Title: Last Stand
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter
Warnings: N/A
Prompts:
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry (Challenges & Assignments) : 2 Week Drabble Wars (Day Thirteen) : "I don't run from monsters. They run from me." (Once Upon a Time), Character : Padma Patil
Gringotts Prompt Bank : Single Word Prompts - Descriptors : Hurried
Gringotts Prompt Bank : Single Word Prompts - Descriptors : Rushed
Gringotts Prompt Bank : Single Word Prompts - Descriptors : Observed
Gringotts Prompt Bank : Misc HP Locations : Ravenclaw Tower
Gringotts Prompt Bank : Various Prompts - Feelings & Emotions : Scared
Gringotts Prompt Bank : Various Prompts - Feelings & Emotions : Terrified
Gringotts Prompt Bank : Descriptors - Personality Types : Impulsive
Word Count: 390
Notes: N/A
Summary: Padma and Helena discuss the futility of fighting aganist the Dark Lord.

Helena observed the battle as it raged below her. So many people lay where they had fallen, most students whom she recognised. Her heart plummeted as she watched yet another curse hit someone who looked far too young to be a part of this war. She longed to do something to help, but she couldn't even interact with the things around her, so what could she do?

The ghost spun around at the sound of footsteps and someone hurried up the stairs into the Ravenclaw tower.

Padma ran into the tower, stumbling a little. While she caught her breath Helena moved towards her.

"Running from the monsters? A wise decision. You can stay here with me until it's over."

The girl looked at her silently before wrinkling up her nose. "I don't run from monsters. They run from me."

Helena sighed. She'd known the girl for at least five years and she wasn't stupid. But now, here she was, throwing her life away. It was a foolish attempt, this last stand against evil. Padma was too much like her twin; the Gryffindors were impulsive but a Ravenclaw should know better.

The ghost figured that she probably ought to say something. After all, the girl was one of her own. She had watched her from the minute she put on the faded hat up until now, seen her journey from cowering first year to bold warrior. "Your bravery is admirable Padma, but consider the fact that it will all be in vain. You cannot hope to win against the Dark Lord."

Padma scowled. "If we all think like that then we won't win."

"Positive thinking alone will not win this fight."

The younger Ravenclaw sighed. "I don't have time for this. I can't change your mind, but I won't abandon my friends either. Am I scared? Yes. I'm terrified. Maybe we won't win; but I'm not going to let him steal everything I love from me without a fight."

Helena watched as she grabbed a bag and rushed out of the tower, back down the stairs. She wondered what it felt like to be so wholly devoted to a cause. Perhaps there was something in what she had said after all.