"Follow me, Please." Minerva McGonagall urged the frantic group of students. She led them to the Great hall where the evacutation was to begin. Just as planned the heads of house had gone and collected their charges. Once in they great hall they would be separated by year and taken out of the castle.
As they walked hurriedly down the staircases, the castle shook. The prefects helped to keep everyone moving, and McGonagall tried her very best not to show fear. She knew that if she appeared frightened, her young charges might panic, and that would make things far more difficult than they were to be already.
The castle shook again against whatever the Death Eaters were using to break the protective wards. Dumbledore's voice could be heard as she led her students into the Great hall. He was asking students to gather by year. As she entered the Great hall she saw seven groups converging. She noted that Flitwick was collecting first years close to the doorway.
"Alright." McGonagall turned to the Gryffindors behind her. "You are to gather with your fellow classmates by year. First Years are to go with Professor Flitwick. Hurry along now. The rest of you find your groups and await instructions. Quietly now."
The Gryffindors broke off to find their year mates and wait for instructions. McGonagall joined Dumbledore at the Head table, where the old man was peering over a map of Hogwarts.
"What is that?' She asked.
"A most ingenious map of the school. It was loaned to me by Sirius Black. With this map, we can observe the entirety of the school and find which halls are clear and which should be avoided. As you can see, nearly everyone is here now. Filius should take the first years to the seventh floor now and get them through the passage way."
Dumbledore stood and waved at the tiny professor who gave a curt nod and ordered the youngsters to follow him swiftly. Dumbledore turned back to the map to observe their progress.
"Has anyone been notified yet?" McGonagall asked.
"Fawkes has been sent with messages. We should be hearing from our people…"
There was a bright burst of flame and the beautiful phoenix appeared in front of the two professors. It gave a slight turn of it's head and nodded.
"Ah, very good." Dumbledore smiled. "Minerva, would you be so kind as to go to the Ravenclaw common room and greet Amos Diggory and his lot. If you would also send Pomona to the Hufflepuff common room. Thank you."
McGonagall hurried off to accomplish her tasks, leaving a sullen headmaster behind. Dumbledore was having a difficult time at the moment. He was trying to decide if it was to early to call for their secret weapon. He knew just the sight of it would inspire those who were going to fight, but would it be better to hold onto that particular card for now. Either way, Dumbledore knew that there was no way they would win this battle without Harry Potter and his friends.
Voldemort felt weak, even with his Horcrux so close to him, his magic was being exhausted.
"Damn Dumbledore for making these wards so bloody strong." He said to himself. He was using some of his strongest work to break through the protective wards. He was close to breaking through, he knew it. He only hoped his strength would hold out a little longer. Once the wards had broken, he could send his armies into the grounds and he could go back to their camp to rest.
He waved his wand in another series of intricate patterns, mumbling softly before unleashing the full might of the spell. With a loud rumble and a brilliant flash of light, Voldemort felt the wards collapse. He gave a satisfied smile and turned to his waiting armies.
He felt exhausted, drained of all his energy, yet he knew he had to remain the picture of power.
"I want Dumbledore and that traitorous worm, Severus Snape brought before me." He spoke clearly, falsely projecting an image of strength. "Any who surrender are to be spared and taken prisoner. Those who resist are to be made examples of. Go forth my legions, and so them my wrath!"
As one giants, werewolves, hags, and one hundred Death Eaters surged onto the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Voldemort watch them for a moment before he retired to his camp.
He had failed to notice one cloaked and hooded follower watching him ever so carefully. When the Dark Lord disapparated from the front line, Draco Malfoy followed his forces onto the grounds of his former school. He knew that today would be the day his master would try to take his body. He had felt his magic course through him when he had awaken that morning. Draco knew that the bonding process was nearly finished.
Draco figured that a few hours of killing and destruction would solidify the bond, and that he would be asked to report sometime that evening, where dementors would surely try to suck out his soul. They would not succeed. By midnight, Draco Malfoy would kill the Dark Lord.
In the meantime, there was no reason he can't even a few scores of his own. Draco clenched his wand tightly and strode up the hill to the great castle.
"Wake up!" Sirius burst into Harry's room. Both Harry and Daphne jumped awake at the invasion.
"I apologize," Sirius said, turning away quickly, embarrassed slightly. "We just got word. Death Eaters have begun their attack."
"Are we going?" Harry asked. Daphne squeezed his arm under their blankets.
"As soon as you're all ready." Sirius said urgently. He quickly left, shutting the door behind him.
Daphne threw on Harry's robe and hurried back to her room where she could find something "more battle appropriate". Harry dressed quickly, grabbing the Dragon hide jacket he'd gotten in Italy so many months ago, for a little extra protection.
Twenty minutes later, Harry caught Daphne just before they entered the Dining hall to join everyone else.
"I want you to wear this under your shield cloak." He said handing the dragon hide coat to her. She looked up at him for a moment, but said nothing. She took the jacket slowly and put it on in front of him. Harry took Daphne in his arms and kissed her hard, clutching her desperately to him. Daphne returned the kiss with equal passions. She knew what they were about to do, and what was at stake. Not just the future of the wizarding world, but her own. Her life with Harry. They broke the kiss and simply stared into each other's eyes.
A moment later, they were among their friends, putting on shield cloaks, packing Weasley Defense items where they could get to them easily, and giving each other significant looks of encouragement and heartfelt pride. Sirius stood off to the side, smiling proudly at the collected group. He had trained them all, and was convinced that they would all fight valiantly until Voldemort and his followers were finished.
Sirius shot a look to Remus who was securing his shield cloak. Remus gave a meaningful look back to his oldest and greatest friend. A look that said all the things they had never spoken aloud to one another. A thousand regrets, a thousand praises, all communicated with one look.
Moody stomped into the dining hall and watched as the nine young men and women were checking their supplies and fastening shield cloaks in preparation. He hadn't felt pride like this since he had been a young graduate of the Auror Academy so long ago. These young people carried a great weight upon their shoulders. All the hopes and prayers of their world now hung on their actions. He watched as Sirius and Remus said so much with just their eyes, and he felt a tug on his withered, bitter old heart when he saw Tonks give one last kiss to her lover Remus.
Moody saw the same looks of hope and fear on the youngsters now. He knew what they were feeling, and secretly wished they didn't have to do what was needed. No young person should have to, and yet these nine had proven beyond any doubts that they were no only willing to make the sacrifices that might be asked, but the were more than capable of putting up a very good fight. Moody only hope it would be enough.
"No matter what happens," Ron said to Blaise. "I'm very happy to call you my friend."
"Ron, you're more than my friend." Blaise smiled. "You're family. You're all my family."
"I'm very honored to be with you all today." Tracey said, tears burning her eyes. "I could never have dreamt of knowing such great people."
"You've all shown me real kindness, and compassion. You've looked past my craziness and accepted me into your lives. I thank you and love you all." Luna smiled, wiping at her eyes.
"I am truly honored to know you all." Harry said, eyeing each of his friends in turn. "We've been through all kinds of highs and lows and we've supported each other through it all. Today will be no different. I just want you all to know how much it means that you are willing to stand by my side. I can't thank you enough."
"Alright." Moody grunted. "There'll be time for speeches later on." He grabbed a handful of floo powder and tossed it into the fire. He limped into the green flames and called out "Hogwarts, Great Hall."
In a flash he was gone, leaving the others staring into the fireplace. Silence reigned for a moment, broken only when Hermione spoke softly.
"Anyone want to smack my rear for luck?"
"Hermione?" Justin Finch-Fletchley said when he saw the brunette emerge from the roaring fire. He had been standing with the Sixth Year students awaiting instructions. So far all the students through fourth year had been taken out of the great hall. He had overheard some teacher mention that they had been taken to safety.
Justin didn't have the chance to ask anymore questions as Hermione had flung herself into his arms and was kissing him soundly. There were a few catcalls and whistles, but then there was nothing but awed silence. Justin knew it wasn't because Hermione was kissing him, though he could barely think of anything but her soft lips on his. When she finally pulled away, Justin saw what had miraculously silenced everyone.
Harry Potter stepped out of the fire and into the great hall, looking to the gathered people who would be fighting alongside him and his friends. Every where he looked, all he could see was gobsmacked faces. He spotted several students that he knew and gave them each a little nod of recognition.
There was a powerful surge of defiant rebellion throughout the Great Hall as whispers grew into cheers. Harry Potter was alive and he was there to lead them against the forces of darkness. There was a very palpable energy growing in the hall now as everyone, young and old welcomed the coming fight.
Dumbledore smiled to himself. As he watched the people before him reaching out to shake Harry's hand, embrace him, and call out that they were behind him, the old man knew that he had chosen well in sending word to Sirius. No one outside the castle would know Harry was alive, and it would be the last thing they would expect.
More and more people, members of the Order of the Phoenix, Ministry people loyal to Amelia Bones and the side of light, and allies from all over still came pouring into the Great Hall. Every single one got the same shock when they laid eyes on the young man now in the middle of the Great Hall surrounded by friends and family, greeting new people warmly, and preparing them all for the fight ahead.
"May I have your attentions?" Dumbledore called out. "Fifth years are to follow Professor Sprout to the Seventh floor."
"NO!" Came one angry voice. From among the fifth year students, a thin, pretty redhead stepped into view. Her brown eyes were fiery with rage and there was a long bright pink scar upon her right cheek.
"I am not running from these maniacs. Not anymore. I am staying and fighting." Ginny Weasley hollered.
"Ginny, please." Ron began, but she cut him off.
"Look what they did to me. What HE did to me. I have more right than anyone, save Harry to fight, and I'm not leaving. Not with out taking a few of them out first."
"Absolutely not!" Cried Molly Weasley. She and Arthur had just arrived along with the twins and to the surprise of many, Charlie Weasley.
"You are going home, where it is safe." Molly said with finality.
"No I am not, mother. I will not sit by waiting for word that you're all ok, or you've been killed. I am as capable than all of you and I will not leave your sides. If you send me home, I will only come back. I'll take a broom or whatever I need to in order to get back here."
"Mom?" Charlie said, softly placing a hand on his mother's arm. "She should stay. She can stay with me. I'll keep her safe."
Molly heaved a great sigh and looked into her son's bright eyes. "You keep her with you at all times, and watch out for her." She waved for all of her family to come closer, including Harry and Hermione.
"All of you." She spoke with great seriousness as her eyes spilled tears. "You all watch out for each other, you be careful and come out of this alive. I love each and everyone of you, and I do not wish to be saying goodbye."
They all entrapped the matriarch in a giant hug, which only serve to make Molly sob harder.
"Fifth Years, If you would please follow…" Dumbledore began, trying to take attention away from the family scene.
He didn't finish, however. He looked at the fifth years. He looked at the sixth and seventh years. Clearly, the evacutation was finished. There was no way he would be able to get any the remaining students to safety.
"Alright." Dumbledore said a bit sadly. "But you are to follow orders precisely when given." Dumbledore was stopped from going on when the castle gave a great shudder. The Headmaster turned to look around.
"They've breached the wards." He said to himself.
Harry Ron and Hermione rejoined their friends near the front of the Great Hall. Harry took Daphne's hand and gave it a tight, encouraging squeeze. She looked into his eyes and saw his love shining in them. She stepped closer, kissing him deeply.
"You be careful." She said softly.
"We are going to be ok. You have big plans for us, remember?"
It started very faintly, but it was growing louder with every second. It was the thunderous war cries of Voldemort's army approaching the main door.
"So much for time to prepare." Harry said chagrined.
"You will find we are very much prepared. Mister Potter." Flitwick smiled.
Death Eaters flooded onto the grounds, heading straight for the giant oak doors. Two of the giants reached it first, and were thrown back the moment they touched it.
"The doors are warded?" asked a Death Eater.
There were screams of rage as the Death Eaters began looking for different ways into the castle. Several giants began tearing up nearby trees to use as clubs on the stone walls, while everyone else looked for doors or windows in which to make an entrance.
None of them really bothered to take in the bigger picture and failed to notice the fifty people on brooms coming closer and closer.
"Aim for the giants!" Snape cried to the masses flying with him. "Try to get it into their eyes or mouths."
The swarm of broom riders began pelting the attacking force with fragile vials of potion. Draught of Living Death, to be precise. Snape and Dumbledore had figured that the toughest threat would be the giants. Snape had suggested they use this particular potion and brooms to get it to their attackers. It was well known that it was hard to take down a giant using magic.
After the first wave, however, the group of flyers had difficulties as the grounded Death Eaters began firing up at them. Snape took a page out Harry's book, by diving from great heights and heaving vials at giants who were mid roar.
Because they were much larger, it took a bit for the potion to take hold, but when it was all done, thirteen of the forty giants had been downed. The aerial group regrouped on the astronomy tower when their ammunition had been depleted.
The plan was to keep their makeshift air force high and away from the battle, using them sparingly so the Death Eaters would be off balance. Snape smiled to himself knowing that the next wave of their attack would be carrying a potion of Snape's own design.
The Death Eaters had split their forces, some staying with the remaining giants to batter at the oak doors, others looking for alternative routes into the castle.
The doors were beginning to weaken under the giants constant pounding. Draco Malfoy stood back behind the army, impatiently awaiting for entry into the castle, and staying hidden when the aerial wing pelted the forces with potions. Then, it had struck him as a well thought out plan. Voldemort had again proven his ineptitude at planning for a battle. Draco was sure none of the Death Eaters had brooms. Silently he ran off towards the Quidditch pitch where he knew there were school brooms. If the Order could use the skies, why not Draco. Next to Potter, Draco had been the best seeker in the school.
He reached the broom shed and blasted the door of it's hinges. There were many old, broken brooms that were barely useable. Yet there was one broom that looked up to his task.
Draco grabbed the broom and felt it hum with energy. He turned back to the castle and tried to think of the best entry point. The Order wing had taken refuge on the Astronomy tower, but there was nothing in the north tower. Draco decided not to fly until he was closer, not wanting to draw attentions to himself.
Let the weaklings focus on the larger forces, while he snuck inside and made entry points for his forces. He would show Voldemort's followers what it meant to truly lead. Then they would follow him into victory.
Dumbledore watched as McGonagall lead every single suit of armor in the castle into the Entrance hall, where the giants were almost through. The noise of metal clanging on hard stone was near deafening to the old man, and from the looks on the faces of many around him, they also didn't like the ruckus.
With a final clank, the suits of armor stood silent, patiently waiting for the moment to strike.
"The giants won't be able to enter, but the rest of them will begin firing as soon as there is a hole." Dumbledore said to Sirius who was at his right.
"So they'll only hit the armor. Good call. We can fire from here, and try to thin their numbers." Sirius grinned.
"Indeed. Severus will begin his second run shortly, and that should send more of their numbers running in horrible pain." Dumbledore smiled. "He has come up with a rather sinister little potion. I do not envy our enemies."
Sirius turned a suspicious eye to the old man, who simply stared at the great oak doors which were bowing and cracking under the onslaught from outside.
"Ready your wands!" Dumbledore ordered loudly.
Draco landed silently in the Divination classroom. It was quiet, and the incense was overpowering. Draco looked carefully as he didn't want to be stopped. Trelawney was no threat, unless she alerted the rest of the Order. If she were hiding here, she would need to be eliminated. Draco left nothing undisturbed, looking for the eccentric and fraudulent professor.
She was there, of course. Hiding in a small closet where she kept the crystal balls. She looked up at Draco with her eyes amplified by her thick spectacles. Draco smiled widely, offering his hand as if in friendship.
"You…" She began, pointing a long thin finger, her voice trembling. "You are not here to help me…"
"Well," Draco grinned malevolently. "I guess you do have the inner eye after all."
"You will fail. He knows , and he is looking to strike you down." She tried to warn Draco, but the blonde man only knelt in front of the frightened woman, sneering malevolently.
"He most likely knows. I am not so foolish as to believe he doesn't know. But he is weak, and I am not. He will not take me."
"I do not speak of the Dark Lord. His fate has already been written." Trelawney tried.
"So it has." Draco purred. "So who is it who will strike me down then?
Trelawney shook with fear, her eyes wide, tears streaming down her cheeks. She clutched her shawls tighter as Draco stood. With a smile on his face, Draco lovingly reached out and clasped the thin throat of the shaking Divination teacher. Trelawney struggled as Draco's grip grew ever tighter. As she thrashed and fought Draco's talon like grip, her glasses fell on the cold stone floor, cracking. Draco began to breathe heavier as Trelawney's eyes rolled into the back of her head and she gave one last gasp before her body fell limp to the floor.
Draco stood slowly, still breathing hard, a strange look on his face now. He wiped away a few strands of his sleek blonde hair and stared at his first kill of the day. Draco swore that just before she had died she said something, but he had not heard her words. She had been unable to speak clearly, and Draco had been to lost to his lust for death that he'd had been to far gone to understand the gasping of the once haughty teacher. He stared at her for a long moment before rallying himself to help his fellow Death Eaters into the castle.
He began to step away, but quickly went back to the body, tearing a long thin strip of the woman's cheek and placing it lovingly into the velvet pouch on his belt. He sighed serenely as he closed the drawstrings and then made his way out into the castle through the trap door, without even so much as a final look at the body of Sybil Trelawney.