A/N at the end of the Chapter. Enjoy.

Chapter Eleven: Aftermath Discussions

Thirty minutes passed since the demon attack within the Great Hall. The students were all asleep in sleeping bags that had been transformed and scattered around the Hall. The teachers however where held up in the Trophy Room off the side of the hall discussing the scene that had unfolded.

"Albus, how could this happen?" Flitwick asked, his voice still trembling with fear from witnessing this kind of attack.

"Did you not ward the castle throughout the summer break?" Slughorn enquired as he poured himself a glass of fire whiskey. Albus sighed as he sat down on a chair, the usually bright and wisdom-filled wizard looked broken and for the first time looking every bit as old as his age.

"I did. I spent time over the summer analysing the difference in magic between witches and warlocks and warded the castle accordingly with this," Albus answered.

The Charmed Ones and Leo sat quietly in the corner listening to Hogwarts professors starting to gang up on their leader. That was until the sisters scoffed in synchronisation after listening to the Headmaster's comment. The Hogwarts Professors' turned to look at their visitors.

"Albus, you know what they say when you assume; you make an ass out of you and me. You assumed that warlocks were the only beings we face. We informed you of the demons that we have faced and the hierarchy. We even made you aware of Barbas and how dangerous he is. It's clear in your analysis that you miscalculated a few things." Piper pointed out objectively from her seat in the corner rubbing her pregnant stomach.

Albus looked on in silence, recognising the fear in all of the professor's eyes. The realisation has struck, that he has caused this. Every Headmaster/Headmistress of this castle, took pride knowing that this school was one of the safest places within Wizarding Britain. Each new Head added their own ward to help with the security to prevent unknown access.

What has now become more prominent, is knowing that the Headmaster has taken the Americans' help for granted. It's evident Albus was purely focused on providing help for the Boy-Who-Lived in order fulfil his prophecy. Sadly, there was no consideration or thought of what he was asking the American' cohort to neglect their own responsibilities and destiny.

"Look, let's not turn this into a witch hunt – excuse the pun – but what we need to do is focus on keeping the children and this school safe. So how about we all work together to strengthen the protection around the school first and then I think we need to properly focus on a plan of action." Phoebe tried to rationale to everyone within the room. Slowly Phoebe started to feel the fear within the room to start to dissipate and the emotions in the room started to calm.

"Phoebe is right. You need to factor in the different type of evil magical beings. Maybe we could have a meeting Albus, and I would be happy to help. Any difficulties we face, I can ask the Elders for more information." Leo contributed towards the discussion.

"I think this would be the best port of call. I think the main thing we need to do is make sure the student's feel safe." Albus stated from his seat.

"Be prepared though for angry letters from parents throughout the week because the student's will most likely be informing their parents." Severus pointed out.

"I can help you answer those, if you would like. We had a situation like this at Magic School not too long ago when a headless horseman was set loose," Paige offered, knowing that the headmaster shouldn't have to fend off angry parents by himself. The Professor's all looked at her, their eyes showing not only shock but a slither of intrigue. "Long story short, headless horseman was set loose against the teachers by a student. My sisters and I became victims and the only way we stayed alive was because out bodies remained in Magic School. It was a bit of a disaster because an innocent person died, and the Elder's and the parents wanted the school to close." Paige explained briefly to the professor's as they glanced at her with expectations of another anecdote.

"In the end, we explained to the Elder's and the parents the pros and cons of keeping the school open. Where else would the students learn to understand their magic? Learn to hone and control it? To not let their emotions, take control of it all. The Elder's and the parents understood, and the school remained open with heavier supervision, butit helped. When the parents hear about this incident, that is what you have to remind them of. That these student's need to understand their capabilities before they find themselves in your wizarding world. Lost." Leo explained in his rather diplomatic fashion, channelling his inner wisdom as an Elder.

"Thank you, Leo, I appreciate the support," Albus looked on, gratitude filled his voice as the elder wizard felt support.

"Leo the saviour. That doesn't answer what we are going to do right now in order to make sure the school is safe." Severus rolled his eyes as he mocked the Whitelighter.

"He must have the memory of a goldfish. Is he going to ignore that we explained the magic behind the crystals that we placed around the hall?" Paige whispered to her sister's as so rose from her seat. Her sister's smirked in response as they turned to face the Gryffindor Head of House as she began to speak.

"That will be the worries for tomorrow. For now, I think we should call it a night, and make sure the students are safe," McGonagall suggested as she stood up from her seat.

"I concur," Albus agreed as he stood from his chair. "Tomorrow we shall confer further. Remember we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided," he ended as he walked out of the Trophy Room.

"Must he always leave a room with a metaphor? This is not a movie." Piper mumbled causing her sisters to muffle their laughter.

SWTWM

Whilst the Professors and The Charmed Ones were secluded in the trophy room, the students were in their sleeping bags spread out around the Great Hall. The Golden Trio dragged their sleeping bags to the very corner, so they can talk privately.

"Did you see what they did? What Piper and Leo did with their hands? And let's not forget about Chris as well!" Ron gushed in awe.

"They are powerful group of witches," Hermione inputted diplomatically. Anyone that new Hermione well could see from the way that her eyes slightly glazed over, that she was fully analysing what she witnessed and there was a high chance that she would remain in the library researching in the morning.

"More than powerful 'Mione." Ron shot back. "Why do we have to rely on wands and they are throwing their arms about?"

"It's most likely connected to the difference within the magical lines. We are descendants from Merlin and they are descendants from Wiccan magic. Don't you remember when Phoebe told Neville that their powers are tied to their emotions? Logically trying to attack their child, will heighten the magic that they produce," Hermione speculated. Harry laid and listened to Ron and Hermione begin their squabble, but what Hermione just said made a lot of sense especially to him. Harry could remember when he was younger and at the Dursley's before he was aware of the existence of Hogwarts, his display of magic always formed when he was feeling a strong emotion; mainly fear. In all honestly Harry admired how Hermione was able to come to this conclusion and has urged him to speak to The Headmaster regarding it this with the Charmed Ones. Witnessing the strength of their powers; was inspiring.

"I think this might work," Harry whispered. Hermione stopped squabbling with Ron and glanced over to her best friend.

"What might work?" Hermione inquired.

"Them. Voldemort. Guy's we only just witnessed Piper's power's alone. What will be it like with the three of them together?"

"The amount of power they wield is immense." Hermione agreed after a moment of contemplation.

"Merlin saggy underpants. You might be right there Harry." Ron replied in shock.

I am going to start off by saying sorry. Sorry that it has taken so long to update this story. It has been an absolutely awful year, I have been very unwell and have had a period of time in and out of hospital with multiple tests. I have never been so tired, and didn't have the energy to write. It's not an excuse for not updating in almost a year. Update's will be slow, but I can promise the wait will not be as long. I am already starting on Chapter 12, and I am aiming to update within the next few weeks if my health stays as good as it is at the moment. Hope you enjoy the chapter.

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