Chapter 25
(A/N I do not own any of these characters they belong to J K Rowling)
Parvati followed the dark lord her head raised in pride that she had been singled out to meet him, she remembered the first time she had met the dark lord and felt the power rolling from him and how intoxicating it was. It was Malfoy who had seeked her out and offered her a chance to become something great, a true seer with the ability to see into the future to be able to change fate that was true power. She remembered how she and Lavender used to follow Trewlaney around obsessed with her gift until Parvati realised that she was just a fraud and Lavender thought she was a gifted one. Parvati scoffed stupid mudblood loving bitch didn't even realise the amount of times Parvati had messed with her mind.
Parvati didn't regret her actions with what happened to her family after all they were holding her back as Lucius Malfoy had explained to her, she was also a gifted one but her family didn't believe in such bogus magic so they had her abilities bound, however the dark lord could remove them as long as she was faithful to him and so Parvati joined. It had been fun setting up mudblood Granger but Potter was able to save her, still there were other chances at least this time her stupid sister couldn't screw things up for her she had been getting a little too suspicious damn Ravenclaws just couldn't leave anything alone.
Parvati walked into the dark lords chambers when the door behind her shut with a great bang she lowered her gaze and waited for her lord to speak.
"Ah Miss Patil, please accept my sincere condolences regarding the death of your parents."
"Thank you my lord they, were warned but didn't listen."
Voldemort leaned back and gazed at the girl.
"Take a look at the books on the table next to you can you translate them?"
Parvati got up and started to look through them, she cursed silently as she realised she could only understand two out of the seven books her lord had.
"I can translate these two my lord."
"Crucio." Voldemort held the curse on her for a several seconds as Parvati screamed.
"Very well Lucius informed me that you have a family member that can translate them."
Parvati gasped as she raised herself.
"Yes my lord my cousin he will be at home tomorrow night he can be grabbed then."
"Tell me can he be recruited."
"I'm afraid not sir he is a mudblood lover and believes in doing the right thing."
Voldemort laughed. "Well there are always other ways to make one talk tell Lucius about any security details that may protect your family."
"As you wish my lord."
(Next Scene)
Harry cursed as he dodged the stunner that had been thrown his way by Severus running to his left Harry threw an Incendio towards his potions master.
Ever since Albus had agreed that Harry could take part in preventing the raids, Severus had decided that Harry could do with some extra torture –sorry- training. They had now been duelling for over an hour. The annoying thing was that Severus had told him to only use curses and hexes that a fifth year student would use. He was told that this was to prevent Tom from finding out too much about Harry's abilities too soon, also it was too see how good Harry's stamina was. Harry ducked by some bushes courtesy off Albus conjuring a realistic looking forest in the hall at Grimmauld Place for the training session. Harry knew he had too end this soon as he was started to get a little tired he had no idea how the potions master was still fine, throwing curse after curse at him including the unforgivables after all the death eaters wouldn't hesitate to use them. Harry peered over and noticed Severus at the side taking a chance he crept up to the side behind him. When Severus turned and saw him, Harry shouted the first spell that came too him that he could use in the fight.
"Lumos!"
Severus realised too late what Harry had done as the bright light soon blinded him he raised his arm to get rid of the light when he felt ropes wrap around his body causing him to drop his wand and fall, cursing Severus struggled to get his hand to the knife he had hidden in his robes he smirked as he felt the handle and was able to get the knife out and cut the ropes at his side he only had his right arm free but that was enough for the time being. Keeping the knife hidden he waited for his prey to approach him.
Harry smirked as he heard a thump as Severus fell, the Lumos charm worked like a treat especially when Sev fell, grinning he walked towards the potions master who was lying on his side with his back towards him. Harry pulled the Potions master so he could see his face when he suddenly felt something sharp at his neck. He stared at the potions master face in shock as he held the knife at his throat Severus smirked, "Good Harry but not good enough yet."
Still on shock Harry cancelled the spells and helped Severus up and waited for Severus to brief him on the fight
"Your stamina and technique was good Harry but it was the last few second that let you down, do you know why?"
Harry nodded. "I got too cocky and didn't check to make sure you were truly taken out of the fight at the very least I should have stunned you first to make sure you were still not a threat."
Severus nodded. "You make a mistake that many new aurors make, still learn from it and ensure it doesn't happen again as the next time you may not be so lucky."
"Severus can I ask you a question, how in Merlin's name are you not tired!"
Severus laughed. "Harry what am I?"
"Arrogant, Intimidating…"
Harry ducked to avoid the hand that Severus was no doubt going to hit him with.
"Brat, I shouldn't tell you anything for that."
"Sorry Sev, seriously I've been training a lot recently and I'm exhausted but you look fine and you're a potions master by the way."
Severus pointed to his waist and then waved his wand as Harry suddenly noticed a strange looking belt, the best way to describe it was something similar to the utility belt that Batman wore.
"It's something Moody and I have been working on it, so far I am carrying several potions with me, some minor healing ones and a potion to help restore my stamina."
"That's cheating and when can I get one?"
"All's fair in love and war brat and tonight all the order members will get one, a basic first aid and survival kit all in one."
Harry nodded and followed Severus out of the training room as they continued to discuss the plans for tonight as they walked towards the kitchen. Harry was surprised to notice that no one was there yet apart from Dobby and Winky but guessed the others were probably still training.
"Would Master Snape and Master Harry like lunch?"
"Thank you Dobby, where are the others?" Severus asked the question on Harry's mind.
"Master Dumbledore has gone to Hogwarts with Mister Lupin, Master Snape. Professor McGonagall and the others are training in the ball room. Mistress Malfoy is in her room resting."
Severus looked worried, "Resting? Is she fine?"
"I'm okay Sev there's no need to be worried." Narcissa walked in and kissed both Harry and Severus on the cheek.
"I only wanted to make use of the spare time and take a nap."
Severus nodded bust till didn't look convinced; he wasn't able to talk more as McGonagall and the rest of the children walked in.
Hermione immediately made her way over to Harry hugged him and sat down, Draco and Blaise came over at a slightly slower pace the three looked a hell off a lot better than Harry did, his clothes were dirty and slightly torn.
"Merlin Harry, what happened to you?"
Harry looked at Draco who although sounded worried was slightly smirking and laughed out loud when Harry mumbled Sev. Unfortunately for Severus, Narcissa overheard him and took one look at Harry before hitting Severus at the back of the head.
"Good God woman what was that for?"
"What did you do to Harry?"
"It's called training."
"Exactly training not torturing the poor boy."
Harry decided to pity Severus after all he was training him, besides he had seen Narcissa and Severus argue before and although it was funny but by Merlin could they argue for hours and they still had to return to another training session after lunch.
"It was nothing bad Cissa besides Severus taught me a pretty valuable lesson about not letting my guard down, I'm not hurt honestly, just dirty."
"See the brats fine."
Harry sighed, as that was queue enough for the two to start arguing again, he turned his attention towards the others, Minerva just smiled. "Don't bother Harry, I believe the two of them enjoy this far too much."
"Dobby said that Albus and Remus were at Hogwarts Minerva any idea as to when they return?"
"Hogwarts?" Draco enquired "Is something up?"
"Everything's fine, Albus simply wanted to set up the hall for tonight's meeting before we all start our shifts."
"The order meetings going to be held at Hogwarts?"
"Yes Miss Granger, now that Fudge is no longer in charge and we have a decent Minster, Moody is co-coordinating tonight's work with the aurors. Albus was sure you didn't want the entire auror squadron here tonight."
"What time is the meeting?"
"It will start at seven, knowing Tom he will start all his attacks as soon as the New Year starts."
"New year, new terror."
"Exactly Harry."
(Next Scene)
"Albus are you sure about this?"
Dumbledore sighed wearily as he turned towards his companion this was at least the fifth time Remus had made this statement.
"Yes Remus I am sure… Harry will take part in the raids tonight."
"But Albus…"
"No but's Remus, Harry is well trained and he needs the experience. Also Remus you forget who Harry is, he's faced more than several of the aurors we have today."
"I know it's just, I can't help but worry"
Dumbledore turned and checked all the tables in the great hall, they had finally managed to prepare everything for the meeting, waving his wand he banished two of the tables after all there was going to be little time tonight for every one to be seated. He turned towards Remus again.
"You forget what Harry's heritage is Remus. I made many mistakes these last few years attempting to shield Harry from everything but the truth is that I can't and neither can you so let's make sure he is the best prepared he possibly can be. You need to be strong Remus and let him fight."
The two wizards turned and headed back towards Dumbledore's office, it always struck Remus as to how strange it was to see Hogwarts so quiet and devoid of students. Walking into the room Remus was surprised to see Fawkes suddenly burst into flames.
"Oh dear." Albus walked towards Fawkes perch were he removed some of the ash covering the baby phoenix's head. "I had forgotten it was Fawkes' burning day today."
With that he lifted the creature and placed him in his pocket and then answered Remus' enquiring look.
"I think he would like to see Harry, besides we should get going after all I need to check Harry's training and progress my self."
"Will that be a problem tonight."
"What will?"
"Fawkes… I mean he won't be able to protect you from the killing curse will he?"
Dumbledore turned towards Remus and smiled.
"No but then again that's not why I keep him is it?"
A sheepish Remus grinned, "Sorry sir I guess not."
Dumbledore pulled out what appeared to be a stopwatch and motioned for Remus to hold on, once done he waved his wand and muttered a few words as the portkey carried out it's task and Remus soon found himself in the kitchen at Grimmauld Place where it seemed everyone else was eating lunch. He smiled as he heard his name being called, "Remus, Albus I didn't think you were going to be here for awhile?"
He smiled at Minerva. "We finished earlier than expected Minerva, besides I was hungry."
As Remus helped himself to some food, Dumbledore turned towards Harry and pulled Fawkes out of his pocket. "Ah Harry I have someone here who would like to see you."
Harry smiled as he noticed baby Fawkes peering at him.
"Fawkes."
He took the small baby and held him as he showed Fawkes to the others as expected Hermione and Blaise cooed over the small creature while Draco commented on how ugly the baby actually was.
"How long before Fawkes is back to normal Albus."
"Well it normally takes around a week Miss Granger before Fawkes is a reasonable size but it can take up to a fortnight till he is a normal adult."
Hermione nodded and then opened her mouth to ask another question when she heard Narcissa shriek, turning towards her she gasped as she saw Harry. Harry who was still holding Fawkes in his hands, hands that were now on fire, Hermione leaned forward.
"Harry?"
Harry looked up and Hermione noticed that his eyes were no longer human in fact they seemed more like Fawkes were. Harry opened his mouth but instead of human words they heard strange sort of chirping sounds and then Fawkes responded with the same sort of sounds.
"Albus, he almost sounds like Fawkes?"
Dumbledore nodded and leaned forwards when the flames suddenly died down and Harry closed his eyes, on opening them they whole group relaxed to see Harry's normal eyes.
"Harry what was that?"
Harry smiled. "Oh Fawkes said he was hungry and he wanted to know if I could talk to him yet?"
Dumbledore nodded. "Did he say anything else?"
"Yes it was weird he said there was something else he wanted to talk about but it was a secret. Then he stopped and started to go on about food again."
"A Phoenix's mind becomes almost child like so soon after a burning day it may have been nothing."
Harry shrugged, "I guess…"
The conversation soon returned to normal only Severus noticed Hermione and Dumbledore sharing a worried look. Severus frowned something was going on and he intended to get to the bottom of it. He waited until Dumbledore had left the kitchen after finishing his meal and followed him out he was only a few steps behind him when Dumbledore spoke.
"Is something the matter Severus?"
"What makes you think that Albus?"
Dumbledore turned around and gave a small smile. "Because if there wasn't you wouldn't have waited for me to finish my meal and then followed me out."
"You're worried about something aren't you?"
Dumbledore sighed.
"Tell me Albus and I know that Hermione is involved in this somehow."
Dumbledore turned back around.
"I'm not sure if there is a problem yet Severus and that's what worries me, forgive me but until I learn more I cant speak of it."
"It involves Harry doesn't it?"
"That's why I'm worried but I have to have faith that this will all work out somehow."
Severus stood there staring after Dumbledore trying to understand his rather cryptic words Something's definitely going on and I will get to the bottom of it, I'm not a spy for nothing, if Albus wont talk then maybe Hermione will.
(Next Scene)
Harry stood calmly next to Remus and Severus as Moody and Kingsley organised the aurors and order members to work together and slit them into teams.
Saint Mungo's and the Infirmary at Hogwarts were ready for any wounded that may need help, it was decided that the public will be sent to Saint Mungos and the aurors and members will be brought to Hogwarts. Madam Pomfrey was already setting up the infirmary; Narcissa, Hermione and Blaise were going to be assisting her while Draco was going to help with transporting the wounded into the Infirmary and assist with any emergency potions that may need to be brewed, after Severus his potions skills were the best the only other person who came close was Hermione. Only Harry was going to be actively fighting if the need came with Dumbledore and Severus at his side.
"You ready cub?"
Harry turned towards Remus who despite his talk with Dumbledore earlier was still worried Harry smiled reassuringly at him.
"I'll be fine Moony besides after some of the things I've had to face this is better prepared and at least I'm not on my own."
Remus smiled and was about to answer when a young rather arrogant looking auror spoke up.
"Like what Mr Potter? This isn't some sort of game in fact I don't see what you could have faced that us aurors haven't faced before? The only thing you'll do is slow us down."
Harry stared at the auror in surprise he looked to be around 25 and was rather average looking and he had no idea who he was.
"Rupert Sandfield, Hufflepuff, pureblood and all round idiot," Severus muttered underneath his breath for Harry's benefit. Harry opened his mouth to respond when two rather loud red heads decided to do it for him.
"Well Gred."
"Yes Forge."
"Lets see what has young Harrykins done umm… he did defeat the dork lord in his nappies."
"Then again when he was a mere first year."
"Exactly and lets not forget made the youngest seeker in over a century."
"Very good point won us the cup he did, second year he defeated a basilisk single-handedly."
"Saving our dear little sister in the process, went up against a hundred dementors in the third year."
"Conjuring a corporeal patronus at that!"
"Yes Forge then he took part in the Triwizard cup, facing Moldykins again and surviving."
"Then he managed to break into the Ministry with a few other students and faced off most of Moldykins inner circle."
"Our little boy's growing up."
At this point Harry was laughingly trying to push the twins off himself as they cried and hugged him he looked around to see most of the hall laughing at his embarrassment, then the twins turned and stared at the auror who spoke. "What have you done then?"
Sandfield glowered at the twins in anger and embarrassment.
"I am a trained auror not a …"
"You're an idiot Sandfield now shut up, the boy could beat you with one hand and blindfolded."
Moody had stomped his way towards Harry and the others he looked at the twins.
"You boy's got the stuff?"
It was Fred who answered, "Aye Moody we handed it over to Bill and Kingsley they are handing it all out and explaining the uses to everyone."
"Good lads let's see if we cant surprise them all tonight CONSTANT VIGILANCE!"
The last part had been shouted out as a large part of the hall winced.
"I do believe my ear drums have shattered Moody, thank Merlin hearing isn't useful in say… finding death eaters," Severus answered sarcastically, Harry rolled his eyes as he turned towards the twins leaving the two to argue between themselves.
"So what have you guy's come up with?"
"Several things Harry we have a couple of those portable swamps, there are charmed balls that when you break them release a powerful sleeping gas. We also have these."
Harry took one of the small metallic balls from George. "What does it do?"
"Kinda similar to a muggle stun gun, you know what one is?"
Harry nodded.
"Well the principles the same if you throw one at a death eater they will be hit with a powerful electric shock."
"Cool, you mind if I have a few of these."
"Not at all partner here."
Harry grabbed several and handed a few to Remus and Severus who despite conversing with Moody and managed to hear the conversation.
"Thanks guys this stuff sounds great I guess business is doing well?"
"Yeah don't get us wrong jokes are our priority but designing this stuff for Moody and the aurors is important."
"George is right besides can you see anyone else in the order coming up with stuff like this?"
Dumbledore walked up towards the three and managed to catch the end of the conversation.
"It's one of the reasons I was prepared to let you both join if nothing else you are both inventive and constantly come up with new ideas… Harry you ready?"
Harry nodded and followed Dumbledore towards the front of the stage he stood beside Severus and Remus as Dumbledore addressed the hall. "Everyone can I have your attention please?"
There was a few seconds before everyone was ready and listening.
"As you are all aware the Voldemort has made plans to attack the wizarding and muggle world tonight there are several key targets such as Saint Mungo's which already have a team of aurors guarding them. Our task is to by on standby for no doubt several random targets. Moody and Shacklebolt have already explained how the team structures to you. The last thing I can say is be safe and if you come across any of the inner circle do not play the hero and take them and Voldemort on yourselves let the rest of us know I have no desire to see anyone here get hurt or worse killed."
With that rather solemn warning Dumbledore nodded towards the hall and walked towards Harry and the others as Moody and Shacklebolt started to shout orders to the hall. In several small groups Harry watched as the aurors Apparated out. For this one night the anti apparition wards in the hall had been lowered. Harry turned towards Severus. "That was to the point and a bit dark."
"There are several new aurors and order members here many of them haven't had the chance to be in a true duel yet and could act like a typical Gryffindor student."
Harry nodded. "So what do we do now?"
"We wait."
(Next Scene)
Deepak Patil nodded and smiled at his young cousin Parvati despite everything that had happened to the poor girl she seemed to be coping well with it all.
"You sure you don't want to join the others in the dining room after all it is New Years Eve?"
"I'm sure I'm just really tired," Parvati added a fake yawn as she waved at her cousin and went up to the room that was given to her. As was the plan she waited several minutes and looked outside the window soon enough the dark mark on her am that was conveniently hidden under a glamour burned that was the signal that she had been waiting for. Grabbing her wand she ran down in a panicked state to the sitting room where she had left her cousin she knew he would still be there.
Deepak Patil looked up annoyed and then worry when he noticed Parvati running in out of breath
"What's wrong?"
"There's someone outside in the gardens."
"It might just be one the family members, Parvati, what did you see?"
"It's dark but there is someone in the bushes."
Deepak sighed. "Let me get some of the others and we will look?"
"No!" Deepak turned in surprise at Parvati's alarmed cry. "What if there's nothing there and everyone thinks I'm making it up and that I'm imagining things?" Parvati inwardly smirked as her cousin immediately reassured her that no one thought that of her.
"Very well I will go and look myself."
"Okay."
Parvati smirked and waited a few minutes when the dark mark burned again that was the signal to tell her that her cousin had been captured, really it had been too easy. She wondered how long it would take her stupid family to notice that he was gone.
The plan had been simple Lucius had decided that stealth was the best option rather than a straight attack; he knew that Parvati would be monitored and the attack could be linked back to her. However despite their best laid plans one of the new recruits that had gone long for the attack cast the dark mark over the Patil house. In a matter of seconds alarm bells started ringing throughout the Patil house as panic broke out. Parvati cursed and also ran out running into her other members.
"What's happened what's that sound?"
One of her uncles answered, "It's a detector ward and something must have set it off."
"The dark mark! Dear gods it's above the house!"
Panic and terror broke out at the revelation as the aurors were called, Parvati cursed and then quietly sat down hoping that the death eaters had made it out.
"You fool!" Lucius yelled at the idiot who had cast the dark mark. "Remove the mask."
The young death eater shook as he removed his mask, this had been his first mission and he had messed up. Lucius was relieved he was no one important or the son of anyone important. Turning towards the other death eaters. "This is what happens when you do not follow orders and act rashly. AVADA KEDAVRA!"
There was a bright green light as the young death eater fell to the ground beside him was the stunned body of Deepak Patil, grabbing hold of him Lucius turned to the others.
"Portkey's now!"
Within a few second they were gone the only evidence left was the death eater's body.
While Lucius with his team were sent to retrieve the Patil, Bellatrix and the others were assigned teams of death eaters and simply told to cause as much havoc as possible. Which was why Bellatrix decided to attack Hogsmeade village, it was risky attacking so close to Hogwarts but she knew there was a huge celebration planned in the village for the new year it was too good an opportunity to pass on.
She waited until she was sure that security was at a minimum ignoring the small warning in the back of her mind that this was strange. She listened for the countdown for the New Year.
"5…4…3…" She raised her arm in preparation. "2…1… Happy New Year!"
That was it giving an insane grin she cast the dark mark and with an unholy shout she ran forward and attacked.
Meanwhile at Hogwarts everyone suddenly jumped to attention as alarm bells started to ring. Albus Dumbledore sighed as he whispered to himself, "And so it begins."
Harry watched, as Shacklebolt and Moody immediately jumped into action from what he could see they were using some sort of device it appeared to be a magical equivalent of a walkie-talkie. After listening Shacklebolt looked towards the auror groups.
"Listen up Team1 and 2 Diagon Alley, team 3 to Hogsmeade. Team 7 to the Patil Residence."
There was a few seconds of silence when as one everyone seemed to jump into action. Anyone who was responsible for medical treatment hurried their way towards the Infirmary to ensure they were ready the teams immediately Apparated out.
Moody listened to the device once again as he continued to bark orders, "Team 4 Ispich town centre, obliviators on standby teams 5 and 6 Edinburgh Street Party again obliviators be prepared."
Harry sat down as he looked at Dumbledore. "What team are we?"
"Were not, Harry, we will simply go when needed."
There was a large popping sound, as an emergency portkey appeared, some of the order members immediately ran forward it seemed the injured were starting to be brought in.
There was more shouting, as Moody continued to send teams out, however a few seemed to be returning one of which was team 9 who had been sent to a pureblood Hufflepuff's residence, not only was the attack thwarted they also brought back five death eaters.
"They were newbies auror Moody, seemed to be their initiation… they failed."
"Take them to the dungeons Johnson, as soon as your back I need you to head out again."
"Aye sir."
About twenty minutes had passed when an auror from team 3 appeared badly wounded. One of the medics ran towards him, as did Shacklebolt. "Report auror."
"It's Hogsmeade sir you need to get there immediately sir, it's Bellatrix Lestrange, she's there with several other inner circle members they appeared a few moments ago, we were in control until then."
Shacklebolt stepped back grimly as he allowed the medic to do their work, he turned towards Dumbledore who nodded. "Severus, Harry its time."
Harry nodded as he got to his feet and moved to stand by Dumbledore and Severus.
"Severus please Apparate yourself and Harry since he doesn't know the position."
With that Dumbledore disappeared with hardly a sound, Harry looked to his teacher as he placed a hand on his shoulder and felt Hogwarts disappear from his sight to find himself in an alley way Dumbledore was just ahead of them. Harry and Severus walked forward and looked at the town centre Harry gasped as he noticed the bodies lying around there were also several injured and in the middle stood a laughing Bellatrix.
"Severus Apparate to a position behind them, Harry can you Apparate to the street of the side there."
Harry nodded.
"Good I want both of you to go after the other death eaters leave Bellatrix to me, once done ensure the injured are transported oh and Harry it may be a good idea to attack using your other form first."
Severus and Harry both Apparated to the required positions, Harry waited patiently for the signal to attack he could feel the blood pounding in his veins as his heart began to beat wildly; he couldn't and wouldn't let his family down failure wasn't an option. Harry concentrated as he felt his body change shape he growled softly as he smelt the blood on the town along with the terrible fear his felt his powerful muscles tense up as he prepared to attack.
"Bombarda…Stupefy."
Harry growled as he heard Dumbledore shout to firs spells he ran forwards and launched himself at the nearest death eater as he viscously bit him on the shoulder tearing a good chunk off, the death eater never stood a chance as passed out from blood loss and shock. Turning Harry ran and attacked another death eater growling as he dodged a poorly thrown avada kedavra. Again he went for the wand arm.
"Crucio!"
Harry growled as he felt the crucatious hit him from behind, he ran towards an overturned cart and jumped behind it turning back to his normal form. He looked to his side and could see Severus struggling against four death eaters reaching into his pocket he pulled out one of the stun balls that the Weasley twins had given him and threw it at one of the death eaters smiling in satisfaction as he screamed and fell. Severus wasted no time in shouting the bounding spell at him.
Harry got up and jumped to the side as the cart he was crouching behind blew into several pieces, without wasting a second he threw spell after spell at the three death eaters that he was facing pulling out more of the stun balls Harry threw them at his attackers only one was hit. Seeing their fallen comrade enraged the other two as they started to throw the killing spell after him repeatedly. Harry was glad that he had been having extensive training with Severus as he rolled to the side dodging the spells he smiled grimly at the two before yelling out the stunning spell again followed by one of the dark arts spells he had learnt, "Deletrius."
Whether it was deliberate or by chance the curse hit one of the death eaters in the face he screamed in agony as it melted his mask and then attacked his face burning. The other death eater stared at Harry; shocked that the golden boy would use the dark arts Harry used the momentum to send a stunning spell at him and then remembering his lesson bound him after all it would be useful to have some survivors to question. Sighing Harry noticed that Severus had also dispatched the ones he had been fighting and was making his way towards him. Harry looked around trying to spot Dumbledore but couldn't see him and then spotted him and Bellatrix they were Apparating non-stop all the while launching spell after spell it was a rather strange sight.
"Their shadow duelling."
"Shadow duelling?"
"It's a form of duelling Bellatrix is rather good at a bit of a stupid name though."
"Should we step in?"
Severus shook his head. "No it's too dangerous the way their continually Apparating there's no way you can guarantee getting anyone let alone her, besides I know something she doesn't."
"And what's that?"
"Albus won a tournament using this form of duelling."
With that the two stared at Dumbledore hoping he was fine.
(Next Scene)
"Madam we have several more injured."
Poppy Pomfrey nodded and ran towards the aurors who were transporting the inured, she cast a quick glance at them all; two were in serious condition the other three were hurt but would be fine.
"Right those three take them to Miss Granger and Professor Black, lay the other two down on those beds."
As soon as that was done the two aurors ran back towards the great hall, sighing Poppy ran diagnostic spells over the two injured. One of them had been hit by the Cruciatious several times but luckily had been rescued before permanent damage could settle in he was one of the lucky one's of the evening so far. She grabbed some of the potion she used to regularly give Severus and fed them to the man and then sent a sleeping charm at him there was nothing more she could do now. Turning towards the other she frowned as she noticed a strange mark on the mans arm so she turned him over and gasped as she recognised the dark spell it caused the flesh to rot away and would leave to certain death unless the affected body part was removed.
Grimacing she lifted her wand as she prepared to amputate the limb she breathed in deeply and then cast the spell, banishing the rotten arm and then worked to close the wound. She wiped her brow tiredly as she fed the unconscious man blood replenishing potion frowning as she noticed her supply was starting to run low.
Turning she walked to her office were a tired Draco and Blaise were brewing several potions, Blaise looked to her. "Madame Pomfrey we finished those potions you asked for, they are behind you."
"Thank you however I urgently need you to brew some blood replenishing potion were running short."
There wasn't much more time to talk as there was another yell for Poppy to come. Sighing she grabbed the bottled potions and ran back out I hope this is all over soon. Once she had left Blaise looked at Draco. "Do you think they are okay? They've been gone along time now?"
Draco nodded. "They'll be fine…they have to be."
(Next Scene)
"Fred watch out duck, STUPIFY!"
Fred Weasley on hearing his twin's panicked shout threw himself to the ground as he heard a body drop to his side turning he bound the death eater and allowed George to help him up. They were currently in Leeds outside a muggle orphanage along with Remus and Bill. They were against a team of seven death eaters; so far Remus had taken three of them out alone. It seemed that their opponents were a lot better trained and prepared then they expected as Bill just managed to avoid a killing curse sent his way. But was then hit by a stunner sending him flying into a wall hitting hit with a sickening crunch.
"Bill!"
Fred and George ran forward as they grabbed hold of some of the more nasty surprises they had come up with one of which appeared to be a small glass ball filled with a smoky grey liquid. Leaning back and sending a prayer thanking his beater training Fred he threw it at the feet of one of the death eaters that were on Bill's right. George immediately used the bubblehead charm on Bill the smoke was a rather nasty poison that burned your lungs away. The other death eater didn't stand a chance as the twins sent several stunners at him.
"George help Moony, I'll get Bill."
Fred nodded and ran to help Remus who had several nasty gashes and cuts and was limping, between the two the others were taken care of.
"Moony you okay?" Fred managed to catch the tired werewolf before he fell managing to whisper one word. "Silver."
Swearing Fred grabbed hold of Remus and grabbed one of the emergency portkeys he noticed that George gad revived Bill and was pulling out his own portkey as they felt they tell tale pull at their navel.
(Next Scene)
With the experience of several decades Albus Dumbledore threw spell after spell after Bellatrix Lestrange the one time promising student of his school. At one time Bellatrix was easily one of the best students Slytherin house had, a hard working quiet girl who kept out of arguments. Albus had hoped that she wouldn't follow in her family's footsteps like he thought Narcissa would. It was strange that the loud attractive popular typical pureblood Narcissa was the one who would befriend a muggleborn in secret and stay true to the light where her sister would fall into darkness.
"Avada Kedavra! Why wont you die old man."
"As I told Tom…"
"Stop calling him by that vile filthy name you mudblood lover it's master to you. CRUCIO!"
Dumbledore simply Apparated from the spot that he was and then Apparated back once the spell passed the spot he was in.
"Solaris Reducto."
Bellatrix barely had time to avoid the powerful spell that would have seriously injured if not killed her, she laughed out loud the insanity shining from her eyes.
"Finally the powerful Albus Dumbledore pulls out the big spells decided to stop playing around and recognise me."
Dumbledore let out a chuckle as he sent a tickling spell at Bellatrix, which caused her anger to increase, Dumbledore knew that Bellatrix was close to losing all control something that would cause her to foolishly lash out.
"What's the meaning of this Dumbledore!? Avada Kedavra!"
"Bellatrix why should I resort to powerful spells and the dark arts when these are enough for you?"
As predicted Bellatrix continued to throw the unforgivables all of which Dumbledore avoided by either conjuring shield or simply summoning other things for the spells to hit, he also started to throw some of the more powerful stunners at the death eater. Despite the ease of which appeared to fighting Dumbledore knew he was starting to tire, Apparating continually took a lot out of you. He pulled out one of the Weasleys little tricks and threw it at Bellatrix's feet immediately vines seemed to grow from the ground, which started to wrap around. Bellatrix immediately attempted to free herself in vain but found it difficult no matter what she tried the wouldn't go the only thing she could think of was to burn them or a slashing hex injuring herself in the process. Dumbledore walked forward he didn't think she could do much more when she waved her wand at her feet and yelled out a dark arts slashing hex. Immediately the vines were cut away but Bellatrix was also badly injured she had cut her own left foot off, growling she clutched at her dark mark and Apparated away.
Dumbledore sighed and turned away from the sight when he heard a panicked yell; throwing himself to the ground he grunted in pain and turned to see a death eater behind him on fire.
"Albus are you okay?"
Dumbledore allowed Harry and Severus to help him up; he dusted his robes and turned to Harry, who grinned sheepishly. "I saw him coming up behind you and threw a fire ball it was the first thing I thought off."
Dumbledore placed his hand on Harry's shoulder and then Severus. "Well done both of you and thank you."
Severus nodded. "You hurt her rather badly also we have captured several death eaters tonight."
Dumbledore sighed. "Yes but I wonder if our gains will out weigh our losses tonight? There's nothing else here we should return to Hogwarts."
(End Chapter)
Hi everyone I'm back! Sorry about the wait but things have been mad and hectic recently and I have also been introduced to the world of Naruto and damn it, it's so addictive to watch!
Thanks to Bukama as always.
Thank you for all your reviews. Hope you enjoyed the chapter.
Chapter 26What to expect – Find out who survives, return to Hogwarts and shocking news for Snape!