Ready, Set, Skirmish
"Wow! This reminds me of Hogsmeade!" Ron exclaimed as the group approached the 'set' after dinner.
"That was the general idea." Severus explained. "We thought the possibility for an attack was quite possible there."
As the three teens nodded, Remus added, "We also have a 'set' which is quite close to being like the Forbidden Forest."
"I saw that." Sirius pointed out. "Uncanny, how it looked so much like the real thing. Outdid yourselves there!"
"There are also some rough, rocky formations behind here, along the cliffs." Severus explained. "There is also a cave amongst them which can serve as an advantage or disadvantage."
"Along the cliffs?" Siri asked nervously.
"Yes, but the area is charmed to prevent any accidents, so don't worry." Remus reassured him. Siri nodded.
"Shall we have a thorough look around before dark?" Severus suggested.
"I think it's a good idea." Sirius agreed. "We will start our training sessions here tomorrow. It'll help if they're familiar with the sets ahead of time."
They walked down the 'main street' and took note of the architecture itself and the lay of the land. They were impressed.
"I like the recessed entrances." Draco admitted. "They'll provide ample coverage for us."
"Or your opponent." Severus remarked dryly.
"I think the balconies are a good advantage." Ron volunteered. "From up there, you can see quite a bit of the area."
"That is true, but you are also quite exposed to the enemy there too." Sirius remarked.
"I want to check out the clock tower." Siri added. "I'm curious as to how we can use that."
They climbed to the top of the tower and were surprised to see there were actually workings inside. They were awed by the gigantic pendulum that was swinging almost silently back and forth, and the complicated gear system as it steadily clicked, marking time. The clock face was set into the walls of the tower and you could see the hands and read the shadowy numbers in reverse from inside. The face of the clock was a semitransparent pearly white and offered just enough light to the tower to make it easy to see inside and move about. To each side of the clock face was an ornate stained-glass, octagon-shaped window. Siri stepped closer to inspect them, noting that they could be opened.
"This is a nice feature." He said as he opened one. Draco stepped over and looked outside.
"Limited vision field, though." He observed.
"That's true." Siri agreed. "But we get an excellent view of the far end of town. It could stop a second wave of attackers."
Sirius smiled at Severus. He was pleased to see the young men using their skills of observation, calculation and strategy. Severus nodded his agreement to the unspoken words.
Ron had been looking out the north-facing window. "Hey! I can see that rock formation by the cliff and the forest from here!" He exclaimed. Siri and Draco moved to join him and have a look for themselves.
"Wow! That really does look like the Forbidden Forest!" Siri exclaimed. "Did you charm any of the forest dwellers?" He asked.
"No. We never thought about it." Severus admitted.
"Might be a good idea if we can." Siri explained. "If we do battle there, we are going to have to take them into consideration."
"Yes, that's true." Remus agreed. "I'll work on that right now."
"I'll help." Ron volunteered as he followed Remus down the stairs.
"Is there anything else you noticed as a problem?" Severus asked those remaining behind.
"Nothing I can think of." Draco shrugged.
"Me either." Siri added. "Maybe once we're actually training we'll think of something."
They spent a little more time investigating the 'sets', making suggestions, imagining scenarios and familiarizing themselves with each area before heading inside for the evening.
They made themselves comfortable in the spacious sitting room. The furniture in here was new. Severus's mother's rather Victorian style was far too feminine. He had removed every piece after his parents and brother were murdered there. He had completely changed the décor to reflect his own tastes and he was happy with the results of his efforts.
The room was decidedly more masculine with its forest green leather-covered sofas and chairs. The dark woodwork had been replaced with a warm golden oak, which had lightened the room considerably. The tall windows that ran the length of the front of the manor allowed a view of the sunset and the golden glow only enhanced the room.
The tables, sideboards and wet bar were all the same warm wood as that which covered the walls and formed the trim-work. The upper half of the walls was painted to resemble deep green marble, which coordinated well with the furniture. Antiqued brass sconces and candelabras provided soft evening lighting. When brighter light was called for, four impressive antiqued brass chandeliers were used to accomplish that.
Adorning the walls of the room were excellent portraits of the Snape family. Along one long wall were the portraits of Artemis and Agnieska. The portraits of their three children; all depicting them at the age of fifteen, were also on this long wall. Along the opposite wall were portraits of Artemis' and Agnieska's parents. The short wall contained a portrait of Severus as a younger man, a portrait of Siri as an infant and a portrait of Lily. All of them greeted their 'guests' warmly, but the one of baby Siri. The three teen-aged portraits were the most animated. The portrait of Sadistra blushed furiously when Draco stood before her and said, 'Hello.' The teen-aged Severus joined her and whispered in her ear. She immediately turned curious eyes to Siri. Salazar stepped over to her frame as well and the three of them studied him with solemn looks on their faces.
"You are to avenge me?" Salazar asked. Siri raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Um…avenge you?" He queried.
"You are meant to destroy the Dark Lord and his minions and avenge our deaths at his hands?" Salazar explained as he gestured toward the portrait of Siri's grandparents.
"I guess so." Siri said in confusion.
"You do not wish to ease your father's guilt?" Salazar sneered. "After all, it is because of his stupidity that we are dead."
Siri gasped at the rage he sensed coming from the portrait of his uncle. "I…uh…don't.." He stammered.
"Salazar enough!" Severus stepped over. "Leave him be!"
"Dear brother!" Salazar greeted him snidely. "So nice to see you are still living and breathing. Too bad I can't say the same for myself!"
"Enough!" Severus commanded. "You will not treat Siri this way. And I will not tolerate your jeering and your taunts. You will respect those living in this manor or I will banish you to the tower attic!"
"Well, aren't we just 'Lord of the Manor'?" Salazar spat venomously. The portrait image of Severus slipped back into his own frame and sat once more on the Victorian-looking chair. He rested his chin in his palm, looking extremely guilt-ridden and sad.
"Salazar!" The portrait of Artemis called. "Leave them be! I, too, will not tolerate this disrespect! Severus made a mistake and he has paid dearly for it. I will not have you adding to his suffering. Remove yourself to your own frame and cease this rabble. These men have more pressing matters to discuss."
"As you wish, Father." Salazar replied, casting a hate-filled glance at his brother.
Severus watched him as he settled into his frame, an unreadable expression on his face.
"Sev." Sadistra called softly. "Don't worry so! He'll be fine once he is avenged."
"I know, Sis." Severus sighed. "I just don't want him upsetting Siri with all of this."
"He is a beautiful boy, Sev." She smiled. "I wish….for things. You know?"
"I know." He whispered.
"He is meeting his mother." She nodded toward Lily's portrait. "You should go with him. You know how she is."
"Thanks, Sis." Severus smiled and moved to stand behind Siri. He put a hand on his son's shoulder. Siri jumped in surprise, but allowed the touch.
"Siri, I'd like you to meet your mother." Severus whispered in his ear. Siri nodded and stepped closer to her portrait. She smiled softly down on him.
"Hello." He said quietly.
"Hello, my precious one." She whispered, tears forming in her eyes. "You are as handsome as I knew you would be one day and I suspect just as great as was foreseen."
"We'll know soon enough." Severus told her.
"Hello, Sev." She smiled warmly. "I am so pleased to see the two of you together."
"I'm happy we're together, Lils." He admitted. "It was a long time coming."
"I know. I have been watching." She frowned. "If you weren't such a hard-head, I could have probably helped you. But you, being who you are, boxed me away in order to cope! When will you ever learn, Darling?"
"I know, I know!" Severus smiled up at her. "I am learning!"
"Hey Lils!" Sirius greeted the portrait happily.
"Sirius Black! You look fantastic!" She exclaimed. "You know, if I weren't a married portrait…' She teased. Sirius' laugh echoed through the room as both the portrait of Severus and the man himself warned, "Down, woman!" When the laughter died away they all seated themselves comfortably and discussed their day.
"Siri has decided to try to link with Voldemort again and see what comes of it." Severus announced.
"Are you sure you want to Siri?" Sirius asked, a worried frown on his face.
"I'm sure." He stated firmly. "It could give us such an advantage! I can't see how I can pass up this opportunity."
"When will you try?" Remus asked.
"I think Wednesday morning, first thing." Siri replied.
"Why Wednesday?" Ron asked.
"Well, tomorrow we are training in the sets. There's a lot going on there. Tuesday is Animagus training, again a lot going on. I just figured first thing Wednesday morning was a good time." Siri explained.
"Makes perfect sense to me." Draco added. "How will you do this, Siri? I mean, the other times this has worked was after Voldemort started it."
"Well, I'll do what I do when he affects me. I'll concentrate really hard on him and getting his attention." Siri explained. "If he's receptive, it should work. But what I want to try is to 'listen in' without him being aware. It may take me several tries."
"Won't he know that you're trying then?" Ron asked.
"Yes, he'll sense it at first, until I figure out how to make it work without tipping him off." Siri admitted.
"No matter what, Siri, we want you ready to cut the link as soon as you sense trouble." Severus reminded him.
"I promise all of you," Siri vowed, looking around at them, "I will be extremely careful and I will not take any reckless chances." His companions collectively breathed a sigh of relief.
"I'd like to talk with you about your Animagus training a little." Sirius spoke next. "Severus has found these books for you all to read. Much as it pains me to admit it, I think you should read them over. There are two different books. One is a sort of primer for those just starting. I'd like you all to get going on reading that one tonight. Also, after breakfast tomorrow, I want you to finish up with reading them. This isn't a large volume, you should be able to handle it well enough. Then, after lunch, we will hit the sets, fully armored, dosed and armed with all weapons.
"Yes, sir." Siri agreed, nodding his understanding. His friends followed suit and they left to retrieve the books from the study.
"Do you think Siri is taking on too much?" Remus asked no one in particular.
"What are you getting at Moony?" Sirius asked curiously.
"Well, he seems to be spread a little thin to me." Remus replied. "He has Auror training, Animagus training, this attempt at linking with Voldemort and his therapy. Let's not forget he's a young adult and should be having some kind of fun!"
"I see your point, Remus." Severus agreed. "However, I don't see where he can drop any of it. He's determined to do it all and do it well."
"Doesn't get it from any strangers." Sirius snorted.
"I know what you mean!" Remus exclaimed. "Lily used to drive me nuts with her dedication and determination!" He added, tongue in cheek.
Sirius burst out laughing at the affronted look on Severus' face. "Shadow, you're pretty dedicated and determined when you want to be too." He added slapping his friend on the back.
"Do you think we gave them enough of a look at the sets?" Remus asked next.
"I think so." Severus answered. "They were very observant, looking at everything as to its advantages and disadvantages."
"We'll see tomorrow for sure!" Sirius declared. The other two nodded in agreement.
"Well, I'm calling it a night." Severus announced. "I'm beat and we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow."
"I think I agree with you." Remus said around a huge yawn. "I'm calling it a night too." Sirius merely nodded, making no comment.
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Siri awoke early on Monday morning to find that Hercules had finally returned with an answer to his inquiry. He hastily removed the scroll and fed the bird a handful of blueberries, his favorite treat.
"Here you go boy, just as I promised." Siri stroked his feathers for a few moments and then tore open the letter from Mr. Clements.
"Dear Mr. Snape,
I assumed you preferred to find a horse as closely resembling Abeo as possible and I fear he only produced two possibilities for me, Demon and Diablo.
Now, Demon went to a Miss Sarah Perkins and he produced Satan and Lucifer. I'm sorry to say that neither of these produced the solid black coloring that you are after. She could offer no help.
I next turned to Richard Morrison. He purchased Diablo and from him he produced Paradox and Requiem. Of these two, I am happy to report that Requiem was pure black. Mr. Morrison informed me that Requiem was purchased by Mason Gyles, so I turned to him next.
He in turn told me that Requiem had produced another pure black steed, named Aquilus, and he in turn produced another pure black steed, which, ironically, he has named Abeo!. He has assured me that Abeo is for sale and he was very pleased to learn that the family had come full circle. He awaits your post and is eager to finalize plans for the purchase of this beautiful animal.
It has been a pleasure assisting you in your quest, young man. I remember Severus and his love for Abeo. He was heart-broken when Artemis sold Abeo to me. I felt so badly for him at that time. Your grandfather was worried. He had already lost one child due to a horrible accident involving a volatile horse. Severus could handle Abeo quite well, but Artemis knew the horse was as head strong as his son. When Severus took to foolishly daring the horse to race along the cliffs, most times after dark, Artemis did what he had to do and sold all the horses he owned.
Severus was devastated. Abeo was his life. He was so proud of that horse! I don't think he ever got over it and it caused a permanent strain between he and your grandfather. I think that what you are doing for your father is very appropriate. He will surely be touched.
It was my great pleasure to have a hand in this. Thank you for asking for my assistance. It was something I was happy to do for you and for Severus.
Sincerely,
John Clements"
On a separate slip of parchment he had written Mason Gyles' address. Siri quickly got out a fresh sheet of parchment and wrote a letter to Mr. Gyles requesting a meeting at his earliest convenience. He sent the letter along with one of the manor's post owls. He felt Herc deserved a well-earned break. He smiled at the Snowy owl as he sat on his perch and blinked his amber eyes at Siri. "Thank you, Herc." Siri told him as he stroked his soft feathers. "Take a good long nap boy. You deserve it." The owl hooted softly and settled himself more comfortably before closing his eyes to rest.
After breakfast, the three teens made themselves comfortable in the sitting room and settled in to read their books. Just before lunch, Siri dropped his on the low table before the sofa.
"Done with that." He announced with a sigh. Draco nodded as he closed his book and laid it quietly on the table next to his chair. Ron held up a hand for silence as he read the last few pages before placing his book on the table next to Siri's.
"That was pretty cut and dried, wasn't it?" Draco commented.
"I always thought you chose your own form." Ron added.
"So, who performs the spell to reveal our forms?" Draco asked.
"My guess would be Sirius." Siri offered. "He is the one who'll be supervising this."
"Your guess would be wrong." Severus said from the doorway. "It takes more than one wizard to perform the necessary spells to reveal your form. It will take all three of us working together to disclose your animagus forms."
"When do we do this?" Draco asked.
"That is where we need to start, so it will be done first thing in the morning." Severus informed them. "But, it's time for lunch right now and then we want you to suit up. Full battle ready! We will be working in the sets this afternoon and we're testing your mettle!"
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Siri tucked the long-sleeved tunic into the waistband of the matching forest green suede leather pants. He preferred the tee-shirt type of tunic over the more flowing versions that the older wizards wore. He thought the looser-fitting clothes tended to get in the way.
Next he slipped into his dragon-hide vest and strapped his shin guards in place. They were dyed black and matched his boots and gauntlets perfectly. He slipped his boots on and tucked the switchblade into the sheath that was just for such weapons in his right boot. He buckled the leather belt that held the sheath for his dagger and the scabbard for his sword, around his waist. He added the weapons and settled the belt more comfortably on his hips. He eyed himself critically in the mirror before grabbing his gauntlets and his forest green battle cloak. He assured himself that his wand was in its loop and felt the pocket for his vial of shielding potion.
He was a little on edge. This was the first time they had been ordered to wear full body armor and to bring all of their weapons. His father's words were still echoing around. 'Well, we'll see how good we are for sure.' He thought as he headed down the stairs.
Draco eyed himself in the mirror. He wasn't sure about the gunmetal gray garments, but he loved the sky-blue dragon-hide armor and boots. He knew that the colors you chose for your garments was meant to coordinate with your armor. The idea being, to present an impressive front to your enemy. The two colors worked well together. The gray made his eyes appear darker than the almost silver color they normally were. It made him look more formidable and he thought he rather liked that idea. He, too, tugged his belt more comfortably lower on his hips. With one last look, he grabbed his cloak and gauntlets and made his way down to the sitting room where they had been told to meet.
Ron stood before the mirror in his room with a huge smile on his face. His complete armor had been gifts from his family and friends for his birthday. They had all put their heads together and decided to suit him up. Siri, Hermione and Draco had pooled resources in order to give him the best pair of gauntlets to be found. Professor Snape, Sirius and Remus had gone together and bought him a top of the line pair of dragon-hide boots. His vest, shin guards, tunic, pants and cloak, had been gifts from his family.
He loved the colors, relieved that maroon was not seen anywhere on him. The tunic, which was like Siri's and Draco's in the trimmer tee-shirt style, as well as the suede pants and the battle cloak, were dyed the deepest navy blue. His dragon-hide outer armor was a beautiful tan color that offset the dark blue perfectly. He smoothed a hand over his vest and nodded. 'I look good!' He thought with another huge smile. He hooked a finger into the collar of his cloak and slung it over his shoulder as he made his way to the sitting room.
When he stepped into the room, Siri was brought up short at the sight of the three older wizards. He could see immediately the advantages of the more romantic battle garments. They were impressive. His father wore all black, but for the white tunic he chose. It had the loose collar and the flowing sleeves of a bygone era. The sleeves ended in buttoned cuffs rather than the usual ruffled ones. This allowed the gauntlets to properly protect the arm from fingertips to elbow without being hindered by an unnecessary frill.
Siri's eyes traveled from Severus to Sirius. He, too, wore all black outer armor. His suede pants were also black. His tunic was very much like Severus' but for the color. It was the richest of royal blues and made his eyes even more remarkable. He thought his Godfather looked almost aristocratic with the rich colors that suited him perfectly.
Remus was dressed in the same romantic fashion. His dragon-hide vest, boots, shin guards and gauntlets were a rich brown that enhanced his brown eyes and hair. His suede pants were dyed to match his outer armor. His tunic was the most brilliant red Siri had ever seen! It was alive with color and instead of making Remus appear as a larger than life target, for some reason, it made him look more fearsome. It spoke of 'no fear' and Siri thought it was a jolly good statement to make and he approved whole-heartedly.
"Whoa!" Ron exclaimed as he and Draco entered the room. "You guys look bloody impressive!"
"We do, don't we?" Sirius agreed as Remus grinned and Severus shook his head in amusement.
"You three look rather impressive yourselves." Remus remarked. "I think I like that trim look your armor carries."
"I prefer the close-cut sleeve." Draco admitted. "It always seemed as if that more flowing style could become a problem."
"It can if you get it caught in something or snagged on something." Severus admitted. "But, I like the freedom of movement it allows. Those seem as if they might be restrictive."
"No, they're made of a knitted material so they're quite flexible." Draco told them.
"Okay." Sirius said, clapping his hands together, indicating it was time to get down to business. "First thing we do is dose ourselves." Each of them removed a vial of their potion from a small pocket inside their cloak. This pocket was designed especially for carrying the glass vials into battle. It was charmed to protect against breakage.
"Next, check your weapons." Sirius informed them. "Make sure your weapon belt is secure and that your sword and dagger are seated firmly all the way to the hilt. You don't want them slipping or take the chance of losing them completely. Check that your 'blades are secure in your boots as well."
"Last but not least." Remus added. "Be sure you have your wands!"
When they were sure they were ready, they trekked to the sets and divided into groups. The three teens had only been told to station themselves near the clock tower and run surveillance. The three older men moved toward the other end of town to devise a plan of action.
Siri climbed to the tower and looked out one octagon-shaped window.
"Can you see them?" Ron called in a hushed voice.
"I could until they disappeared into the Forbidden Forest." Siri called down. "Can they apparate?"
"I forgot to ask!" Ron exclaimed.
"Hang on!" Siri ordered. "One of them is creeping along behind the buildings! He's coming to the alley, Dray. You should see him!"
Draco slipped into the recessed entrance of the general store. He crouched low and peered through the glass fronts to watch for movement. He slipped his wand from its loop and steadied himself against the door. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ron slip into the alley across from him and position himself behind a dumpster. Draco saw that he had his wand drawn too.
Siri watched as his father slipped into the alleyway and crouched behind some crates that were stacked there. Severus peered around the corner of the building. He had seen both Ron and Draco slip out of the clock tower, but lost track of where Ron had gone. He knew Draco was crouched in the doorway to the store. Siri had been in the clock tower window, but he couldn't see him any more. He wondered if Remus had made it to the stables. Sirius could be seen just stationed around the corner of the manor. Severus dashed behind the buildings and crept around the corner of the store, one eye to what Draco was up to and one searching for Siri. 'Where did he go?' Severus growled to himself.
"Stupefy." He heard spoken quietly from behind him and felt the curse bounce off his back. He turned and faced a grinning Siri. "You're out, Dad." Siri smirked.
"Good job, son." Severus grinned. "I'll be off to 'Azkaban' now!" He laughed and headed for the 'prison' which was actually a comfortable seat in the paddock. They had set it up that way so that when Mundy's crew arrived any 'prisoners' could join the fray easily.
Siri slipped in the back door of the general store and tried to sneak up on Draco, but he had heard him and motioned for him to stay low. He had seen Sirius working his way toward them slowly.
"Have you seen Remus or your Dad?" Draco whispered.
"Dad's already out." Siri smirked. "I got him a few minutes ago. Sirius is working his way this way, but I haven't seen Remus."
"Sirius is in the alley now." Draco announced as he crouched beside Siri again.
"Do you think he knows I'm here?" Siri brightened suddenly.
"Nah. He crawled along from the front, you came in the rear. Ron's in the alley across the way." Draco said.
"I'm going to try to sneak up behind him." Siri announced. "You watch for Remus!"
Draco nodded and peered around the corner of the window. He felt the tingle of magic as it flew past his nose and he dropped back quickly.
Ron stepped out and opened his mouth to cast a spell when he heard "Expelliarmus" from behind him. He turned as Remus caught his wand and smiled. "You're out, Mr. Weasley." Ron grinned at him and slipped up through the alley to take a seat with Severus.
As Siri stepped into the alley behind Sirius, he heard six distinct *pops* and knew they had company. "Our guests have arrived." Sirius muttered and shot red sparks into the sky to signal to Ron and Severus, before turning and shoving Siri out of the alley. They crouched behind Draco and could see Ron and Severus stationed in the alley with Remus.
"Okay, guys." Sirius told them. "This is the drill. We work in pairs. Draco, we need to get you with Remus. I'm going to try to get him on the far side of the clock tower. You go out the back and meet him. Watch behind you and don't forget the gap between the store and the tower!"
"Yes sir." Draco nodded as he slipped into the store.
"Siri, I need to get back into the alley so I can communicate better with Remus. I want you to stay here and provide cover for me." He whispered to his Godson.
"You've got it." Siri whispered back. "Good luck."
"Thanks." Sirius muttered and he slipped through the door in Draco's wake. Siri watched for any signs of movement. He hated where he was situated. He couldn't see a bloody thing but his three companions across the way. He watched as Remus rose and slipped to the back of the alley.
'Good. He got the message.' Siri thought. He peered around the corner just in time to catch sight of one of Mundy's group as they stepped onto the balcony across the street from him. He was hidden from view at the moment and took his advantage. He stepped out and shouted "Expelliarmus!" while only pointing a finger in his opponent's direction. The wand flew through the air to Siri. He caught movement from the corner of his eye, dropped and rolled away to the alley down the street. He scrambled around the corner and hid behind the crates.
"Good job, Pup." Sirius grinned as Siri crouched beside him. "Cover me. I need to get to Remus."
"You got it." Siri told him as he followed him to the back of the alley.
Sirius hurried along the back of the buildings until he reached the general store.
"We're in open territory here." He explained. "You watch that gap and cover me while I cross over to the clock tower. Then, I'll cover you as you come across. Any questions?" He asked.
"No sir." Siri assured him. "I've got your back."
"I'm counting on it. See you in a few minutes." He grinned wickedly as he peered around the corner and made a mad dash for the clock tower. A blast of red light shot across the open area just missing him. He heard Siri shout "Stupefy!", but he missed. He crouched behind the wall of the building and peeked around the corner. He couldn't see anyone through the small gap, but knew someone was there. After a brief pause, he motioned for Siri to come along.
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Ron and Severus were crouched behind the dumpster in their alley. Severus caught sight of Sirius as he crossed over to the clock tower and watched as he motioned for Siri to follow.
"Ron, we're going to make our way to the clock tower. I believe we need to regroup and strategize. We'll back up the alley. I'll head toward the tower. You cover me. Got it?" Severus ordered.
"Yes sir." Ron agreed, swallowing nervously.
"You're doing well Ron." Severus praised him. "Relax."
"Thank you, professor." Ron replied.
"Now, when I get across to the clock tower, I'll cover you and you can cross too." Severus added. Ron nodded and they stepped out of the protection of the alley just as a curse blasted into the wall they had moved away from.
"Shit! That was close!" Ron exclaimed, trying to see if he could spot the spell caster. He and Severus had their backs to the wall and they were inching closer to the clock tower.
"Keep your eyes peeled." Severus warned when they reached the end of the row of buildings. "I am going to cross. When I get there, I'll cover you."
"Yes sir." Ron nodded and gripped his wand tighter. He peered behind him just in time to catch sight of a cloak disappearing into the alley they had just vacated. "Hurry up, sir. They're closing in!" Ron urged.
"Cover me!" Severus whispered as he ran flat out for the tower. Curses flashed from two different directions, but missed their mark. Severus ducked around the corner and slammed himself flat against the wall. 'Damn! That was close.' He thought as his gaze raked around the corner and took in the scene between the buildings. There was no one in sight and he motioned Ron across. Just as the younger man stepped into the open, a man appeared on the roof across from the clock tower. Before Severus could fire off a disarming spell, he had hit Ron with the stunning curse. Ron felt it hit him in the back and bounce off. He turned and wizard saluted his opponent and headed off for the neutral grounds of the paddock. The teams were even at five.
Severus ducked quickly behind the clock tower and joined Remus and Draco.
"We've suffered our first loss." He reported. "Mr. Weasley was taken out."
"That's too bad." Remus muttered. "Sirius is trying to get Siri crossed over, but they've hit a snag." He told Severus.
"I'll go see what I can do to help." Severus said. "Why don't you two see if you can get that bugger off the roof over there?"
"Sure thing." Remus said as he peered around the corner.
"And be careful!" Severus warned. "Ron spotted one going into the alley too!"
"Got it!" Remus nodded.
"Good luck, sir." Draco threw over his shoulder as he followed Remus.
"You too, Mr. Malfoy." Severus returned.
Draco and Remus blended into the shadows on the east side of the tower. Remus motioned for Draco to stay put and he edged to the front corner of the building. He carefully peered around the corner and didn't see anything. He crept back to Draco.
"Okay, let's head up top and take a look around." He suggested. They hurried to the top of the tower and each took station at a front window. Remus spotted the roof top menace and immediately sent the stunning curse his way. He missed, but Draco didn't and the wizard saluted and made his way to the paddock. They were up by one.
"Very good, Dray." Remus praised him as a curse blasted against the window frame. Both wizards hit the floor.
"That was close!" Draco exclaimed. "Did you see where it came from?"
"Yes, from the alley where Sev was." Remus told him as he scooted to the east window. He carefully peeked over the sill from his crouched position. He didn't have an excellent view of the alley. He could only spot a corner of the dumpster poking out. "Can you see into the alley, Draco?" He asked.
Draco crawled over to the other window and slowly stood and peeked out. He spotted the person crouching by the dumpster.
"Yeah, there's at least one down there." He reported.
"Can you fire off a shot?" Remus asked.
"You got it." Draco grinned. "Stupefy!" He shouted and the curse hit their foe squarely in the shoulder. He stepped out of the alley, saluted and entered the alley once more to make his way to the paddock.
Jason Mundy was frustrated. They were one behind now. Blackmore and Smythe were both seated in the paddock along with a red-haired man.
'He must be Arthur's boy.' He mused as he assessed the street stretching out before him. He mentally tallied where everyone was placed. Ivanovich was covering Severus's son. He was pretty much cooling his heels where he was. Longbottom and Smythe were each firmly ensconced in the doorways to two of the buildings, one on either side of the street. He assumed there were two of them in the tower by the way the curses had been thrown. Sirius was around the corner of the clock tower awaiting his opportunity to strike. That left Severus unaccounted for. Mundy had yet to set eyes on him.
"Where is he?" Mundy growled softly. He peered around the corner and spotted Sirius. He shot off the disarming spell but it hit the building over Sirius' head. Sirius quickly looked behind himself, as he ducked. 'Ah! That's where he is!' Mundy smiled in satisfaction. He crept to the back of the alley and in the back door of the building where Longbottom was stationed.
"Neville!" He whispered.
"Yes, sir?" He answered, not taking his eyes off the tower.
"Your old Potion's professor is around the corner of the clock tower with Sirius Black." He told him.
"Yes, sir." Neville replied. "I watched him make his way there."
"I want you to take him out." Mundy told him. "I'll cover you from the two in the tower. I want you to sneak around behind them. Take out Severus and get back around here before Sirius can retaliate!"
"No problem." Neville nodded confidently.
Mundy gestured to Smythe, who was stationed in the entrance of the general store. He indicated their intentions and motioned for Smythe to cover the tower as well. Smythe nodded and shifted position in order to see the tower better. Mundy and Neville made their way to the end of the street. When Neville was ready, Mundy started shooting curses at the tower windows and Smythe did the same from his position. Neville passed over quickly and easily. He crept up on Severus and Sirius and whispered "Stupefy." Severus felt the curse hit him in the back. He turned to face his attacker and smiled. He saluted and said, "Very good, Mr. Longbottom!" He removed his gauntlets and stepped out from the building and made his way to the paddock. As soon as he passed by the tower, he felt the curses fly behind him. Sirius had picked Neville off as he had tried to duck back around the corner. He stepped in place next to Severus and shrugged, "He got me!" They made their way to the paddock in companionable silence.
"Damn it!" Mundy growled. They were at a severe disadvantage now. He only had Ivanovich left, stuck on the roof of the general store across the street from him. That eliminated their chance to regroup. He knew the chances of either of them being able to cross the street was slim with the two in the tower and Sirius having a clear shot to the street as well.
Sirius crept into the clock tower after indicating that Siri should hang tight.
"Remus!" He called softly.
"Hey Paddy." Remus answered.
"Can you see Siri from there?" Sirius asked.
"Yeah I have a good bead on him. I think your friend is on the roof, but he isn't showing himself." Remus replied.
"That's okay." Sirius told him. "I want you to cover him!" Sirius ordered. "I'm calling him across."
"We're on it." Remus replied. "There's only the two of them left."
"I know, but I don't think they'll call it."
"To the death, eh?" Remus chuckled softly.
"You know Mundy!" Sirius grinned. "I'm off. Good luck!"
He crept back to the corner of the building and waved to Siri to come across. Siri nodded, looked behind him, peered around the corner and stepped out.
Ivanovich had climbed down from the rooftops, dropped into the alley and then ran around to the front. Keeping to the shadows, the warrior rushed around the front corner of the general store. As the curse flew overhead, the warrior jumped out and faced Siri head on.
Siri stopped short and faced his opponent. There wasn't much to tell about him as his head was also covered in armor. Siri quickly assessed him. He wasn't as tall as Siri or as broad, blue eyes, blond hair. That was all he had time for before he was physically attacked.
Siri had his blade in hand. In a flash he was armed. He slashed across the opponent's chest.
With a flip and a roll, he deftly avoided the cut. His counter attack was quick and vicious.
Siri jumped back and grinned, thinking, 'Oh yeah! This guy is good!' and he felt good as he realized he had handled the attack just fine.
They circled each other, weapons at the ready. Siri closed his blade and slipped it back in his boot, freeing his right hand. He waited for his opponent to make his move.
He was surprised by the sudden attack, which found him sprawled on his back. His enemy had pinned him quickly. Siri brought his knees up swiftly and knocked his foe in the back, unseating him. Before he could roll away, Siri had knocked him back, straddled his hips and disarmed him, halting the encounter. His eyes flashed angrily as Siri grinned triumphantly. "You're out!" He announced.
"Get off me!" His opponent shouted giving him a mighty shove.
Siri was stunned as it registered. 'It was a girl! He had been fighting a girl!' He thought. 'Damn! She was good!'