Sorry everyone! It's been longer than usual this time *apologetic face* I have been kind of stuck on it, because I know what I want to happen but I'm not quite sure how to get up to it … But in this chapter there's ROMANCE, which makes it all better, and I apologise to those people who don't agree with that statement, but this chapter is longer than usual, so that can console you :D

I hope you enjoy it!

Everyone was uneasy, fidgeting and muttering to one another. The army that waited on our front door step (rather literally) had paused for the time being, obviously realising that we had moved to a more defendable position. The silence was almost worse than the screaming; this stiflingly eerie feeling of a horror yet to come. The leaders – I suppose that's what we were – had taken advantage of the lull to explain what was going on. I looked out over my house. We were a significantly smaller group than the other houses; most of the younger students had opted against fighting, and some of the older ones who either had family members fighting on the opposing side or who just didn't participate. I was sure that some members of the other houses also would have left, but unfortunately for them they hadn't been given that chance.

I raised my voice to get the attention of those assembled before me and began to speak.

'Everyone, we're going to split up into smaller groups, about six or seven to a group – make sure at least one person knows the patronus spell, and try to have the younger ones paired with an older student. We'll be defending the back of the castle; there's going to be dementors, werewolves, deatheaters and god knows what else coming for us, so for heaven's sake, if you're not prepared for that, take advantage of the fact that we've been given a leave pass and go sit it out in a quiet corner. Don't go needlessly being a hero – It's better to be a live coward then a dead hero. Any questions or comments?'

A hand shot up towards the back and I recognised a boy in the same year as I was.

'Yes?' I said, motioning for him to speak.

'Is the reason that we're defending the back of the castle because they don't trust us and they think it's less likely for anyone to attack?'

I had considered this fact, and nodded my agreement. 'Most likely. Just take it positively – It means we might be less likely to die. But if you are set on being a hero, just hold out hope that the frontal attack is a decoy and they're going to come and kill all of us. Any other questions?'

I was met with a crowd of wide eyes. I knew I was being somewhat upfront about everything, but I wanted everyone going into this to know full well what they were getting themselves into.

We could die.

I could die.

I had known that fact when I first argued Slytherin's right to fight, but I wasn't sure that everyone else did. To them a battle was glorious, something involving glory, heroism, and defeat of evil.

I knew better.

Memories flashed through my mind, ghost images of my mother, my father, covered in scratches and blood, tears streaming down my mother's face, of my brother, only seventeen at the time, writhing on the ground in pain.

No, battle was not something worth celebrating.

I pulled down a block against my memories. Now was not the time – I needed to have all my wits about me if I wished to survive.

'Alright everyone, find your groups. Remember what I said – at least six or seven, one person who knows the patronus spell and older students with younger. Report to me or one of the house prefects if you can't find a group. Once everything is organised, we'll head towards our defensive positions. Be quick! No time to waste!'

I watched as everyone scurried to find groups, a quiet sense of urgency about the affair. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see the boy who had spoken out before.

'Hey.' he said, grinning. He was tall with black wavy hair, pale skin and dark green eyes, Practically the Slytherin poster boy. Handsome too.

'I'm William, but you can call be me Will. You're Rose, right? You're in some of my classes.'

'Yes …' I replied, wondering what he wanted.

'I was just going to ask if we could be in the same group. That way, you can protect me.' he grinned, one side of his mouth rising more than the other. I could help but smile back at him.

'If you can find us another five group members, then yes, you can have the honour of being in my group.'

He nodded and stepped back, as a small red-headed girl moved forward to take his place. I glanced back up at him as she started talking, only to find that he was still watching me, a thoughtful grin plastered across his face.

I turned back to the subject at hand, namely the young girl in front of me. I guessed that she was most likely a first year, only 11 years old; not the sort of kid that should be fighting. My fears were confirmed when she opened her mouth.

'I'm Jenna – I'm a first year. I don't have a group, because none of my friends wanted to fight. Can I be with you?'

She was adorable, and I didn't want her to die.

I didn't want anyone to die.

I looked seriously down at her. 'Now, Jenna, are you sure you want to fight? It's going to be dangerous –'

'Oh, don't talk to me like I'm three years old.' she snapped. 'Deatheaters killed my parents. I want to avenge them. I don't care if I die – at least then I can be with them in heaven.'

She was feisty, and brave. The sort of girl that you wanted to show off to the Gryffindors, point out to them that they were'nt the only ones capable of greatness.

I smiled down at her.

'Well, if you put it that way, I would be honoured to have you as part of my group. So far we have one other member –' I looked up for William, only to see him standing a few metres away, organising a small clump of people. I turned back to Jenna. 'It appears our group has rapidly expanded since I last spoke to it. Let's get over there and sort everything out.'

Together, we made our way between the small clumps of people that had formed, overto where was now 'our' group stood.

'That was fast work.' I said as I stepped up next to William.

'Well, what can I say.' He replied. 'I guess everyone just wants to be in a group with the new face of Slytherin. You're like a good luck charm.'

I managed to crack a smile. 'Well that's enough time for joking. We need to sort out our positions.'

'Rightio.' He replied. 'I'll just have everyone introduce themselves first.' He turned back towards our entourage. 'Everyone, hi. I'm Will, this is Rose, who you now have all obviously seen but probably don't know. Would everyone else please introduce themselves?'

Jenna stepped forward first. 'I'm Jenna.' she said determinedly. She was followed by a heavyset blond boy, probably a third year. 'My name's Timothy.' After him came a petite brown-aired girl, who looked as though she might blow away in a strong gust of wind, who said her name was Sophie, followed by a pair of dark haired twins, named Ben and Peter.

I looked out over them.

Voldemort, come and get us. You ain't got nothing on this.