A/N
This chapter got longer than expected. So I split it in two parts. The second part will be published in a few days. Again you'll have to read carefully, as there are many things going on at the same time. Have fun.
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Bring me some Flowers
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Hogwarts – Gryffindor Common Room – 14th of February – Wednesday early afternoon
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Harry
"Aargh, a splodge." More than one boy rolled his eyes, as Vicky Frobisher sprinted towards the stairs, only to be stopped by Hermione.
"Calm down. Everything will be alright, Vicky. Breathe!" Hermione stared into Vicky's eyes until the older girl obeyed and stopped hyperventilating. It was funny to watch them, Hermione and Vicky breathing together. It reminded him of a film scene he once saw, about prenatal breath training. "Lavender, could you help her please before Vicky loses the last bits of her mind?"
Lavender nodded and, using a few of the many spells she learned from Teen Witch Weekly, had Vicky's dress spotless within a few seconds. Vicky thankfully hugged her, careful not to smear her makeup. She had been like this since morning. Luckily most of the girls were helpful and doing their best to make her date a most wonderful experience – her date with Narcissa Black. Vicky was the object of envy of most of the older boys today, certainly.
In a surprisingly lenient gesture, Professor McGonagall had rearranged for the usual Wednesday afternoon lessons to take place at other times, allowing dozens of young couples to visit Hogsmeade. The shops and Madam Puddifoot had been warned about the impending invasion and had prepared everything. Flowers, sweets and an unhealthy amount of pink colour were awaiting them.
Flowers. Daphne and Hermione had gotten theirs this morning already together with a tin of Belgium Chocolate. Luckily Neville had helped him prepare the bouquet. Long-blooming dark red roses, cultured to last two months at least. Did she wear the other present already, Harry wondered, thinking about Daphne. She would, Harry decided and smiled. Monsieur Delacour had taught Neville how to magically shape silver and gold. Putting this knowledge to good use, he created two ankle bracelets for the girls, while Harry added the first of hopefully many more runes to them. For today he had chosen runes that would warm the girls' feet. For summer he already planned to add some that would help them walk in high-heels, something Daphne loved to do and tried to convince Hermione to try too. The boys loved the idea of their girls wearing a piece of jewellery only they knew about. Imagining the tanned, well-shaped leg with the bracelet caused Harry to blush and Daphne to smile in return, assuming correctly where his thoughts were at the moment.
They had left the common room and met their friends near the entrance of the castle. Harry and Daphne, Hermione and Neville intended to spend most of the day as a double date. It would be nicer this way, offering them a bit more protection against intrusive fans and journalists as well as easing the job of their 'entourage'. Similar to their New Year's date, Harry and his friends would have Sirius and Carmen following them around, always staying within sight but trying to give them some privacy. Remus and Tonks would be around too, and Harry expected his mother to be one of the Professors watching the students at the village. He had seen Professor Sinistra already, as well as Madam Sprout. Miss Chentz and Emma, while more beloved by the students than most other teachers, weren't the choice of the day as a part of the job description was to magically 'protect the students'.
Daphne gave a short wave to her little sister, with a mouthed "behave" to Draco. He mock-bowed in return, but Harry had no doubt that Astoria would be safe by his side. If something 'inappropriate' happened between those two, Draco wouldn't be the one to start it, Harry feared. The couple had been awfully close since their talk with Roxanne, a talk she had told Daphne and Harry about the next day.
Turning around, Harry took a look at the other students walking towards the gates to fetch one of the coaches to Hogsmeade. Niles Chentz was there, behaving like a complete gentleman towards his girlfriend Megan Jones. Fred and George, far goofier than Niles, joked around Alice and Angelina. Greg and Millie walked with Pansy, while Blaise followed a glaring Tracey Davis like a lost puppy. Luna and Ginny, both without dates, apparently exchanged not very nice comments about Romilda Vane and Demelza Robbins, two younger Gryffindors that Ron and Cormac somehow convinced to accompany them today. From the look of their faces they already regretted that decision.
Yes, Harry grinned, this Hogsmeade visit should be quite amusing.
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Voldemort's Lair
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Antonin Dolohov watched his master with narrowed eyes as he gave his last orders to the Carrow twins. They belonged to the dangerously diminished inner circle and would be leading the attack. Antonin wasn't certain which of the twins was the madder one, but he would still bet on the woman. Somehow being a woman and a Death Eater apparently messed a tad too much with your mind. This was his conclusion, at least after experiencing Alecto Carrow and Bellatrix Lestrange. While Amycus at least tried to listen carefully to his master, eager not to mess this up, his sister grinned like mad and obviously struggled not to giggle or bounce around. Antonin rolled his eyes: women.
Voldemort offered the twins a pair of magical sceptres, which they eagerly accepted. "This one," he pointed towards the one Amycus was holding "allows you to give orders to the Dementors. They aren't actually forced to obey, but will understand that you will serve as my proxy today." The warning was proof of his master's insight that he had to be thriftier with his followers. "The other one allows you to raise Inferi, Alecto. It will consume most of its power on its first use, so you best visit the cemetery first. After that you should be able to raise a few more Inferi until it gets dormant. Amycus' sceptre will protect him against Inferi, as will yours protect you against Dementors. Your followers won't be protected in any way, so place them wisely at the edge."
Another warning, this time to protect the lower echelons. Oh, how the times have changed.
"Any restrictions to their deployment?" Amycus asked, unwilling to jeopardize his standing with his master. Three months ago Malfoy or one of the Lestranges would have led this attack. He was eager to prove his worth, to prove that his master had chosen wisely.
"No restrictions," Voldemort answered, conjuring a happy smile on Alecto's face. "Let them exterminate the village. Come back, both of you, with as many of your thugs as possible. Losses among the Inferi are irrelevant."
New Death Eaters had to be recruited and trained. Dementors could only be driven away. Inferi, while resistant against most magic, could be destroyed by fire of any kind. However, the sceptre could easily be recharged and used at another cemetery. It was an unbelievable precious piece of magical arts, one of the few Grindelwald heirlooms his master had been able to lay his hands on. Hopefully Alecto will not lose it. The one Amycus was carrying had been created by Voldemort himself and, while precious itself, could be replaced.
"Time is of more relevance than body count. You have to distract them for at least an hour. Make good use of the creatures, cause havoc and fear. Let them know how stupid they are to stand against us."
Us, Antonin mused. Two months ago he would have said 'against me'.
"We understand," Amycus replied and bowed deeply, his sister nodding enthusiastically, a mad grin on her face. For a second Antonin felt sorry for the village of Hogsmeade. This would become the worst day of the village's existence – possibly the last too.
"Go now and create havoc." Minutes later Antonin Dolohov was left alone in the hideout. He grinned. Time to continue the plan 'woo the healer', he mused and went looking for the French bitch.
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Hogsmeade
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"Someone waiting for you at Hogsmeade, Minnie?" Sirius grinned and wiggled his eyes, his expression turning more serious as he noticed Minerva's hardening face. Carmen slapped his head and gestured for him to apologize. "I didn't want to sadden you, Minnie." He really meant it. Minerva had always been his favourite teacher; the only sore point had been her utter loyalty to Albus. While he liked to flirt with her and get her flustered, he would never hurt her willingly.
"It's alright, Sirius," Minerva patted his arm, but it wasn't really.
Sirius' little comment as well as the happy couples around them – laughing, embracing and kissing while the coaches neared Hogsmeade – reminded her of earlier, happier times, when she had been like them. Minerva had already been teacher at Hogwarts for twenty years, following an invitation of a younger Headmaster Dumbledore, when she finally accepted the proposal of Elphinstone Urquart. He had been her senior at the DMLE and kept in touch after she left. Urquart, who wasn't a fan of Albus, had more than once gone head to head with the headmaster. Albus hadn't been a fan of the relationship but Minerva had followed her heart for once. It wasn't a marriage of heated passion, but still full of love, respect and mutual understanding. For three years they had been together, happy despite the war against Voldemort steadily on their mind. Yes, they had been happy, until that summer day.
Each time Elphi left their common home, Minerva had been in fear. She had watched the door, expecting to see one of his colleagues instead of him returning to her. And one day it really happened. There had been a big fight. A group of Aurors had been caught in an ambush. Most had died; the last three only escaping because Elphi, as their leader, stood his grounds as long as possible. Minerva had been heart-broken hearing the news. However, there had still been hope. Only a few knew, but Minerva had been pregnant back then, pregnant with a little girl. It was a little wonder. Even among witches it was rare to get pregnant at nearly sixty.
After Elphi's death she decided to leave Britain for a while. She didn't want to quit the fight, but her girl was more important back then; she was Elphi's inheritance. Albus had been strongly against her decision, but in the end he had conceded and even helped her prepare. For two weeks Minerva had been organizing everything: Elphi's funeral, packing her belonging and selling their little home. However, two days before her intended departure, there had been an accident. She slipped taking one of the many moving stairs at Hogwarts. Minerva was only found several hours later, a number of bones broken and with internal bleeding. Without the help of Albus and Poppy she would have died.
She lost her little girl on that day, lost most of her vitality too. Again it was Albus who stayed by her side, and nurtured her back to life. It was actions like this that established the deep friendship between them, a friendship that lasted until last year. Minerva stayed in Britain, active in the war and in the end they had won, partially thanks to her actions. But still there were days she wondered: how would my life have turned as a mother? How would my little girl have been? Like Hermione perhaps? I'll never know.
She patted Sirius' arm again: "it's alright, Sirius, everything is okay."
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Near the Ministry
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Sheep, Voldemort pondered, watching the wizards and witches enter and leave the Ministry, they're like sheep, all of them.
Protected from prying eyes by a disillusionment spell, he was standing two-dozen paces away from the entrance, waiting for the sign to enter. He had to pass the door before the attack started, before someone got the idea to close the entrance because of the alarm, but not too early either.
We're in position.
Dispelling his cover, Voldemort appeared out of sight of the guards at the entrance, disguised as one of the Ministry workers, an elderly man and husband of many years, someone nobody would ask why he didn't spent the day with his 'lovely wife'. The man was at home right now with his wife, both in a magically induced sleep and obliviated. With a bit of luck nobody would ever know what happened at the Ministry today.
Walking slowly, as fitting to his supposed age, Voldemort entered the Ministry, exchanged a few words with a bored guard, showed the stolen wand and entered the corridors after a last nod. This would be easy.
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Dedalus grabbed Sturgis' arm and nodded towards the man who had just entered the DOM level. They had been waiting for hours, waiting for him. Fear gripped both men's hearts, but the calming draughts Albus had given them did their work. Dedalus gestured for Sturgis to follow the man, while he used the elevator to leave. He would inform Albus that his plan had worked.
Voldemort had arrived at the Ministry at last.
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Hogsmeade – Fanny's Fancies Shop
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Harry was sipping his coffee, silently thanking the powers above that they had found this shop an hour ago, leaving Madam Puddifoot to other couples – like Ron and Cormac with their happy dates. He put down the Witch Weekly. It certainly wasn't his usual reading choice, but today there was something interesting in it: a number of letters from readers. Two weeks ago Agatha had started to sell the owl leather straps, a simpler design of the ones Hermione and Daphne created for Hedwig and Mandragora. They didn't sell very well so far as most wizards didn't care as much about their owls. However, Agatha was certain this would change once the leather straps for cats and dogs hit the market. Pets were very special and loved almost as much as children by the rich ladies – sometimes even more than their children.
Fanny's Fancies was a new shop in Hogsmeade, offering casual clothes of all kind but in a more Muggle way than Gladrag's Wizardwear. They had a few small tables with comfortable chairs, offered coffee and cookies to their guests, and the selection of clothes was meant to be for leisure time – or dates. Harry and Neville already got a number of tee-shirts and jeans, their girlfriends commenting their appearance with much giggling. It was cute to see them relaxed like this. Their appraising looks certainly didn't hurt the boys' egos either.
Now it was the girls' time to try a dress or two with the help of Grace, the twenty-year-old daughter of Fanny Jenkins, owner of the shop. While they waited for Harry to change clothes, Grace had told Hermione about how she had left Hogwarts after taking her OWLs to help her mother, first in London and now here in Hogsmeade. The former Hufflepuff had been allowed to take a few classes at Hogwarts, mostly to try to get a NEWT in Charms. Niles Chentz had agreed to help her, sharing classes with the girl. Grace, with her mother being a Muggleborn, had already completed her Muggle education since leaving Hogwarts and was interested in the changes at the school, especially the new science courses. She's a mix of the Patil sisters, Harry mused.
"Wow."
Harry looked up at Neville's exclamation. Hermione had just left the changing cubicle and was now doing some turns to show how the chosen spring dress fitted her curves. It was midnight blue and crafted from some silk-like fabric. It clung to her body and showed every line of her legs, legs that showed how much time she now spent outdoors with Neville.
"You look wonderful, Mione," Neville sighed and Harry agreed. Wow, he thought, as he turned around to wink at his girlfriend. Time to see Daphne in something like this.
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Ministry – DOM
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Croaker was sitting in his office, feeling restless and dreadful. There was no actual reason for those emotions but somehow he felt that danger was approaching. For days he had noticed Dumbdork's cronies lurking around, whispering and hiding in the shadows. It wasn't the first time and wouldn't be for the last and he mostly left Dumbdork's men alone. They weren't allies but they weren't enemies either. He didn't trust the trio of lackeys, but everything important was shut away, especially the time turners. They had mostly been seen near the room of prophecies so it seemed natural that they shared Riddle's interest in them.
Oh yes, he knew about the man's allegiance, the man who now was guest of the St. Mungo's spell damage ward. Croaker knew who sent him, knew it even before Rosmelda Prewitt told him about the mark on his arm. Rosmelda – she was a dear friend, a classmate of his late brother. He had known her for decades, but never had she been as troubled as three days ago when she visited him, and begged him to examine a few things. The medical samples were still waiting together with the files. Three files she had left, one each about Alice and Frank Longbottom and about herself.
I have to take a look at them. Tomorrow, he decided, tomorrow I'll have a look.
With a determined nod Croaker left his chair and his office. Now however I'll have a look at my uninvited guests.
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Hogsmeade
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Harry
"Look," Daphne whispered.
Harry tore his eyes away from Daphne with an effort and followed her look. A dozen paces away Narcissa was walking towards 'Dervish and Banges' with a blushing, bouncing and more than giddy Vicky Frobisher at her side. The girl was kind of cute in her happiness and Narcissa got another notch in Harry's already good opinion because of her patience. It was obvious that she actually tried to make this day a happy experience for the girl. "It won't help her crush," Harry mumbled.
"Better to have loved and lost than never loved at all," Neville commented and the girls agreed, continuing their path to the edge of the village.
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Pansy
"So, are you an item now?" Pansy used the moment with Greg away getting some drinks to drill some questions into the big girl.
"No," Millie sadly shook her head. "I… I don't like him that way. He's a friend, nothing more."
Pansy narrowed her eyes, examined Millie's face closely. She had been certain the big girl had developed a crush on someone. For weeks she had been moody and even tried to do something about her appearance, something she never did before. Pansy once even overheard a conversation between Millie and Tracey about possible ways to magically change her appearance. Pansy's eyes widened with realization. "There's someone else."
"Yes," Millie mumbled, her blush surprising Pansy who wouldn't have thought to ever see happen such a thing.
"You should tell Greg," Pansy scolded her. "He obviously has a crush on you. It's not fair to lead him on."
"I know," Millie sighed. She had been thinking about that for a while, only stopped from doing so because she feared to lose his friendship. "I'll tell him."
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Luna
"This galleon says Cormac and Demelza are going to break up before leaving Madam Puddifoot's," Ginny placed the golden coin on the table and waited for Luna's reaction.
The girls had followed Ron, Cormac and their dates into the tea salon and taken a table with a good view on the couples. Ginny felt really good today. It was the first Valentine's Day she didn't have to struggle with her crush on Harry – be it a natural or magically induced. For once she could simply relax and spend the day with a friend. She was still working on getting closer to Luna, feeling bad for having ignored her old friend for so long until last summer. The Patil sisters had joined them a few minutes ago, both glaring at Ron and Cormac now and then.
"I'll put this galleon on Ron's date leaving first," Luna responded with a grin. "He simply has more experience at putting his foot in his mouth."
"She's right, you know," Parvati commented. "Cormac is an ass but if he tries he can be charming… for a while at least. And Demelza is the dumbest of the two girls."
Ginny only groaned. The girls were right about that. Not even a saint would be able to endure Ron for long. Those girls didn't stand a chance.
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Hogsmeade Cemetary
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"Go on, we don't have all day," Amycus Carrow growled, gripping his sceptre stronger, his knuckles white.
"Patience is a virtue, brother-dear," Alecto grinned, earning her another growl. With a sigh she continued. The first activation demanded a bit more preparation. With a small silvery knife she draw a line on her left arm, cutting the skin and allowing a few drops of her blood to fall onto the sceptre. After that she pulled a small pouch from her robe, opened it and started to walk a large circle over the graves, sprinkling powder over them.
"Mortui inqueiti … Mortui inqueiti … Mortui inqueiti … excitate" (1)
For a moment nothing happened. Alecto looked around, nervous and anxious to see some kind of reaction. Was her sceptre broken? Had she done something wrong? What would her master…
Suddenly a claw-like hand broke through the soil. A second one followed, another pair seconds later. Alecto rejoiced. Bouncing around she grinned madly while one after the other dozens of bodies left their peaceful slumber behind to follow her command. The bodies rotten, their clothes seedy rags only, they weren't a pretty sight. The red light in their empty eye sockets however was certainly able to cause pure fear.
Amycus, far more controlled than his sister, stepped aside. It was time to call his own troops. Time for a little death and mayhem.
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Ministry – Auror guard room
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"Something is happening at Hogsmeade, Sir."
The senior Auror looked up from the report he had been working on and frowned. "What do you mean with 'something', Junior."
Junior Auror Malcolm Jones had only concluded his Auror training six weeks ago. While Senior Auror Towers saw the potential in the young man, it was his duty to hold in the reins as the young man was a bit overeager to prove his abilities, mostly to Kingsley and Amelia whom he obviously adored.
"The instruments…" he pointed towards a number of silvery instruments used to watch over some important places like Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. "Some kind of ritual magic has been used… it seems to be very close to the village. Shall I inform Senior Auror Shacklebolt?"
"No, you'll stay and keep an eye on the instruments. I'll send a few Aurors to investigate the matter."
With a small pout Jones returned to his place. He wanted to…
"Jones? I changed my mind. Fetch your robes, you're going with them."
With a broad grin like a child getting some sweets Jones grabbed his robe and stormed out of the office. "Thank you, Sir."
Towers stared after him for a moment. "Newbies," he sighed.
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Hogsmeade
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"You're an ass."
Luna opened her hand towards Ginny, while watching Romilda Vane screaming at a beet red Ron. Somehow he had been able to get her hot chocolate all over her new pretty dress. Cormac McLaggen watched the show a bit annoyed. The older boy rightfully assumed that the incident would sour his date's mood too. He wouldn't get lucky today.
"Aargh," with another yell the girl turned around and stormed fuming towards the rest room to rescue her dress. Dumbfounded Ron stared after her, but instead of following his date and apologizing to her, he simply slumped into his seat again.
"Girls," he fumed. Why did they have to be so complicated? Why can't they be like Mum?
"He's thinking about mum," Ginny sighed and rolled her eyes. "He always gets this look when thinking about her and how she's spoiling him."
"Not even Lavender would be like your mum, especially not on a date," Parvati growled. She had neither forgiven nor forgotten how Ron had been to her. "Valentine's Day is certainly not about spoiling the boy," Padma agreed.
Suddenly a scream rushed through the salon, the scream of a girl in panic. All heads turned towards the back door as Romilda rushed back. "There… there…"
The door was ripped open and… something entered… something ugly. Other things followed, shambling. More screams… everyone jumped from their seats, tried to reach the door or windows. Only a few draw their wands, Cormac surprisingly being among them. He even pushed Demelza behind his broad back to protect her, while Ron – to Ginny's endless shame – was one of the first to rush through the door, not one thought left on his date or sister.
You'll pay for this later, brother-dear.
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Near the edge of Hogsmeade
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"Jackson, Miller, you'll have a look at the cemetery and the outlying houses. Take Jones with you. We'll walk down the main street. Meet us at the 'three broomsticks' in thirty."
Jackson and Miller simply nodded to their leader and followed Jones, who eagerly rushed towards the cemetery. His behaviour earned him another pair of grimaces. Both Aurors didn't expect something actually to show up. At least they had the prospect of getting some butterbeer later. They followed their young colleagues from afar, exchanging 'realistic reasons' for the magic that allegedly had taken place.
"Oh, Merlin."
Jones had stopped cold and was staring at something below, apparently shocked. As the older Aurors reached him, they had to change their former opinion. Below them dozens of graves lay opened, the buried corpses missing. This was bad.
That's when the screaming started.
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Ministry – Auror guard room
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"We need immediate assistance at Hogsmeade Village. Lives threatened…"
Towers started to bark orders, while he listened to the rest of the report.
"Hogsmeade cemetery has been disturbed. Feared to be some kind of Inferi Summoning Ritual."
Towers paled slightly: "call Kings and Bones. You, fetch some bluefire torches."
"At least thirty to forty graves disturbed," Jones continued. He would have to congratulate him later for his quick thinking. The use of the messenger spell was faultless. It belonged to a number of spells they had exchanged with the other Ministries. This one was a French invention, akin to a Patronus messenger but far easier to cast and only meant as a messenger, not a combat spell.
"Fighting noises from all over the village. It's getting cold here."
Dementors, fuck.
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Hogsmeade
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Albus
The former and soon-to-be-again Headmaster Dumbledore put down his cup of awfully sugary tea.
It's time, he thought feeling very content with himself. He got Dedalus' message moments before. Everything went as expected. Tom had shown himself at the Ministry. He would be occupied for a while, entering the hall and searching for the Ministry while evading any possible witnesses. Now, he only had to inform Potter about it. The boy would use the portkey Albus had prepared this morning and fight with Tom. He would lose, be killed and then…
It's time.
With a happy grin Albus left his hideout.
Time for a little chat.
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Patil Twins
Bravely standing his ground, Cormac McLaggen did his best to protect the girl behind him. He was an ass, sexist, and thought himself to be Merlin's gift to the women, but accepting the girl as his date for today meant something to him, meant that he promised to protect her. He wouldn't break that silent promise. However, his cutting curses didn't help much. The corpses staggered back when hit, but instantly recovered and came back for more. A second before one of them got close enough to touch him with its filthy claws, it was hit be a high-powered Reducto and thrown against the wall.
"Use Reducto's and fire spells, you big oaf," Parvati snarled, her eyes telling him that she only meant to protect the girl, certainly not him. He had to be careful not to get a hex in the back while fighting – completely by mistake, of course. Obeying her sister's advice, Padma followed up with a torch spell she learnt from Neville. It was creepy to watch how the Inferi went down without a scream.
"Out! Everybody out! We can't fight them here," Ginny ordered. She was right. The wall was already in flames and the tapestry and curtains would fetch fire in moments. While Cormac and the Patils took the rear guard, Luna pointed her wand against the wooden wall and created another exit with a stunningly powerful blasting hex.
It was time to leave.
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Ministry – DOM
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The urge to whistle was strong, but Tom Riddle stayed silent and concentrated. Two minutes ago the bulk of Aurors had left the Ministry, fallen for his distraction. Determined he strut through the door and into the hall of prophecies. He noticed that someone followed him, trying to stay out of sight.
Fool, Tom grinned. Feel safe for a while.
He took a long look around to orientate himself, before he continued his walk toward his destination. Only a few more moments and he would be there; only a few more moments until he knew what this damned prophecy was all about.
Only a few more steps.
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On the fringe of Hogsmeade
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Harry
Their heads whirled around as the screaming started. The four friends, together with Sirius and Carmen, had left the village a few minutes ago to take a little walk and evade all the sugary happiness for a while. Somewhere ahead they heard the splintering of wood and new screaming, this time not only in fear, but also in pain. Hastily they rushed towards the source of the noises, as Harry noticed a well-known awful multi-coloured robe to his left.
Marvellous, he groaned but didn't stop, instead only increasing his speed and leaving the other teenagers behind. Only Carmen was able to keep up and Sirius was a little faster, trying to stay ahead.
"Harry, my boy," his well-despised former Headmaster called him. Realizing that Harry had no wish of stopping anytime soon, he called again: "Harry, it's really urgent. Tom…" He had to get him and soon. No sense in risking the boy in this lost battle, Albus knew. It wasn't like he didn't care. He would mourn the losses later. However, he had concocted this little scheme and was far too important not to go through with it now.
His next words were drowned out by the sounds of battle. The source of the screams in hearing range came from the fights had apparently erupted everywhere in the village. They came upon a small cluster of old wooden houses. One of them was burning, another partially destroyed by blasting hexes. At least three people were lying on the ground while a group of five Death Eaters was having their fun. One was blasting away the remains of the burning house – where someone still had to be as cries for help could be heard – two others were playing with a younger student, hurling the screaming girl back and forth through the air, and the last two apparently noticed the incoming group and turned around to open spell fire, mostly on Sirius who was at the front of the group.
"Daphne, suppression fire; Neville, burning house; Hermione, girl," Harry commanded while slowing down a tad to catch his breath.
Without a word Neville left the group and rushed towards the burning house. Something happened to him as the colour of his skin changed, turning into a pale grey and causing his steps to create crunching noises. "Pugnus saxeus," (2) he yelled as he neared the house, ignoring the Death Eater who stopped destroying the house and now targeted him. He never had a chance to open fire as Daphne caught him first. Having stepped aside to have a clear path of view, she stopped and stood very still, relaxed, like back on the shooting range.
Breath… in… out. She was calm now.
45 yards, her mind examined casually.
"Lancea." The beam of light left her wand, raced towards the Death Eater threatening Neville and smashed right through his left temple, drilling a two-inch hole through his skull. He tumbled to the ground without a sound. Turning around to open fire on the pair 'playing' with the girl, she left the last two to Sirius and Harry.
Meanwhile Neville's stone fist spell smashed the door open and the boy rushed into the house. Hermione felt fear for a moment, but knew she had to trust him and his abilities. Steeling her nerves she addressed her own problem. The pair of Death Eaters obviously noticed there was no time for playing around anymore. They hurled the totally frightened girl into the air one last time and, without paying her any regards, started opening fire on Harry and Sirius.
"Carmen, shield me," Hermione yelled, while following up with a Sphaera around the girl, a spherical Protego spell, and slowing down the girl's fall with a feather-light spell. As expected a cutting curse smashed into the shield protecting Hermione's flank, while one of the Death Eaters turned towards the girl again.
"Avada…"
Oh no, you don't, Hermione crunched her teeth, letting go of her feather-light spell as she had to trust the Sphaera to protect her from the fall. "REDUCTO!" Her high-powered spell hit the death Eater full force into the chest, creating a gaping cavity big enough to put a Quaffle through. She rushed towards the girl, who apparently lost consciousness but seemed okay otherwise. With much relief she watched Neville leave the burning house, most of his robes destroyed but otherwise intact. A small boy was huddled against his chest, both caughing from the heat and the smoke. Seconds later what little remained of the house collapsed. Taking a moment to look around, Hermione saw Sirius and Harry making short work of the other three Death Eaters, with Daphne and Carmen herding them together to allow the boys to cut them down without mercy.
A slightly mad giggle left her lips as she noticed Dumbledore who had been following them, far slower because of his age and robes, all the time shouting for Harry. Transforming a broken casket and the robe of the Death Eater she killed into a stretcher, Hermione put the girl onto it and levitated it towards Neville and the little boy at his side.
"Harry, we have to leave," Dumbledore continued to ramble on. He was near panic now. His whole plan was crushing down around him with Harry unwilling to even listen. Most members of the group were staring flabbergasted at him or simply ignoring his ramblings.
"Dobby, Winky, Ciddy, Paddoc," Harry called. Within seconds four flops announced their arrival.
"Harry…"
"Shut up you traitorous worm," Neville yelled at him, shocking the target of his wrath and actually stopping the ramblings for a few moments.
"Winky, Ciddy, transport these two to Madam Pomfrey. Dobby, go to Ana, tell her we need fighters and healers at Hogsmeade. Paddoc, fetch as many house-elves as you can; start rescuing every student and villager you can find. Don't fight, only rescue, understood?"
The four house-elves nodded eagerly, their long ears flapping. A second later they had left again.
"You killed them, you killed them all." Dumbledore looked around, shocked by the sight and how casually the teenagers had killed their opponents.
"So?" Neville asked with a cold voice. "It only makes certain they'll try to hurt someone ever again."
"Let's go," Harry simply ordered. He had no time for this idiot right now.
"Harry, Harry," Albus more stumbled than anything behind him. "We have to go to the Ministry."
"What?" Harry frowned, staring at Dumbledore like he was mad.
"Haven't you heard a word I said?" Albus sighed.
"I didn't actually listen," Harry responded. "It's rarely worthwhile."
This caused a round of snickers, but Albus tried to explain: "This is just a distraction. Tom is at the Ministry right now. We have to go there."
"Are you stupid?" As if proving his question, another round of screams could be heard, one of the sounding like the scream of someone dying painfully. Big magic was happening here, Harry could feel it. And the coldness in the air was a sign of Dementors around. Yes, he wanted to fight Voldemort, but right now he had to rescue his friends and schoolmates. Damn to the Ministry.
"It may be our only chance to get him without his men. He's there all alone, Harry. Let's go." He grabbed Harry's arm, while he fumbled for his portkey. "Argh." Albus let go as pain shot through his foot. Harry, who had stomped on Dumbledore's foot, stepped back a bit.
"I'll stay."
"But Harry, he's there…"
"Then go and fight him," Hermione deadpanned. "Kill him, oh you greatest wizard of our time." There was no humour in her voice and for a moment Albus was shocked about how much the girl had changed from her former respect and admiration towards him. Two years ago he had been something akin to a Demi-god to her.
"Let's go." Harry turned around and left the former Headmaster standing, the rest of the group following him.
.
Hogsmeade Plaza – same time
.
The first volley of spells took them completely by surprise. They were hit from three sides, killing one of the Aurors immediately and seriously injuring the other. Tonks was grazed by another spell, only surviving the attack because the dead Auror had taken a step to the side at the wrong moment – or right moment, therefore taking the brunt of the attack, shielding her. Tonks and Remus had met the duo of Aurors in front of the 'Three Broomsticks' moments ago and had been questioned about any unusual sightings. Now they were on their own trying to reach some cover and dodge the next volley of spells.
Five, at least, Remus counted, and another one back there. His eyes widened. That's Amycus Carrow. He recognized the typical motions of someone calling in the force of fiendfyre and hastily opened fire, stopping the man and forcing him into cover. A shield protected Remus from a near hit and he was grateful for Tonks' help as he jumped behind a staple of caskets.
A scream raced through the air. One of the attackers had been too careless and allowed Tonks to hit him. Another one hastily cowered behind his cover again as a spell smashed into the wood above him. The rest of the attackers tried to force Remus and Tonks to lay low, directing a number of spells against the Aurors on the ground, making certain they never stood up again. Bastards, Remus growled. We need some cavalry. "Patronus," the picture of Tonks kissing him this morning was enough to call forth the wolf patronus. "Go fetch Fabian. We need help at Hogsmeade. Death Eater attack." It wasn't the best call for help but it had to be enough for now. He started to return fire, always watching for Amycus to try another Fiendfyre spell.
Where is Harry?
.
Ministry – Hall of Prophecies
.
The first spell nearly hit him by surprise. Voldemort cursed silently. He had been so eager to reach his destination, so certain that he knew about Dumbledore's men that he nearly overlooked the other stalker, the one that was far better at hiding and apparently not content with staying a simple observer.
So that's the reason for the attack on Hogsmeade, Croaker realized. He knew about the Aurors' departure, knew that he wouldn't get assistance in time. This was Voldemort's plan, a daring plan, a plan showing that he hadn't lost his grip like many assumed. Croaker knew about the prophecy. It was easy to conclude that it was the reason for Voldemort's presence. Despite all of his talents he was no match for the Dark Lord. But perhaps he could delay him. Perhaps he could… I can destroy the prophecy.
Not waiting for Voldemort to recover from the attack, Croaker rushed towards the prophecy, trying to always have some cover shielding him. Shit, Voldemort cursed and followed him, his spells smashing into the racks, crushing dozens of prophecies. He was nearly there. A last corner and he would have the prophecy in sight. Seconds before he reached the corner, the shelf to his left was hit by an immensely powerful spell, shoving the whole affair into Croaker, trapping him and leaving him unable to get away.
"That wasn't very nice, Croaker," Voldemort stalked nearer, careful not to offer him a target. Croaker was no match to him but nonetheless dangerous if he moved too carelessly. For a moment a cruel smile played around his lips as he thought about the third man present. Sturgis Podmore was still there, behind him, in cover like the coward he was. Should he behave like a fighter, willing to go against him, willing to sacrifice his own life, this fight could turn nasty. But he didn't.
I have to stay here and watch, Sturgis told himself. Albus ordered me not to fight him, he tried to soothe his conscience. Albus will be here soon enough. I can't help Croaker.
"You shouldn't have attacked me, Croaker," Voldemort smiled, dodging Croaker's next spell easily, and deflecting another one. The experienced Unspeakable was slowly getting free, but he still needed a few moments to wriggle through. "I only want to get the prophecy. I would have left you alone, to continue your pathetic life."
"You won't win, Tom."
"Don't use that name," Voldemort growled.
"Tom, Tom, Tom," Croaker jumped to the ground the moment he got free from the broken racks. Like a bouncy ball he had to jump around, as his enemy started to throw explosion spells at him like candies. With a somersault unfitting his age he dodged another attack, rounded the corner and – accompanied by a pained "No" from behind – was able to cast a spell, a single spell, before a furious triplet of cutting curses smashed into his body, cutting one leg at his knee, through his spine and hip. This one spell however did count. It hit a very special rack ten yards in front of him, destroying it utterly as well as a dozen prophecies, one of them Croaker's target.
You won't get it, Tom, Croaker smiled, his body already shutting down from the pain. He was unable to move, one of the curses having cut his spinal cord. He felt like he had won nonetheless.
"You bastard," beyond furious Voldemort stepped at his side, blasting him to shreds, not stopping until not much was left.
The prophecy was out of his reach again. He had failed.
Even destroying half of the hall wasn't enough to calm him down, to clear his mind from the failure. Irrespective of how the attack on Hogsmeade went – he had lost, again.
.
Hogsmeade Plaza
.
"Remus."
Harry and his friend reached the area near the 'Three Broomstick', just in time to watch Tonks and Remus battle three to four Death Eaters. Sirius rushed forward in his best Sirius manner, launching a volley of spells against the attackers and forcing them back.
Remus yelled something, but it was Carmen who noticed the danger in time. "Sirius," she yelled, jumping towards him, trying to cast a protego. The motion was fast enough, the spell wasn't.
"Sectumsempra." Four long gashes appeared on Carmen's chest, another one slashing Sirius' unshielded left leg.
"Carmen." For a second he stared at her, his mind reeling to understand what just happened. Minutes ago they had been flirting, relaxing, enjoying the day. And now…
He staggered around and wanted to follow Amycus. The man apparently understood the precariousness of the situation and ordered a retreat. Intent on searching for easier targets, Amycus Carrow crouched and dodged into the next street. Yes, Sirius wanted to follow him, his rage taking over again. However, his leg wouldn't allow it and reminded him of the injury.
"Take them into the tavern, Harry," Remus yelled. "Roxanne and Astoria are in there."
Hoping that Roxanne could help her, Neville levitated Carmen, while Hermione tried to stop the blood loss, mostly to no avail. Harry started to help Remus and Tonks drive the other Death Eater away, while Sirius hobbled towards the tavern. It's my fault. It's my fault she was hit. If only I…
As they entered the tavern, they were greeted by dozens of frightened faces. There were only a few adults among them and even less people capable of fighting. Roxanne rushed at their side to examine Carmen.
"She was hit by Amycus Carrow with a Sectumsempra," Hermione explained.
Roxanne paled. That curse was bad. She damned the time Severus had invented it, damned that a few of the older Death Eaters knew how to use it even today. She was pushed away by none else than Draco Malfoy who drew his wand and pointed it towards the unconscious and heavily bleeding woman.
Sirius, however, stepped between Draco and Carmen. "What now, Death Eater, showing your true colours?" He tried to believe in Narcissa, he really did, but he still didn't trust Draco. He reminded him of Lucius far too much, had been too much like him the past years. His thoughts and words weren't the most rational one at the moment, but right now only fear ruled him, fear to lose her. It was this moment that he realized how much more than simple flirting and hunting instinct connected him to Carmen.
"Shut up you stupid git," Astoria fumed. "Draco knows the counter curse. Step aside or I'll do it for you," she growled furiously, pointing her wand towards him. Sirius hesitated for a second and felt himself dragged aside by Harry, while Daphne stepped forward. "Cast the counter, Draco, show me."
Draco nodded, happy that Daphne trusted him. For a moment he concentrated on the lessons he got from Severus months ago. Carefully he spoke the words and made the wand motions, cast the counter curse time after time, slowly stopping the blood flow. After the third cast Daphne repeated the words and motions and very soon both worked in team to save the young Spanish Auror.
Hopefully it would be enough.
.
Leaving Carmen in Daphne and Draco's care, Harry left the tavern again, Hermione and Neville close behind. Like an ageing record, Albus Dumbledore followed him around, trying to remind him of the need to go to the Ministry. The small group left the tavern just in time to see a bunch of students hobbling towards them, Millie and Greg shielding some smaller students of all houses from the attacks. A bit behind Pansy was crouching on the ground, caring for someone. A few steps to the left a lifeless Death Eater was on the ground. Some building was burning at the other end of the village, the colour of the flames that reached the sky telling them that someone had actually used Fiendfyre.
"I got her," Harry promised a hesitating Millie. She nodded and pushed the other students towards the tavern while she took position behind some rubble. Greg stumbled at her side, frightened by the experience but unwilling to leave the girl. Yes, she had told him about 'let us be friends', but that certainly didn't change his feelings towards her. If she loved somebody else, he would ascertain her survival at least – if only to later closely examine the object of her desire.
The first Dementors appeared at the edge of the plaza, dropping the temperature another few degrees. Neville and Hermione clasped hands, uttering their Patronus spells a second later. An otter the size of a shepherd dog and an Asian badger towering even Neville shot forth from their wands, moments later two wolves joining them as they chased the Dementors away. The few remaining students hastily hurried into the tavern as more and more Dementors arrived and the first Inferi became visible in the streets leading towards the plaza.
Meanwhile Harry had reached Pansy and paled as he recognized the broken frame lying on the ground. Pansy's voice was barely recognizable: "she saved me, Harry. Why? Why did she…" Her voice faltered. Aurora Sinistra had never been his favourite teacher, but Harry knew that her death would hurt many others, Daphne and Hermione among them.
"Pansy, we have to go. Pansy," he urged her.
Barely sparing a glance at the dead Professor, Dumbledore reached Harry. "Leave her, Harry. She's only a Snake. We have to go now."
His words were the last straw for Harry, the last straw that broke his restraint. A wave of magic erupted from him and hit the former Headmaster, pushing him into the next wall. "Only a snake?" He roared. "Yes, she is a Slytherin, but she was always willing to help others. More than once did she protect Luna and today she was willing to fight for younger students. It's far more than you are doing. Slytherins are human beings too and certainly not worthless. Go away, you coward."
"Harry, you have to understand…"
Harry, as gently as possible, grabbed Pansy and dragged her towards the tavern. The six Patronus spells – Sirius and Daphne had joined the fight, leaving Carmen in Roxanne's care – were slowly overwhelmed by the sheer mass of Dementors. Even Harry gulped as he noticed the three groups of Inferi. For every Infero Remus and the others took down, another two seemed to appear.
"We can't win this fight. We have to think about the Greater Good, Harry. The others have to evacuate the village, Harry. But you and me…"
Harry stopped for a moment and pointed his wand towards the old man: "there is no 'you and me'. You're unwilling to help these people, then go away. Do it right now or I will kill you on the spot."
I lost him, lost him completely, only now and there did Albus really understand this. He felt defeated and immensely old. The fight around them continued, while the trio of Harry, Albus and Pansy formed something like a calm eye in the storm. Cautiously Harry watched the old man, while Albus fetched his portkey, uncertain what to do: go to the Ministry or go home?
Behind them in the tavern, Blaise lost all hope to survive this day, the coldness of the Dementors getting to his heart. He regretted many things, but mostly he regretted obeying his mother, cutting his ties to Tracey and losing the one girl he loved. Ignoring her glare, ignoring her curses, he grabbed the girl, embraced her and kissed her deeply. She tried to push him away. He allowed her to do so for a moment, a moment long enough to whisper "I'm sorry" before he closed the gap again and continued to kiss the daylights out of her.
Greg and Millie stood fast against the overwhelming odds. They had never learned to cast the Patronus, but didn't want to retreat. Instead they concentrated their fire on one of the groups of Inferi that tried to reach the tavern's back door. Slowly the undead creatures gained space; soon they would be able to attack the duo of Slytherins. Another three rounded their cover, their claws directed at Millie. The girl kicked one of them away, her breath too rattled from exhaustion to allow another Reducto spell to be cast. Greg shattered the knees of another one, sending him to the ground. However, he too was at the end of his abilities. Soon he would collapse, the spells draining his small magical core way too much.
As the last one grabbed Millie, help arrived in the form of another Slytherin. Vincent Crabbe had watched the fight go on for a long time. He had no urge to play hero. He had no friends out there or in the tavern. He had no friends – full stop! He had lost the last ones when he had cut ties with Greg, Millie and Pansy. Draco was a traitor in his eyes, like his mother. He only wanted to survive this term, get his OWL and get away from here. His father had an agreement allowing father and son to leave the country. So, why should he risk his life?
But there was Greg, the one boy who had ever been his friend. Greg had never mocked him like Pansy, never tried to use him like Draco, he had simply been his buddy, his best mate. For years Greg had a crush on Millie and now he was risking his life to protect her. Continuing like this, Greg would die for her sooner or later. It was stupid, wasn't it? Vince stared into his former friend's face. He seemed fearless, he seemed remorseless. Was it really that bad to fight for your girl? For your friend? Being even worse than Greg at spell casting, Vince suddenly made a decision and hurled himself against the Inferi attacking Millie. Within moments Vince and Inferi were rolling on the ground, clawing at each other, while more Inferi rushed onward.
"Vince," Greg recognized his friend, only having to watch helplessly as other Inferi started to attack him. Vince was able to break his opponent's neck a second before other claws slashed his neck open, the blood flowing freely. "Vince," Millie had to drag Greg away, realizing sooner than him that they couldn't help him anymore. Like hungry sharks a few Inferi mangled Vincent Crabbe's body, while the rest shuffled towards the retreating duo. As they got the entrance in sight as well as the plaza in front of the tavern, Greg and Millie got deathly pale: there were Dementors, Dementors everywhere.
"You'll die now, all of you," the Sonorus-enhanced voice of Amycus Carrow announced, and Pansy had no doubt the truth of that statement. A single glance around at the waves of Dementors and Inferi told her: not even Harry Potter could stand against this.
.
A/N
(1) Mortui inqueiti = restless dead, excitate = wake up
(2) Pugnus saxeus = stone fist