry dogs, by my side.

"I do not want to kill you. I do not want to spill magical blood. Give me Harry Potter, and none shall be harmed."

Professor Marks raised his wand to his mouth and his voice echoed like Voldemort's.

"You have no right to be making threats, Voldemort!" he bellowed. "Withdraw! Withdraw your legion now! Otherwise, we will make our stand, we will protect each other till our last breath and we will drive you out!"

There was a round of applause from the Hall; Gallardo couldn't help but smile at his friend and mentor's audacity.

"You have until midnight," Voldemort replied simply.

"But that's Harry Potter right there!" Pansy Parkinson screeched, pointing at Harry, who had been lost in the midst of the crowd. Immediately, dozens of members from the DA, led by Neville, Luna and Hannah, stepped in between Harry and the Slytherins.

Marks rode his Hippogriff along the raised platform and stood next to Harry. He turned to face the crowd. "With your permission, Professor McGonagall, we need to evacuate the students; Aberforth will provide them with a safe passage. If anyone of age, wishes to stand with us and show our enemy one thing, show them that Hogwart will never truly be his! That Hogwarts is made up of brave, loyal, resilient and intelligent witches and wizards, with good and strong hearts, then let them stand together and tell Lord Voldemort and Lord Diablus, that their reign is over! Tonight, we take back Hogwarts!"

"FOR HOGWARTS!" roared Neville, and the whole Hall, even some of the Slytherins, echoed.

"I hate to ruin the mood, I really do," Slughorn said, shaking his head. "But we are hopelessly outnumbered and overmatched! They have one thousand Rivarian riders!'

"Yes, but we have a little support too," a new voice sounded. Gallardo's heart leapt with joy when he saw Marco Enfield, Adam Jones and behind them, Jason Webb and Nicola Webb- both siblings grinned at him and held a sniper rifle and bag.

Marco introduced himself and his group to everyone and greeted Marks.

"So this is our aid?" Zacharias Smith scoffed. "Two Wizards and two Muggles?"

"No, but they should be here any minute now," Marks replied.

Just then a familiar flute played a tune that awakened more memories within him, it made the hairs on his body stand and salute.

Through the Lake, swam red and orange Griffins, grey and green Hippogriffs, and white and brown Pegasi, a whole platoon of them. Lee Jordan gaped in awe as the riders of these steeds emerged into the grounds humbly yet majestically. Three banners: a red sun on a blue background, a blue moon on a grey and green cloud on an orange, blew in the wind, as help arrived to Hogwarts, as promised. The leaders were the only ones that rode into the Hall, and the chief of the platoon dismounted, his five foot height confirmed his identity, but Gallardo was still dumbfounded to see him, and a few other faces, here in flesh.

"Captain Legorio Mirklore, at your service," he said bowing slightly.

"Gallardo Eagle, at yours!" Gallardo drew him in for an overjoyed hug. "Thank you!" he said, once they had broken apart.

Legorio flushed, nodded and cleared his throat. "The Cult of Rivarians is a dangerous enemy of ours, and we are honoured to fight alongside you again. Lord Thrandol sends his regards, but apologises as he could not be here tonight."

Professor McGonagall began evacuating the students, House by House they rose and were escorted out by the prefects, there were children crying and being comforted by friends and older siblings.

Almost all the Slytherins, except Horace Slughorn, left at once. Flora and Hestia Carrow lingered and looked at Gallardo, with a conflicted expression.

Gallardo nodded towards Hector, their brother, who was part of the evacuation party. Gallardo smiled understandingly, as the twins thanked him and left.

About a fifth of the Ravenclaws stayed behind, while even more of the Hufflepuffs and Marteslons did so. The leavers included Zacharias Smith, who even had the nerve to push past a first year, before being told off by Eve. Half of the Gryffindor's stayed behind, prompting McGonagall to scold Colin Creevy into leaving.

Meanwhile, Molly and Ginny were bitterly arguing over whether the latter, being underage, should be allowed to stay and fight. Ginny ended up crying when Molly, with the agreement of Arthur and Bill, refused to let her be involved.

"How can I stand not knowing?" Ginny cried. "When everyone I love is here?"

"Excuse me Mrs Weasley but, how about Ginny shadows me?" Marcena suggested. She looked over to Madam Pomfrey and beckoned to Ginny, while the former nodded. "Madam Pomfrey thinks it's OK."

"I suppose so," Molly conceded. "All right, Ginny, you listen to me! You stay with Marcena and Madam Pomfrey and you do exactly as they tell you, do you understand?"

"Yes, Mum," Ginny sighed.

"Good girl," Molly leaned over to kiss her daughter on the cheek.

"Good girl," Fred repeated mockingly, before he could get close enough Ginny kicked him in the shin.

As Professor McGonagall returned, Marks was galloping and rallying the Phoenixians, waving the banner of the fire within.

"Voldemort's army is in Hogsmeade, which is North of the Castle."

"Our intelligence suggests that it's possible for them to send some waves through the Forbidden Forest in the West," Adrialla informed.

"So we should have a few stationed on the West Wall and Courtyard," Kingsley said.

"We'll cover all bases, just in case," Marks declared. "Professor McGonagall, your gargoyles and suits of armour will do most of the infantry melee. Could you keep a watch over our Southern side?"

McGonagall nodded.

"Remus and Kingsley," Marks rode to the two. "I want you to take your group and watch the Northern Battlements!"

"We'll be glad to!" Lupin replied.

"Professor Sprout and Neville, I want you and your group to check them from Herbology, on the East side. Use any plants you can to bombard them, the Northern group may need your support!

"Sir Firenze," he addressed the centaur. "Support them from the Transfiguration Courtyard. Arthur, can you help Firenze lead his unit?"

Arthur duly nodded.

"Luna, Mrs Weasely and Horace, can I trust you for a visual from the Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and Astronomy Towers. The enchantments should protect you, but if you need to then abandon the tower rather than risk your life! You hear me?"

"Of course, sir," Luna assented, followed by Molly and Professor Slughorn.

"Madam Pomfrey, would I be right in thinking that the Great Hall would be a better infirmary than the hospital wing, if we use the trophy room?"

"It would, Professor," Madam Pomfrey confirmed. "But I will need some of my volunteers to retrieve some potions, herbs and ointments."

"Ginny and I can do that," Marcena suggested, before being supported by Ginny.

Marks nodded. "Legorio, Filius, you're with me, we will be leading the defence of the West Battlements, and if necessary the Courtyard." He checked his watch, as the Phoenixians mobilised with their chosen groups.

"Not long till midnight. Remember, red sparks for when you require our help; green for when the enemy starts retreating.

"Ladies and gentleman, we are going to war!"

As he rode out of the Hall, his words gave a chilling effect on Gallardo's skin. He made his way to Marcena, who stood next to Nicola. They, Mary, Glenn, Adrialla and Benvio were part of the medical team.

"Hey," he said, holding her shoulders. His heart was beating with fear, his eyes most definitely gave it away; she looked down, eluding his gaze. "Marcena, I need you to stay safe now, OK? Please, no unnecessary risks; this isn't like what we faced two years ago-"

"I need you to stop trying to molly coddle me!" Marcena snapped. "You have a job to do, can you just find Harry and do it?" She still refused to make eye contact, she didn't want him to see her watery eyes.

"Fine," he said coldly and strode off.

"Why are you being so cold to him?" Nicola asked.

"It's complicated," Marcena muttered.

"Did he hit you, cheat on you, humiliate you or abuse you?" Nicola asked directly.

"No!" Marcena cried indignantly. "No, no, no! He'd never do that!"

"Girls, can you get those potions from the hospital wing?" Madam Pomrey requested.

"Yes, ma'am!" Nicola called, leading Marcena and Ginny out of the Great Hall. "So, do you not think it's a bit petty to hate him like that?"

"I don't hate him," Marcena said. "We've just got some things to sort out, but we will when we talk later."

"Can you promise that there will be a later?" Nicola challenged.

Marcena stopped dead in her tracks and bit her finger. Suddenly, it dawned on her that she couldn't, not in all certainty. She felt angry, but realised that the man she loved was about to go on a potentially life threatening operation in a castle that was supposed to be blazed by a warlord, and the last thing he would remember her doing was slapping him in the face when he tried to show he cared.

No, this can't be how it ends! It can't be how we leave things! Marcena thought, wiping the hot tears from her eyes. The thought of losing him like this killed her, she had to put this right!

"Where's Gallardo?" Marcena cried. "I need to find Gallardo!"

"Marcena, Madam Pomfrey's given us a job-" Ginny protested.

"Yeah, we'll get to that! I need to wish him luck, I need to tell him that I love him!" Marcena began bustling past the last of the evacuees, all fourth years and above. She pushed past a squadron of Order members, despite the massive height disparity. She frantically searched, peering over the seventh floor staircase at the massess of fighters marching into position like ants, or a herd just before a stampede.

"Gallardo!" she called out, over the staircases, like a mother who had lost her child amongst a crowd of complete strangers.

But he, nor Harry, Ron or Hermione, were anywhere to be seen.

Spanish:

Necessitamos su ayuda, no debemos decir que es un Horcrux-We need their help, we don't have to to say that it is a Horcrux.

No hay nada que perdonar-There's nothing to forgive.

Author's Note: There's the second chapter done! Did anyone work out it the last chapter that Captain Legorio would be making a comeback?

Please read and review.

The next chapter will be called "The Siege Begins", where the battle begins in the North. Meanwhile, Riddle makes Gallardo an offer, and a very tempting one!