CHAPTER II – FIGHTING BEGINS
Everyone in the Great Hall was quiet. McGonagall was talking and organizing the duelers. There were many students, all the teachers, and a few people from the Order who had been on patrol. In all, about 40 fighters on our side. But the Order and the teachers are pretty good. Don't rely on numbers only.
'... Mr. Fred and George Weasley would be so kind as to organize the defense of the secret passageways and shortcuts in the castle. Professor Sprout will lead a group inside the castle, and they will act as seconds. I believe that Remus Lupin, who was on patrol today, and I, will be leading a troop each into the grounds (The students cheered Remus' appearance). Professor Hagrid will be leading a small group (Hagrid blushed) to take care that no one hides in the Forest. Professor Snape, Professor Sinistra and Arthur Weasley will take a troop each into the grounds too. Finally, Nymphadora Tonks will be responsible for conducting a thorough search of the castle repeatedly and get rid of any hiding entities. I would like to inform you all,' McGonagall's tone changed at this, it was serious and kind of sad, 'that the Death Eaters had been spotted an hour ago. We don't know where they have spread out to, or even how many of them are there. This is a dangerous task, and if you participate, you are risking your life.'
'This is our castle. We'll drive them out, with a couple of lessons!' shouted Neville, breaking the tension.
Fifteen minutes later, all the duelers had been divided into troops. All the troops were leaving behind their leaders. Hermione was in McGonagall's group; Luna was in Sprout's; Neville found himself in Remus'; Ron was in Snape's and Ginny was in Fred and George's group.
Harry found himself in Arthur's troop. Although he knew that Arthur was in the Order, but frankly the kind, tired-looking and weary Arthur didn't seem particularly powerful. But Harry was instantly proved wrong.
Until now, Arthur had been smiling sheepishly at being appointed as a leader. But as his group left the Hall, with Harry right behind him, his expression changed. It became one of extreme determinedness and seriousness. He held his wand in a firm grip, and it was emitting fiery sparks as Arthur readied himself to duel.
As Harry exited the castle doors, he found himself to have inducted some of Arthur's seriousness. He became determined to drive out the Death Eaters, partially because Neville's words were still ringing in his ears. It's our castle.
He soon broke out of his reverie, because Arthur shouted, 'Charge!' to his group, as he saw some Death Eaters near the boathouse. Unfortunately, the Death Eaters heard him too, and they charged back. Suddenly, the air was full of spells. Flashes of light and fire flew everywhere, as everybody dueled no one in particular. All targets were seen as opponents. No single, "real" duel was happening, except between Arthur and two Death Eaters.
At once, Harry raced up to Arthur and slashed his wand at his opponents, joining the duel. 'So much for six years of love!' Harry shouted. Together, they slashed and swiped and twirled and waved their wands at their opponents. Eventually one of them was turned into a fabulous seagull by Arthur, at which Harry praised the Transfiguration skills. A few seconds later, Harry was hit by a jinx that knocked the wind out of him, but as he was recovering, Arthur took up the duel. Then Harry aimed the Full-Body Bind Curse at the Death Eaters on the sly, winning the duel with teamwork.
Arthur then jumped into other duels to help his troop, and slowly, all the Death Eaters were Transfigured, Cursed or simply Vanished. Then it came to the boring part of any Battle – Healing. Arthur's group, being only seventeen-year olds, had fought valiantly. But those were actual Death Eaters. There had been a few severe injuries. Many students had minor-to-moderate cuts or burns. Two of them had poisonous gashes courtesy the same Death Eater. One of them had been tortured by the Cruciatus. Arthur now displayed another hidden talent, in Healing. Quickly he darted around and murmured many spells and incantations. He then Summoned two bottles from the Potion storage and tipped all of the contents into the mouth of the Ravenclaw girl who had been tortured, muttering incantations all the time.
'Well kids, that was absolutely fantastic! I believe that Harry has taught you much more than you ought to be knowing, but that's all the better for us! Let's head to the East Side and tell Minerva about our first encounter before we resume our journey,' said Arthur.