Chapter Seven – Final Preparations.
T.J awoke early as the sun streamed into the room bathing it in golden light. Draco was still asleep. The sunlight shone around him making him look angelic. T.J studied his face committing every little detail to memory. The way his lashes brushed his face and the way his mouth twitched almost as if he was smiling at some private joke. Draco opened his eyes as she gently brushed away a lock of hair from his forehead.
"Good morning gorgeous.", T.J said as he turned towards her.
"Good morning beautiful. How did you sleep?", he asked pulling her closer to him and kissing the tip of her nose.
"It was the best night sleep I've had in a long while, but I was in the best place, your arms. I just wish we could stay here all day, but we've both got jobs to do.", T.J replied, kissing him and then getting up and heading for the bathroom.
By the time they were both ready it was time to head down for breakfast. They sat together in a comfortable silence as they ate. Professor Snape approached the table.
"T.J if you have a few minutes I have something to discuss with you and your team.", he said laying a hand on her shoulder.
"Of course Serverus. How about after breakfast.", she responded. He nodded and went to sit with the other teachers.
T.J and Draco finished eating and sat talking about the things that had happened to both of them over the three years they had been apart. When T.J spotted Serverus leaving the table she stood up and signalled to the others. She finished her coffee as Draco stood up and hugged her. With a quick squeeze and a kiss they split and each went to do what they had to do.
T.J met the rest of the X-Men in Professor Snape's office after leaving Draco to recruit as many of the older students as he could. They needed all the help they could get. Serverus was already there with the rest of her team-mates and on his desk were scores of silver wrist cuffs with different designs on them.
"Ah T.J come in.", Serverus said as she tapped on the open door.
"I take it you've found a way to give us some sort of magical protection?", she asked looking at the cuffs on his desk, as she entered.
"Each of these has been soaked in a powerful potion, commonly known as Hex-Off. These should keep you protected from any spells the Deatheaters use against you.", Serverus replied handing each of them one of the cuffs.
T.J looked at her's and smiled. Serverus had used the Gryffindor Lion and the Slytherin Serpent symbols. The lion's eyes were made of garnets and the eyes of the serpent were emeralds. She knew this was his way of giving his approval for her relationship with Draco. The others she noticed had an X and the Hogwarts coat of arms on them.
"Thank you Serverus these are beautiful. I'm hoping we won't be stood still long enough for anyone to hit us with spells.", T.J said smiling at him as she slipped the cuff on her right wrist.
"Who are the other ones for Professor?", Kurt asked.
"Well Kurt if I know T.J as well as I think I do, which is a certainty. These other cuffs are for me, the other Professors and the older students that Draco Malfoy is, at this very moment, recruiting. I'm also sure the five Weasley boys will be no doubt joining us. I'm sure Ron or Ginny will have already contacted them.", Serverus replied as T.J blushed.
"So darlin' when and where are we meeting them?", Logan asked, grinning at the others throwing his arm around her shoulders.
"At noon by the Astronomy Tower. Draco should have talked to most of them by now.", T.J laughed, her face bright pink.
T.J knew she wouldn't have been able to keep anything from Serverus Snape. He was right, he knew her better than anyone else at Hogwarts. He had been her favourite teacher and they had spent many evenings in his office talking about anything and everything. He had taught her more than any other teacher.
Serverus had found she had a natural talent for potion making and had kept challenging her with more and more complicated potions. By the time she had left Hogwarts she was making potions that were even way beyond what she needed for her O.W.L's or N.E.W.T's. Nobody knew that he had gifted her with all the books and potion ingredients she would need to finish her education.
He had taught her everything she knew about potions and curses, which came in handy for her and her team-mates. Just then Professor Dumbledore came through the door.
"I'm sorry to disturb you Serverus, but T.J has some visitors.", he said placing a hand on her shoulder.
"That's no problem, Albus, we were just finished.", Serverus said as the X-Men turned to leave saying their thank yous for the cuffs. T.J walked over to him and placed a kiss on his cheek to say thank you before heading out of his office with Professor Dumbledore.
T.J followed Albus Dumbledore to his office. She wondered who it could be that was here to see her. She didn't have to wait long for the answer to her question. As she stepped through the door all she could see was a sea of red hair and freckles. Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred and George Weasley were all looking at her. Her vision blurred as her eyes filled with tears and her heart swelled with happiness at seeing the five of them.
"Hey stranger, we've missed you.", Bill said crossing the room and gently wiping away the single tear from her face before pulling her into a hug. Suddenly she found herself in the middle of a Weasley group hug as the others came over.
"Guys I can't breathe.", she said laughing through her tears.
"Oh sorry.", Charlie said as they let her go. They stepped back and she smiled as she took Bill's hand.
"It's so good to see you all. I've missed you all and I'm sorry I disappeared, but if you'll have me back I'd love to come back to the Burrow.", she said looking from one brother to the next.
"You are always welcome at the Burrow. Mum's been so worried about you. I'm sure she'd love to have you back T.J.", Percy said as the others nodded.
"I take it you all know what's happening?", T.J asked.
"Ron and Ginny wrote to us. When they told us you were here, we came straight here.", Fred said. The others nodded. She noticed George kept his face slightly turned away from her.
Bill, Charlie and Percy hadn't changed much in the three years since she had last seen them. The real change was the twins. They were taller and they had a strength hidden in their lithe frames. Fred still had his trademark easy, bright smile, but the glint in his eyes had gone. What she saw in his gaze was a loss. He had lost something so important to him he couldn't hide it. T.J had a vague idea what it was.
George still wouldn't look straight at her. She moved to stand next to Fred. Before George could turn away T.J caught a glimpse of a scar on his left cheek. He had lost his smile and his eyes held a haunted look that made T.J want to protect him.
T.J backed George into a position where he couldn't escape her. The scar on his cheek began just below his eye and snaked down to his jawline. T.J stepped closer to George and raised her hand. Before she could touch his face, he grabbed her wrist stopping her hand mere millimetres from his face. As she looked into his eyes she saw the shame he felt at having to see him like this. She reached out to his mind, telepathically reassuring him it was ok. George released her wrist and she gently traced the scar with her finger. George closed his eyes so she wouldn't see the battle that was raging inside him.
"How did you get this George?", she asked gently, resting her hand over his heart.
"Lucius Malfoy, he attacked the Ministry Of Magic about six months ago. We tried to help out and this scar is what I got for my troubles.", he said bitterly. He pushed past T.J and stalked to the other side of the office, crossing his arms over his chest.
"God I wish I could get rid of this scar!", he screamed, slamming his fists on the table in front of him, causing Fred to back into a corner shaking. Dumbledore went to stand with Fred talking quietly to him, trying to calm him down.
T.J looked at Bill, Charlie and Percy, they didn't look at all surprised at their brother's outburst. All she could see in their eyes was sadness and this bothered and hurt T.J deeply. She knew she could give George his wish, but she would need a bit of extra help.
"Fawkes I need you.", she called, as she brought the rapid healing ability to the forefront. As she felt the power rushing through her veins she knew she was ready. Fawkes swooped down and landed on her shoulder.
Fawkes rubbed his head against her face in greeting, trilling softly. The Pheonix's feathers were the colour of burnished gold and Hell's flames and his eyes burned brightly with an intelligence and love that only T.J could see.
"Hello, old friend. I need a favour.", she paused as Fawkes trilled, "I need some of your tears."
Albus was watching the scene being played out before him intently. He knew Fawkes would agree to help T.J without hesitation. Yes, Fawkes had always been loyal to him, but the Pheonix seemed to have a kinship to T.J. They were definitely kindred spirits. Both didn't make friends easily, but once they were your friend they were extremely loyal and protective. Both would do whatever it took to make sure their friends were happy. In T.J's case, she would give her very last breath to keep her friends safe. Fawkes trilled softly and rubbed his head against T.J's face once more in agreement, then he flew to his perch, knowing he wouldn't be needed straight away.
T.J channelled her magic, conjuring a goblet of butterbeer. Charlie stepped forward and took the goblet from her. T.J bent down retrieving the small blade from her boot. Percy winced as he heard her sharp intake of breath as the blade sliced open her left wrist. She had to repeat this several times, each time allowing some of her blood to run into the butterbeer, as the healing ability kicked in closing the wound quickly. As she took the goblet back from Charlie, Albus knew she was making the Empathic Transfer potion that Serverus had taught her before she left Hogwarts. T.J waved her hand over the goblet whispering the first part of the spell that would activate the potion's power.
"Well old friend, it's time.", she said carrying the goblet over to Fawkes and holding it out to him. Fawkes bent his head over the goblet and let his pearly tears fall into the mixture of T.J's blood and butterbeer.
"Thank you, Fawkes.", T.J said Fawkes raised his head and trilled at her as she began the final stage of the potion. As she swirled the mixture she whispered the final part of the spell.
"George here, drink this.", she said handing him the goblet.
"What is it?", George asked, curiously looking at the contents.
"You'll see. Drink it and watch my face.", T.J replied.
George nodded and lifting the goblet to his lips he drank the mixture in one go watching T.J the whole time. His eyes widened just as T.J felt the familiar tingling sensation in her left cheek as the scar vanished from his face and appeared on hers. She channelled the healing ability and in a few seconds, the scar was nothing but a very bad memory. George dropped the goblet and went to look in the mirror at the side of Fawkes' perch. The Pheonix trilled joyfully at George and rubbed his head against his left cheek where the scar had once been. When he turned to look at T.J there were tears in his eyes.
"Thank you, Fawkes. Thank you T.J, I don't know what you did, but how can I thank you.", he said crossing the room and sweeping her off her feet, spinning her around, laughing through his tears.
"Well, you can do two things for me.", she said as George set her back on her feet.
"Anything just name it.", he said releasing her.
"Firstly you can show me you haven't lost your smile and secondly you let Fred know he has his brother back.", she said gently wiping away the tears from his face.
George nodded and gave her one of his brightest smiles and she knew he was going to be just fine. She kissed his cheek and hugged him tightly before stepping back so the others could see him properly.
Bill, Charlie and Percy grinned at George as he crossed the room towards his twin. Charlie mouthed a thank you to T.J and Fawkes as T.J winked at them. Fred opened his mouth to say something as he saw George, but nothing came out. He tried again, but it was too much and he burst into tears.
"Hey Fred, don't cry.", George said pulling Fred into a hug. He stroked his twin's hair holding him tighter as Fred cried on his shoulder.
"I thought I'd lost you for good. I felt so alone even though you were at my side.", Fred said wiping his eyes with the back of his hands.
George clapped him on the shoulder and grinned at him, "Not a chance bro. I'm back and I have no intention of leaving again."
As T.J watched the brothers she knew they would be fine if they made it through this battle. She looked at her watch and saw that it was almost noon.
"Come on guys we've got a battle to plan.", she said heading for the door. The Weasley brothers fell into step around her, as they had often done when she stayed with them at the Burrow. Fred and George at either side of her and Bill, Percy and Charlie behind them. Fred and George interlaced their fingers with hers as they walked through the grounds.
T.J and the others arrived at the Astronomy Tower just as it turned noon. She had cast the cloaking spell on the Weasley boys because she wanted to surprise Ron and Ginny. She wasn't at all surprised to see every single sixth and seventh-year students waiting for them along with Serverus Snape and Minerva McGonagall. She noticed the silver cuffs. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Draco were at the forefront of the group.
"Ok guys I know you all want to help, but there's one rule you must follow. That rule is what I say goes, no exceptions. I'm in charge in this battle, is that understood.", T.J said searching the faces before her. Everyone nodded.
"There's been a few small changes to the plan.", she quipped turning to Scott, who grinned.
"Ok so what are these small changes?", he asked shaking his head, a smile on his face.
"Professor McGonagall I will need your help for the first part. I want the younger students sealed in a safe place. Somewhere that would be very difficult to find.", T.J said looking to Professor McGonagall.
"The Room Of Requirement should suffice. It can only be found if you know what you are looking for.", she said in her matter of fact way.
"Good. Then Serverus can show us just how good his acting skills really are.", T.J said winking at Serverus.
"How?", Scott asked looking puzzled.
"Well when Voldemort and his cronies get here they are going to be met by Professor Snape and a few people in black robes and hoods. That will be us. The rest of the students will be positioned throughout the school and grounds, just in case any of the Deatheaters manage to give us the slip.", T.J replied as Serverus nodded.
T.J looked into the eyes of the students in front of her. She had expected to be feeling sadness and grief at the prospect of leading these young people into battle. What she actually felt was a great deal of pride. The students were willing to follow her orders no matter what the outcome. This was the first time she really felt that they could win. She could see grit and determination in their eyes and they held their heads high. If Voldemort wanted to take Hogwarts the students were not going to let him take it easily. Her eyes fell on Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Draco. Harry's eyes flashed an emerald fire behind his glasses. His whole life had been leading to this final battle. T.J knew that Ron, Hermione and Ginny would not let him fight alone. Draco on the other had two enemies to fight against. Voldemort and his father. T.J hoped he wouldn't have to come face to face with Lucius Malfoy.
"Ok, you'll be split into five teams. Each team will have a team leader.", T.J said as she mentally split them into teams.
"So who will be the team leaders?", Ron asked, looking around.
"Let's just say you know them very well Ron. You too Ginny.", she answered lifting the cloaking spell to reveal their brothers.
Serverus handed Ginny the bag he had been carrying, whispering something in her ear. She grinned at him before running and throwing her arms around George. Ron was only a few steps behind her. Ginny handed each of her brothers a wrist cuff which they all put on. Ginny and Ron went back to stand with the rest of the students.
"Jean will put the five of them in constant contact with myself and Professor Xavier.", T.J explained. Each of the Weasley brothers nodded as they went to join Jean a short distance away from the others. Ron and Ginny looked extremely proud to have their brothers here with them.
Jean began to psychically link each of them to herself, Professor Xavier and T.J as well as to each other. T.J began to hear their thoughts as if they were talking out loud to her. George's thoughts screamed the loudest. He wanted his revenge on Lucius Malfoy and if T.J could help him get it she would in a heartbeat.
"Ok, guys I think its time we headed back to the castle. I don't know about you lot, but I'm hungry. I'm sure it's nearly time for dinner.", Logan announced turning and leading the students back to the school.
As the students followed Logan Ginny walked with her brothers. Draco, Harry, Ron and Hermione fell into step beside T.J. Each of them had a very determined look on their faces, but T.J could sense something else. Deep down they were scared. If she was completely honest with herself she was scared too. The pride that swelled up inside her for the four people was amazing because they weren't trying to hide their fear.
"Promise me something, guys.", T.J said suddenly stopping.
"Anything T.J.", Draco said slipping his arm around her waist as the others gathered around her.
"No matter what happens promise me you'll stick together.", she pleaded with them. They all looked at each other, then back to T.J. She was trying to keep them as safe as she could without sealing them in a room. She knew the four of them would be a force to be reckoned with if they worked together.
"I promise I will stick to these three like glue. Besides someone's got to keep them out of too much trouble.", Hermione said grinning as the boys pretended to be offended.
"Yeah, we promise T.J. We'll stay together.", Ron said throwing his arm around her shoulders. Harry nodded his agreement taking her hand.
"Yeah, but you've to promise us something.", Draco said kissing her temple, "You've got promise you'll come out of there alive."
"Ok, I promise.", T.J laughed. She had no intention of dying just yet not when she had someone worth staying alive for.
They carried on walking each of them lost in their own thoughts about the upcoming fight. The only thought whirling around T.J's head was, if they lost and Hogwarts was taken by Lord Voldemort, then no-one wizard or muggle would be safe ever again. T.J couldn't let that happen even if it meant sacrificing herself to win. She knew that would hurt Draco, but if it meant he was safe she would be willing to break her promise to come back to her friends and Draco.
As they entered the Great Hall Serverus beckoned her to the teacher's table. T.J told the others to wait where they were and went to join him. Every nerve ending in her body was buzzing and she knew something was wrong.
"What is it Serverus?", she asked, dreading the answer.
"It appears our time is up. Voldemort is almost here. We have to hurry.", Severus answered with a look of fear in his eyes.
"How do you know?", T.J asked.
"I know because the Dark Mark I was branded with is crystal clear now.", he replied rolling up his sleeve and showing her the mark.
"Ok, Professor McGonagall get the younger students out of here and to the Room Of Requirement.", she said as Professor McGonagall rose from her chair and signalling to each House Prefects to gather the younger students together.
As Professor McGonagall and the Prefects did their job T.J turned and faced the rest of the students and teachers. She saw the X-Men and the five Weasley boys moving to the front. She nodded her answer to Fred's question.
"Ok guys places. Let's show Voldemort just who he's up against and what we're made of, let's kick ass!", she shouted. Everyone scattered leaving T.J, Serverus and the X-Men alone in the Great Hall.
END OF CHAPTER SEVEN.
