Disclaimer: Don't own, don't make profit. Entertaining purposes only!
They arrived on the edge of the black forest. Not so far from there, Death Eaters were making their way towards the castle's grounds. Unfortunately for them the centaurs were shooting arrows and launching themselves on the enemies. You could smell fire and death all over the castle's grounds.
Smoke was flying above Hogwarts.
Severus's eyes were hard like chips of coal, but you could make out the anger inside them. He quickly drew out his wand and started to cast dark spells towards the Death Eaters.
Ember was in a state of shock. She had never seen Severus this angry, and it scared her. This was the side of Severus, Vivian was talking about…He looked like a complete psychopath. Casting spells, his enemies had never even heard of. All this anger over the ye
The younger siblings joined their brother and the three of them were able to hex, jinx or kill a large amount of them.
Ember was preparing for this moment ever since she was a kid. In just seconds she had forgotten her training at the sight of everything tumbling down to the ground.
She just stood there, her curls playing happily with the air. Her eyes fixed on the smoke, the fire, the killing, Severus. But she knew she couldn't back away now. Not now when everyone needed her. This wasn't the time to be sentimental. She had to act. Most importantly, she had to fight.
With a quick move of her hand she transfigured her clothes and shoes as she started running towards the three siblings. At the sudden rush of emotions she launched herself on the enemies. For a moment they got a bit shaken up from the attack but the Death Eaters quickly recomposed themselves and started to rain killing curses on Ember.
Ember could hear Severus shouting from behind her but she couldn't make out his words. She easily dodged and backfired some of them, killing the casters in some cases. Adrenalin was pumping madly in her blood all the way up to her brain.
She didn't however see any other member of staff around her. Or Voldemort. Something was off.
She stopped as the ten remaining Death Eaters flew terrified out of the scene leaving the bodies of their fellow comrades behind. Ember had to blink several times around her to realize what happened.
She had killed. Not once or twice. Thirty bodies were scattered around her.
Severus practically ran towards her. He placed a hand around her waist but he got no reply. The word murderer played on repeat on Ember's mind. Again and again.
She stared blankly at her hands. Blood.
"What have I done…"She couldn't think straight. She had certainly killed before. Not for satisfaction but because she was paid to do it. This time however was different. She was the reason so many men could not see the sun rising again while she could. They would never come back from a long and tiring day at the office to see their wives and kids greeting them happily.
She stood there rooted at the spot while Severus, Dean and Vivian desperately tried to snap her back to reality, unsuccessfully.
She hadn't realized she was crying until Severus held her close, with her head buried in his chest. From a distance she heard someone calling their names. The voice was getting closer and closer every second until it was practically right beside her.
"Good God this is a blood bath…"She heard the voice of Hilary crack a bit.
"What happened inside the castle?"Severus asked as some professors talked with the other two siblings of Snape.
"The two Death Eaters-Professors and the serpents escaped. This was some kind of distraction for them to flee out of Hogwarts. We were outnumbered, Severus. We couldn't do much. We all fought inside but as soon as we started to fall, they ran." Minerva explained sadly and then looked at Ember, slightly concerned."What happened here anyway? Were any of you hurt?"
The three siblings said no but Ember didn't move a muscle. Severus sighed silently. Minerva tried to talk to Ember but again she didn't respond.
"Leave her to me Minerva. Take these two inside. You must be freezing." Severus motioned towards his brother and sister. Then he placed a hand around Ember's waist and apparated them both to the gates.
"So care to inform me as to what happened?" Minerva said somewhat serious. Dean and Vivian felt like they were in school all over again.
"Ember went on a killing spree. Didn't end well." Dean looked at his shoes like he saw something interesting in them. The snow underneath them had been painted red from the blood of their dead enemies, never to come back.
.
When Severus finally entered Ember's rooms she kept her face buried in his chest not wanting to let go. Severus sighed; this day was far from over.
"Do you want to talk about it?"Severus asked calmly. Ember didn't spoke. He rubbed her back a little.
"I'm not very good at comforting people. But I can lend a hearing ear, if you want that is."
Still no reply but she freed herself from his embrace. Her eyes were puffy and watery from crying. You could even see the streams from where the tears fell. She seemed so tired.
"It'll be fine, I promise." He cupped her left cheek and they both made eye contact for what seemed an eternity.
"Why does everything have to be messed up? Voldemort is like decease, destroying everything in its path. People have been traumatized, lost kids, family and friends…Even our marriage got postponed until further notice." Ember spoke bitterly, tears threatening again.
"We could get married right now you know…Go away, flee and never come back."Severus said vaguely, looking into the far end of the living room. He then returned his gaze on her."But we won't, we can't. Why you may ask? Because they need us. Dumbledore, Minerva, Potter and so many others are counting at us, just as much as we are counting on them. Voldemort has been terrorizing the magic and the muggle community for four years now and this dark era must be stopped and this time forever. And I promise you right here, right now, I won't let anyone touch you in any way. I won't let anything between us. I won't let anyone hurt you. I can't bear losing you Ember. I can't imagine life without you."His words were ringing in her ears. His gaze was more intense than ever. His eyes were soft and loving. He loved her and he would give his life for her. "Now go to bed. You need some rest."
"You…you're not coming?"
Severus shook his head."No, I need to check up on some things."
"Alright then…"
"Do try to get some sleep, will you?"Severus kissed her forehead and disappeared behind the wooden door. As he left the sun had only minutes before completely fading away making the terrible day come to an end.
Ember collapsed to the comfy red armchair where sleep came and took her away to another trip down memory lane.
.
Ember woke up in a very uncomfortable position full of sweat and tears. Another nightmare, another sleepless night. Outside the snow had covered everything. The moon gracefully lit the frozen black lake. The Dementors had reshaped the weather so bad to the point it was snowing in the middle of March. She noticed several figures walk along the edges of the black forest. Taking a closer look she saw centaurs guard the school's grounds holding bows. A thin smile appeared on her pale face. At least they weren't alone in this.
She started walking towards the dungeons when she saw light coming out of Severus's office. She knocked several times before he opened the door for her. As soon as he did she launched herself on to him not willing to let go.
"Nightmares again?" Severus asked calmly. Ember nodded, his warmth easing her stress a bit. She heard the door close behind them."Let's go to my room alright?" Severus's calm voice helped her relax even more.
As they both lay down she crawled even closer to him. Severus chuckled.
"Sometimes you resemble a baby."He said to her making her smile a bit. "Good heavens a smile. I thought I'd never seen one escape your lips."
"Stop blabbering Severus. I'm scared."
"Scared of what exactly?"Severus frowned at her.
"Losing you, Harry, not defeating Voldemort."
"That is fear of failure, not loss."He stated."It is totally normal; your hormones have been acting crazy this past week."
"Why do my hormones have to do with everything?"She asked irritated.
"There it is. Odd mood swings, exhaust, dizziness." She looked straight into his eyes. Her pupils dilated from fear.
"You are not implying…"She whispered.
"That there is a very highly likely possibility that you are pregnant? Yes that is exactly what I'm talking about." He saw fear in her eyes. Not that he wasn't afraid himself. He was terrified. The thought of being a parent had always been in the back of his mind for months now. He had never experienced how it might feel like to constantly fear that something might happen to your own child."Even if you are we'll work through it, like we always do. How does that sound?"
"Like you will freak out if you become a parent. Possible opt out of it in the process."Ember said as she was curled up beside him.
"I told you a million times and I'll tell you once more. I won't leave you. Ever. Even if I have to take care of a little bug running around my feet all the time. But, it will have come out of something very beautiful. You…"He lifted her chin up slightly, her blue eyes tearing up again. He wrapped his arms around her in an attempt to calm her down.
After a while they were both asleep, both into each other's embrace.
.
Next morning Ron Weasley got a letter from his father. Harry and Hermione curiously and tiredly, from the events of last night, looked at Ron's beaming face.
"What's up?"Harry looked at his best friend. Ron passed the letter to Hermione.
"Dad is being promoted by Dumbledore for the position of Minister of Magic…God I don't believe it…"
"He did what? Ron that's great! Mister Weasley is the most suitable for that job with everything going on right now."Harry congratulated him.
"Yeah but if I remember correctly there must be some sort of Ministry event for the candidates to be presented and I don't think anything of this sort will happen until Voldemort is banished."Hermione said leaning a bit on Harry's shoulder.
"'Mione is right, plus your dad will be targeted Ron." Lavender said as she sat next to Ronald; Hermione blinked in surprise. This was one of the rare times when Lavender would actually agree with her.
"So change of subject. What are we gonna do now when two of the professors and a large amount of the students fled the castle. They don't believe we will still attend classes and all, right?"
"It is something even I wonder, Harry."Dumbledore appeared from behind them. Lavender jumped.
"Sir, what are we going to do? You surely can't be expecting us to return on normality with all this happening!"Harry said concerned.
"Do you remember those boxes a friend of Professor Potter's left in the Room of Requirement?"Dumbledore asked and the children nodded.
"It is time to unfold the curtain, Harry. The game is a foot."Dumbledore winked at him. He seemed like he was going to lead an army into the battlefield. Harry and Company looked at him in suspicion.
"What are you talking about sir?"Hermione asked confused.
"You'll see as soon as two of our staff enters the room."The students around him looked suspiciously towards the door and waited for the moment those professors come.
.
"Are you sure about this?"Severus asked as he buttoned his shirt.
"No, but it's the last card I have. It's either him or us Sev."
"Did they plant the mines already? Are the guns placed?"
"I had some of whom I trust put them in places the students won't be around at that moment."Ember took a last look in the mirror. Her leather black assassination suit glowed in the candlelight. Her hair was tightened up in a pony tail, her wand was at her hand and some sharp edges, probably from knives, could be seen around her belt.
"You look like a serial killer."
"I know…"She said softly."So do you."
It was one of the very rare occasion were Severus didn't wear that frock coat of his. His black shirt was buttoned all the way up with a black coat over it, with a second straw of wool and several potions on the inside. Mostly healing ones.
Suddenly a lot of thuds were heard from outside. Ember's eyes twinkled.
"The cavalry's here."She said with a mischievous grin.
.
First to eighth year students along with some Professors had rushed to the gates to see what the fuss was all about. Dumbledore was already there talking with Alex who seemed to be in command of the fifty men and women that came riding winged horses and brooms.
"There are more in the way. Remus and Tonks are with a dozen aurors and Mad-Eye has the rest of mine. Gellert is coming with Freya." Alex said with a stoic face.
Men and women of all ages had dismounted their horses and brooms and now stood tall unmoving looking at Dumbledore with awe.
"Very well. If we do this correctly we might stand a chance." Dumbledore said and turned on his tail to leave but saw the dozens pair of eyes of all ages looking at the arrivals. He frowned a bit. They had less than a week of preparation and they had to arrange positions and get the students away from the crossfire.
"Professor McGonagall please sent an owl to all our kind friends and tell them the time has come. We need all the help we can get."The old Headmaster said and Minerva rushed to the owlery.
Just then Ember and Severus made their way through the crowd earning stares and murmurs.
Severus stopped where the other professors stood and let Ember go past the Headmaster and in front of the troops.
"Harry is that…Professor Potter?"Ron blinked in amazement.
"I'm just as shocked as you are mate."Harry whispered and earned a nudge off of Hermione.
"You may be wondering why I brought you all here in this foreign for you land."Ember addressed and the attention was again back to her. She noticed several nods of agreement."We are here because in less than few hours, maybe days if we are in luck, this castle will be attacked. You all know your drills of course. But just for the sake of encouragement I shall tell you this: You were all born for this moment, the moment to go into battle again. You won't be done until you are winners. We write our own history today. We are the warriors who learned to love the pain, you all come from different places and nationalities but your hearts, our hearts beat as one." She noticed agreements and cheers and made a thin smile."These past hours Hogwarts was attacked from the inside. To break the resistance but their actions only made us stronger." At this point she was circling around the troops.
Alex took the lead."Some of you came to the Order of the Blue Rose just months ago but you trained hard to fight for freedom. And we are all here proud to lead every single one of you lads into battle. So…"Alex made a mischievous grin."United we stand, Divided we fall. From this day and god willing for many many more years Hogwarts and Europe will breathe air of Freedom." The wizards cheered.
"The Death Eaters and dark creatures are surrounding this castle's grounds as we speak, but they will only take fire and blood. FIRE AND BLOOD!" Alex yelled at the top of his lungs. The wizards cheered and clapped like a horde of American soldiers going into the Second World War.
During this many more had arrived and heard Ember's and Alex's encouraging speeches making one loud cheer as Alex stopped.
Ember had arrived again on the front of the troops and before she made her way to the gates she said.
"United we fall or prevail gentlemen."They saw a faint change of color in her eyes. It was like they shot flames. As she disappeared inside the castle everyone looked at her in amazement. Even Dumbledore.
Alex took the lead again."ALRIGHT!"He addressed, he then turned to Harry and motioned him to come to his side."Harry, tell us how can we help?"
"Um…"Harry looked back at Hermione and she gave him a thumbs up. With a look of determination on the youth's face he stared into Alex with a grin."Alright…Hermione Granger will take the snipers up to the highest tower for lookout. The most skilled wizards will gather around Hogwarts and spread until the edge of the lake over there. Anyone who knows how to fly with a broom and cast at the same time will go with Madame Hooch and Ginny Weasley. They will also carry any injured men. Got that?" Harry stopped and saw people nodding their head in acknowledgement."We need about a dozen wizards to guard the infirmary and some more to help Miss Poppy Pomfrey take care of injuries. If any of you lot are animagi go scout inside the dark forest for information and report to either me, Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, Ember Potter, Alex, or any professor! Understood? Good, Spread!"
As much of the crowd left to their positions, a small amount of elders left looking at him."What are we going to do Mister Potter?" The older one said.
"Follow Professor McGonagall inside and guard the secret passageways as the students evacuate the school. When you're done, go and guard the perimeter alongside the others."
Minerva took the men and women and gave them a quick tour of where the passageways were. Poppy took the thirty recruits and went towards the infirmary, others hopped on their animals or brooms and went off with Hooch up the skies to scout from above, the animagies transformed and blended in with the creatures of the forest and you could see men walking all around the castle's grounds. Lastly Hermione got the snipers and led them to the highest tower to take their positions.
As Harry watched the men flee towards their positions he flinched as Dumbledore placed a hand on his shoulder and saw Severus beside the old man.
"You, sir, should get the third and bellow years out of the school and not let anyone fight if it isn't their own free will."Harry said looking at his Headmaster, no smile on his face whatsoever. Dumbledore sighed audibly.
"Sometimes I think you grew up too fast Harry."
"I had to sir. The world is counting on me, on us."Harry replied calmly almost.
"Potter, what will you be doing?"Severus frowned at the boy.
"Doing what I know best…"Dumbledore and Severus looked enigmatically at the boy's words."Pissing Voldemort and dragging him straight into the trap. We still haven't destroyed the diadem of Ravenclaw y'know." Harry said looking at the dawning sun. Something in his look showed no fear but determination."I have a feeling…" The attention of the two men was again upon him."That I won't be here for the wedding."
"Nonsense!"Dumbledore said blinking. Harry smiled sadly, and then looked at Snape.
"Snape I think we had our differences over the past years but for the sake of Ember I'm willing to put them aside."Harry said, suddenly feeling a lot older than he was. Dumbledore smiled."She is a troubled soul and so are you. You both deserve happiness, I told her I don't like you but she doesn't seem to care much. But I'll say this again…"Harry took a step closer to Snape. "Hurt her and you'll pay the price. And even if I don't do anything you will owe her your life, because I spared it."
Harry left leaving them both shell-shocked.
"I keep getting threats for my life these days…"Snape looked at Dumbledore. An amused look on his face.
.
When Gellert and Freya landed in front of the large gates of Hogwarts they were greeted by Ember.
"Hey mom," Ember smiled sadly as Freya dismounted Raven.
"I'll go find Dumbledore excuse me."Gellert left to give the two women a bit of space to talk.
After a fair three minutes of pause, Freya looked around to see if anyone was watching. When she reassured herself that everyone else was minding their own businesses she opened her arms. Ember practically ran towards her mother with teary eyes.
"Hush now child. There is no need to be scared, is there? You are one of the most experienced assassins there are, if not the best."Her mother saw that her words didn't seem to stop Ember from sobbing loudly on her shoulder. Freya frowned."Is there something else you're not telling me?"
"Mom I think…I think I'm…"Ember desperately tried to find the appropriate words, but the sobbing just couldn't stop. She took a long pause.
"I think I'm expecting…"The words left her mouth quicker than she thought.
.
The three siblings stood silent, admiring the breathtaking view from the Astronomy tower.
"So now what? Do we just wait for them to attack us?"Dean looked at his older brother. Severus nodded slightly.
"Let's just hope we get all out of this in one piece."Vivian said looking at the full moon."I hope Lupin won't have any problems while coming here."She said in concern.
"He took his potion. He'll be fine," Severus finally spoke, earning curious gazes from his siblings.
"I didn't know you were brewing for him. I thought you hated him."
"Loathing is more appropriate for this situation."Severus corrected bitterly."But Remus and I have solved our differences long now. We're not exactly friends but we don't argue. With the current turn of events it's the least I can do."He sighed heavily. When he regained his composure he looked at them both."You shouldn't be here."
Dean blinked at him in surprise."What are you talking about?"
"You know exactly what I'm talking about. Don't you even think I didn't notice your ring Dean or that necklace, Vivian. One of you is engaged, the other one has an affair. So I will say it again. You should get the hell out of here while you still can. Things are going to get ugly."
The two younger siblings shared a face full of surprise and irritation.
"That's enough Severus!"Vivian said visibly angry."You will not put us above yourself on this. Not again! You have a wife-"
"-A wife-to-be and furthermore a chance at a happy life!"Dean cut his sister off. "You can't possibly be expecting us to just stay home sitting ducks! We want to help, and we shall help. That's final."
"Suit yourselves then."Severus said coldly and turned his attention towards the school's grounds.
That was all that Dean needed to get out of control. For the very first time he grabbed his older brother and shoved him against the wall.
"DEAN!"Vivian yelled."DEAN STOP IT!"
"What the HELL are you doing?"Severus's eyes had gone cold like chips of coal.
"No, what the HELL ARE YOU DOING? You have a girl down there that Merlin knows how much she is afraid planning how to turn down an evil douche bag and you just sit here doing charity! Well then let me inform you I'm done with your pity. And so is Vivian. We are equally capable and needed to help here and we will do so. So you will get your arse and get down there and support her because she needs it just as much as you do, if not more. Got that Big Bro? Soon enough you will be wed. Then you'll have kids and if you're lucky even grandkids. Stop being such an idiot in your little dungeon and do something for once!"
"Don't you think I haven't?"Severus yelled at him."I've protected a child that isn't even mine because his mother asked me to! I LOATH myself every damn day for joining those damned Death Eaters."
Dean's grip lessened. Vivian was crying and Severus wasn't mentally prepared for all of this.
"I'm trying to protect you."Severus breathing had hitched.
"Well I don't fucking want you to!"Dean yelled again."You've gotten already beaten up twice to protect me and Vivian. I don't want you to lose your life in the process! You are not strong enough to do this alone."
"I am."
"Stop being narcissistic Severus! You now he's right…"A female voice was heard from the doorstep. "You can't keep bottling it all up. You'll break eventually and right now we need you. I need you and our kid needs you," Ember said and Dean's hands fell from Severus's shirt in shock.
"Your what?"Dean blinked at her. Vivian looked at her in bewilderment.
"Our…what?"Severus repeated hauntingly.
"Poppy confirmed it. I'm four weeks pregnant."
Severus kept looking at Ember in disbelief. "You know I was just joking when I told you that yesterday…"He made a long pause and then sighed."You thought…Oh god…"
He was losing it. He had to support himself from the bars nearby to not fall. Ember just kept looking dully at the moonlight, silent.
"Look if you don't want the baby-"
"It doesn't matter what I think."Severus cut her off coldly.
"Of course it does! We're in this together aren't we?"Ember looked concerned. When she didn't get an answer she asked again."We are in this together, right?" Panic started rising inside her.
"I-I…I don't know!"
"Hold up…What do you mean you don't know?"Dean joined the conversation."You love her and so does she, where is the problem?"
"Well I AM the problem here!"It was Severus's turn to start yelling."I'm not mentally ready to be a father, Dean! What if I turn to be just like Dad, huh? What'll happen then?"
"You won't be like him because you are NOT him!"Vivian walked up to Dean.
"How can you be so sure about that sister? I've done and seen things you can't even imagine. I'm afraid that I am already lured into the darkness and I can't stop myself from falling!"
"So all those things you said yesterday were lies? Things about parenthood, that you won't leave my side no matter what." Ember said bitterly. She chuckled to herself."I should've known. Once a liar, always a liar." And with that she banged the door behind her.
Severus stood there drowning in his sorrow.
"Well? What are you waiting for? Run after her!"
"What's the point Vivian? She's gone."
"If you go now, you might stand a chance! On your feet soldier! Rome wasn't built in a day y'know."
"No."
"Damn you and your pride Severus!"Vivian threw her hands up in irritation. She then left to go after Ember.
Suddenly multiple voices exclaimed at once a phrase that echoed the halls, the towers. Every defender of Hogwarts even the bravest flinched as the time drew near. Every inch of the castle, every brick, every citizen knew:
Death Eaters
The bloodbath was about to begin. The game was afoot and no one knew who will win.
In a distance, just were the forest stopped and Hogwarts could be seen, there was where Voldemort stood. His red, fiery eyes were drinking in every little detail of the marvelous castle that stood before him.
"Time to break the ressssistance, Nagini. Time to end thisss, once and for all."
oo00oo
A/N: Originally I wasn't planning to leave this note here but I'll do so anyway. I'll try to speed this up a bit to finish it after six months because school time is just around the corner and I want to end this book. I know that most of y'all didn't like the fact that our main protagonists just fell apart but…
Also, just for the record, I will be renewing the series. Through a different perspective and a different character. I hope I will be able to start and finish the sequel before 2021 comes.