~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* CHAPTER XXVI *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~ *~* ~

There was this undercurrent of tension as the year drew to a close. There were attacks in the news outlets, people dressed in the old colors of Grindelwald's army. There was confirmation that Gellert Grindelwald had died in prison, supposedly in his sleep, but Harry knew better. He had seen the Death Clock for the man, he still had some years yet and then suddenly the hourglass had emptied, the glass cracking. Thankfully with the Goblin approved Staff, they did not have to worry about Dumbledore's spies during staff meetings. Tom as Lord Slytherin had informed them of the possible attack. Which had been confirmed by several of the Divination Professors. Firenze had even admitted that the stars and planets were growing dimmer, as if they were being veiled, this of course made the Ardans go on high alert.

Thankfully Arwen had safely had her son and Eowyn had safely delivered a beautiful little girl. They had a few months to lose the excess weight and to get back into fighting shape, Slowly more guards were added to the school and as the attack became more frequent and closer to Hogwarts, many parents requested the children remain on the school grounds. Hermione when she first saw the reports in the Quibbler had written her parents and informed them of what was happening, that so far the school was safe and she would keep them posted, but she begged them to leave the country because she did not doubt that many a Muggle parent or family would be taken hostage to force compliance.

Luna was uncharacteristically quiet, her eyes focused and a fierce frown on her face. Neville shadowed her, both worried for her and worried about the slowly growing bold behavior of those against them. The Ministry seemed to have lost its marbles, because now Fudge was declaring war on Hogwarts(Why can't these people not do their jobs correctly?!). The Staff has slowly been moving the younger children into the Chambers of Secrets where Rowena's Sphinx, Nefertiti, would stand guard. The hybrid Creature would not be of use in a full out war, but at least she can keep the innocent safe with a series of riddles and maybe a few well munched bones.

Fawkes seemed to be gathering his own army of winged animals and not just birds! At night a storm cloud of Bats could be seen flying over Hogwarts like a black omen. The Merfolk in the Black Lake were alerted and had agreed to defend the school. Many of whom took special potions to walk on land as the Helga's Giant Squid(Kraken really) found the perfect ambush spot close to the shore and ready to rise like its more monstrous family members. Aldeztaile was seen more frequently with Harry, the Basilisk wore her goggles as she found she was too agitated to keep the inner eyelids shut full time. Thankfully it was merely a few rats that met their unfortunate ends at her gaze, but she would not risk killing any of her Hatchlings again. The Ghosts were also gathering up their own army, Peeves had asked Harry to kindly summon up a specific group. Harry had looked the Poltergeist in the eyes and understood what was asked of him and simply smiled.

It didn't take him long to figure out after that nothing at Hogwarts was as it seemed. It did not take long for the students to realize something was up, they were being escorted to every class, while they could not be sure, they felt that there was an increase in security, something that was very much appreciated and had not been done in the past under Dumbledore's rule. The older students had picked up on the subtle changes faster, the Creatures being acutely attuned to any shift in the feel of their environment Then the letters from their families had finally set alarms off.

Today before the Beltane celebration later this afternoon, the Headmaster had called a school wide meeting in the Great Hall. When everyone was present, Anubis, dressed in a fine black suit with golden accents and embroidery, stood before them.

"As I am certain by now, you've realized there is a certain tension in the air... While I wanted to keep this under wraps at least until tomorrow, I fear we cannot. The attacks in the news are in fact real and are steadily growing closer as well as much more elaborate as time goes on. Many of your parents have written to me personally to keep you all here, where it would be safest thanks to the hard work of not only the Goblin Nation, but our Four Lords." He says with all due seriousness, he does not bullshit them and has not so far, he is a fun loving man, a bit goofy, but they learned that he is almost deadly serious when it comes to business. Not unlike a dog.

"Headmaster!" someone calls out from the front. "What if an attack happens here?"

"As much as I would like to say that such a thing would be impossible and will never happen, I am not a fool. The school has been attacked many times throughout her many years since her conception. She was built with such attacks in mind, has been warded and spelled to the gills. In fact she is sentient enough to activate her own defense without needing anyone of the Staff or myself to tell her too. This was done in the event the Enemy sneak someone in who might try to use the school Wards to hold the children Hostage. That being said, the Founding Lords have worked with the Goblins and created a contract that each teacher must sign after they have been thoroughly questioned under Veritaserum to ensure the truthfulness.

This contract states that no one on staff can influence the students in any manner such as political views or to picking a side. We all must be unbiased and despite our personal views or beliefs, we must be willing to lay our lives down for our students. If we break any of the vows and promises in that contract we will be fired, fined and in the extreme cases of breaching the contract, we will lose our magic and/or our lives. The Contracts are sealed with Lady Magic as the final Judge and at any moment we can be judged and punished."

Everyone was stunned, the teachers were all grim faced, to show the lengths that the Four Lords had gone to ensure not only the safety of the children but the quality of their education.

"This means that while it seems like we are on the fast track to War, our job as your teachers, your temporary guardians and protectors, we are to keep you safe from harm, using lethal force if needed. Everyone under 5th year will continue to be escorted to and from their classes, should an attack happen, the School will set herself into Lock down and several escape passages will appear. The OWLs level students will be in charge until either someone comes to get you or Hogwarts will use her connections to other Magical Schools to send you there for safety if all else fails. 6th years and above, you have a choice to either stand and fight or flee.

Those who choose to flee will be in charge of the younger children, those who choose to fight, I am telling you know, these will be fights to the death. Unlike in your Defense and Dueling classes where you are shielded by more than your own power and skill, you will be facing very real danger; a very real threat to your very life and of those around you. Despite what many of you think of my Sister in-Law, she's quite skilled at her craft and thrives off the chaos and mayhem she wroughts. She has prepared you in ways you cannot imagine and will very soon find out how. So I ask of you now, think deeply, search your souls and ask: Do I stay or do I go? Do I fight for what I believe or do I fight to survive? Do I side with my enemy or do I side with my friends?"

He manages to pierce everyone with his golden gaze before he nods firmly and dismisses them, informing them that classes will be canceled at least for today, they would keep on as normal, but he expects everyone to remain alert. After that they prepare for Beltane, while their hearts are heavy and their minds shrouded in thoughts, the celebration seems to draw them away from them for a time. The music is lively, everyone is dressed in white flowing gowns and robes, their hair is left free and filled with flowers. Their feet kiss the earth with nothing between them and they sing around the grand bonfire. They eat only what the earth provides and drink what Mother Nature gives them and they find they are full and well watered, as if their mothers had made them a fine feast.

Many of the Nature based Creatures feel a significant power boost, feel themselves connect deeper with the Earth and all her power. Those who are born of the Elements are revitalized, thrumming with power and strength. Everyone else feels cleaner, healthier, stronger! They celebrate until one by one they collapse on bed rolls beneath the full moon, the stars taking their turn to dance as sleep steals over all. The last to sleep is Harry, smiling as he sees Lady Magic in the image of Mother Nature dancing in the flames, her voice unheard as she sings, but powerful and full of love. He watches her as she moves, her flames bright and warm, but slowly they die down and out as she finishes, her song a gentle caress. Harry yawns as the last tongues of fire flicker and fade, both Harry and Lady Magic going to sleep, feeling content...

The news got worse, the Ministry was now attempting to launch an attack on the school, believing that Hogwarts was in league with Dumbledore, despite the violent reaction to the mere notion! The first attack came one Hogsmeade Weekend, a group of Aurors under Fudge's direct pay and thumb had attempted to kidnap a group of 3rd years while they were walking to the local Stationary shop to restock on some needed supplies. They had been laughing at a joke, just minding their own business when they were surrounded by what they had thought were Death Eaters at first, but then realized there was a flash of lime green in the robes, Fudge's favorite color. They had at first relaxed, and looked around to see if there was an attack, because why would Aurors suddenly appear for no reason?

However, when the head Auror told them they were under arrest, they quickly panicked. One girl flicked open a metallic fan her older brother had made in his Smithing class, it seemed that not only were they taught Spell smithing, but actual black forge Smithing as well. It was enchanted to reflect harmful spells away from her with twice the damage. She had done it in time too to bounce a Stinging Hex back at the attacker. The move quickly made the other three in the group pull out their own weapons. Her housemate, both being Ravens, had a Bo staff and he flicked it in his wrist with practiced ease (Rye had taught them baton twirling as a fun activity and for building up both wrist strength and muscle memory) a determined look in his eye as the boy from Slytherin pulled up a Muggle Bat made of Rowan wood and was infused with Mountain Ash and powdered Mistletoe. It was quite handy against certain Creatures and pretty indestructible against a normal Magical. The last was a Gryffindor girl, she pulled out two batons and after a hissed spell, they crackled to life with electricity.

Needless to say the four held their own in open view of the town, someone quickly sending out word to the Guard House that had been installed on both ends of the town, one by the train station and the other closer to the Shrieking Shack with smaller Patrol huts along the various paths to and from Hogsmeade to ensure the safety of the students. Haldir, having been taking his shift away from the Terran children and their rather heart attack inducing creativity, had rushed upon the scene with his younger brothers on his heels and 10 more men. More were combing the streets and either sending the students back to the school or into the nearest building until the threat was neutralized.

"You will release my students, Magic Man, or I will shoot you." He commands evenly, his bow up and notched with one of the special arrows he was beginning to favor after he had learned how to craft them from Legolas. The arrow was a stunning arrow coupled with a few runes to get past most protections. The others had similar arrows, they would not kill unless needed.

"They are under arrest, freak!" one man shouts.

Haldir's eyes narrow and he turns his head slightly, "Freak?"

"An insult, like calling one Orc, an abomination, unnatural." one of the twins speaks up, eyes narrowed in anger.

"His mother must be a Troll then. He certainly favors ones." Haldir smirks and the man grows angry.

"English, you stupid animal!"

"Now." Haldir orders and to the Auror's surprise it is not the guards who attack, but the students. The two girls aim for dislocating the joints, the fan being bladed at the edge, sliced neatly through tendons and muscle, making their would-be abductors collapse with pained shock when they cannot move. The boys deal heavy blows, rendering the more troublesome of the lot unconscious before they pull back, moving slowly towards Haldir. "Excellent execution..."

"Thank you, Master Haldir." they gasp out, the shock starting to take over.

"You take the little ones, brothers, we will take care of these fools..." the twins say and he nods.

He quickly gathers the four and begins gathering the others, the weekend is obviously over and the remaining few are canceled. They would have to Owl order anything they need and Haldir is certain that Lord Severus is going to enjoy enacting some revenge on those Ministry fools for attacking his students. He almost feels sorry. Almost...

After the attack, the students were kept on school grounds, and many of their classes began to teach battle alternatives to the spells and charms they had been learning. Dueling and Defense lessons were becoming more frequent as well as PE being doubled. The Teachers kept a balance to not over tax their students, but also to make sure they were not under prepared just in case. Severus and Harry had indeed been pissed and had made sure the fools learned a very valuable lesson before sending them back to their master. Harry also made sure that Rita Skeeter got the memories, the photos taken by the news club that had been doing a small exposé on Hogsmeade, and handwritten accounts from not only the attacked students, but several witnesses. He made sure she understood that the attack had been unprovoked. He even gave her the attackers confessions under the newly revised Veritaserum with an unholy relish.

Needless to say Fudge was out, he and his little group were all stripped of their power and status as well as being held for several crimes against the Wizarding Public as well as many acts of sedition and treason within the Ministry itself. After all, Fudge had managed to blackmail the ones in charge of the Blind Vote to hide the real results so he could remain in power. Needless to say Fudge will soon learn what it feels like to be locked in Max Security with only the Dementors for comfort. Sadly the only ones immediately punished were the guard dogs that attacked. Fudge was allowed a certain amount of clout as he had been Minister for almost two decades now. This also meant his vicious little Toadie was allowed some freedoms as well.

The problem with stupid people was that they forget very key facts. Harry was a Household name. Everyone knew who he was, everyone practically worshiped the ground he walked on since that fateful Samhain night. And especially now that he's been slowly improving not only the lives of the Human Magicals, but those of Creatures or other nature as well. Harry had set up so many hospitals with high standards of care, but low costs and friendly to all walks of life. He had orphanages in place to help rescue and protect abused children, to reduce the loss of innocent life. He was idolized by all and Harry has yet to lose any form of the Public's often fickle affections. So to attack Harry Potter was to attack Lady Magic in many minds.

The Sheeple hardly needed prodding or even swaying. After Harry had set the shark free for a feeding frenzy, the rest of the sharks joined in. Fudge had practically gift wrapped the remaining Neutrals to him! Harry had the Dark Sect through Tom while he had a good chunk of the Light and Neutral through sheer kindness and respect, as well as Dumbledore foolishly declaring the Blood Feud by attacking him at Yuletide. No one wanted to piss off Lady Magic, no one wanted to be turned Muggle and forced to live in the Muggle world, forever mourning the loss of their magic, assuming they did not die first. And now those who were still not sure of Harry's stance in this 'war' were now siding with him because as much as Harry was an Unknown and an unpredictable one at that, he has yet to make a move that impacted the Public negatively.

Magic was slowly gaining strength again, they were getting back in touch with old celebrations and rituals they used to perform. Traditions were coming out of the dark and so were various forms of magic! As Harry had once said, 'Magic is Magic.' There were a few they were still wary of, but with the new forms of magic coming back, discovering that Muggleborns were First Generation Purebloods coming back to their society, Bloodlines that had been thought to have died out were slowly re-surging through the Muggleborns!? How could someone so pure of heart and with so much kindness, be evil? How could someone like Harry Potter lead them astray?! Dumbledore, their once Lord of Light, their Golden Hero, had proved he was more villainous than he was merciful! His attacks were more than enough to fuel nightmares for life! Anyone who sided with Dumbledore was forced to flee, lest they be arrested on the merciful side, lynched on the not so merciful side.

And what was worse! Fudge had ordered an attack on children! Their children! Many had still been rather on the fence about Professor Nubia's teaching methods and certifications, but the woman was proving that her teachings were keeping her students safe as well as ensuring their children survived if they did not in open war. They themselves began to take lessons, maybe a bit late, but every little bit helps. They were not going to cower away like they had done during WWI or during the War with Voldemort! No, they were tired of running, tired of hiding! They were sick of the fear and stress! They were going to fight for once! They had children to protect, to raise and they would be damned if they allow their barely legal children in some cases fight this war for them!

Death grinned as Life preened, the fabric of Fate was changing and Fate was furious! They cackle with delight as they are certain that Chaos has surely poked something an inch to the left somewhere and it is now driving Fate insane. Magic just hummed happily on her little throne, watching what Harry's efforts were fueling, nurturing and soon the Harvest would be ready to reap and she would be Whole again...

June was fast approaching and with the War cloud looming ever closer, end of the year exams were canceled. The younger children had been evacuated in secret into the Chambers where Nefertiti stood guard. During that time those loyal to Dumbledore had tried to send out secret messages to the man about the defenses, the classes and all who were involved, but they forgot that Severus and Minerva were once Order Members and knew the Codes very well. Even if Dumbledore had scrambled a few of them together, an ingenious move, but sadly it was no match for the pair.

Minerva had taken a shine to the Muggle game Scrabble and enjoyed picking words apart and rearranging them as she pleased. Severus had always written in a series of codes and ciphers, keeping all his important works and discoveries well hidden in plain sight, lest Dumbledore shake him down for more money and even putting his bloody name on the patents! He was also the one in charge of making the Order's Codes and cipher to begin with, he would know his work when he saw it. The pair would intercept the letters, decode them and then with a small spell Harry had made to mess with some of his would be suitors back in Arda, rewrote the letters in a new set of Order Code that when decoded would give false information.

They had also noticed that most of the traitors were Minerva's Lions and she was vastly ashamed. Thankfully Harry as Lord Gryffindor had granted her a small gift of Ward control to keep the traitors in her House from finding the vulnerable younger years and that should any fighting break out, they will instantly be locked in full Body Binds and sent to the refurbished dungeons where Filch could had his fun using the older more archaic punishments to torture them after he put a magic inhibitor on them to keep them from escaping. Apparently stupidity was a requirement for the Order because these people, both full grown adults and the too few young adults didn't pay much attention during some of their lessons where they were taught how to escape almost any kind of imprisonment with a few handy and often painful tricks.

That does not mean that Pomona and Filius didn't have a few traitors in their Houses either, which Neville and Severus gave them similar commands of the wards as well to trap said traitors and move them to the dungeons. From over 1000+ students to barely 320, was a significant drop in activity, however the 320 were all of age, had at least settled as Creature for those who were still 16, and had passed muster with not only Nubia but all the Ardan Professors. The Rohirrim were ready and mounted, patrolling with Firenze's herd, being led by his mate, Bane. Aragog had offered the services of his children, with the promise to eat anyone who attacked them.

Harry had been a bit reluctant to allow that, but needs must and as his Papa had warned him, they NEEDED deaths to finally re-balance magic, not just for themselves, but for the very Earth and for Mother Magic herself. He finally told him only those who stood with Dumbledore. If any of his people were harmed in any shape or form by Aragog and his carnivorous progeny, he would freeze them all in place and allow Aldez to end them before she gorges herself on their corpses. The threat sent fright through the nest and the unnerving rattle of pincers twitching in fright and agitation had hardly fazed Harry as he glared with cold, dead eyes. Aragog agreed and sealed it with an Oath. The Mers, those capable of coming to land, had helped set up protections around the Black Lake to prevent surprise attacks, but also to add extra aid towards the land based spots as well. They also patrolled the underwater secret paths, keeping the enemy out and away as well as ensuring that should the Guppies need to flee through their village, they had safe passage to the Mountain path that would take them in the Stone Golems territory.

The peaceful Mini Giants would then herd them to the next village if they could not escape through the Hogwarts Floos to the other schools. They had so many contingency plans it was rather ridiculous! However it was better to be over prepared versus being overwhelmed by the enemy. Very few Omegas had opted to fight, not because they were told they could not, but rather because many did not have the drive to fight. Luna, as a Seer, could not in any way take part in the war and thus had joined the students fleeing. She was entrusted with little Estel and little Morrigan by Arwen and Eowyn. The two women knew they could trust her because she has proven that she was trustworthy through her own merits as well as with Harry's support. While she cannot take part in the war, it does not mean she cannot slice someone's face in half with her dancing dagger.

The days were very tense now, it was actually annoying Harry to no end that he finally decided to say 'fuck this shit' and had hijacked the PA system and had been singing songs that he learned from various lands and people, some were joyous, others were full of sorrow. He sang old songs and modern ones. He told epic tales to entertain everyone and it eased the tension, it helped everyone calm down and focus. Harry had also planned a special little surprise for everyone. He was going to show those not fighting what war looked like, and would show them that even the kindest of people can turn into monsters when the blood lust takes over. He would ensure that they knew what they could be capable of should another war ever happen, but he highly doubted it if he had any say. He wanted this memory ingrained in everyone's minds until the end of time...

Legolas growls low as he cums, biting Harry's neck as his mate gasps his name sweetly. Hermione was in charge of the PA system today, telling fairy tales to the students while Harry and Legolas had some time to themselves. Harry hums a low wanton sound as his quim squeezes Legolas' knot, milking him for every drop. Trying to raise its chances of quickening with babe, but because of the temporary blessing/curse he cast on himself, he would not be for another 6 months. He did rub his little cum belly though, imagining it as an actual babe, steadily growing bigger.

"Hush..." Legolas whispers and Harry realizes he is crying, mourning what is not there. "I know it hurts, Meleth nin, but we agreed to this... this war is about to break upon us like a dam bursting open. We do not know the outcome like we did not know it back then, facing Sauron and his might... However, we have each other, we have our skills, our people, and our magic. I have you, your faith in me, your love to guide me... We will fight to the end and we will win." Legolas says fiercely. "Once the danger has passed, we will bond properly and I will fill you as you so desire with children... if I am so fortunate to sire them."

"You will, Legolas or I will break your balls." Harry snarls, fierce and angry.

Legolas shudders and cums a bit more, drawing another moan from Harry. They were realizing they were rather twisted under their friendly, open personalities. There was a bit of darkness that drew pleasure from fear and pain, especially that of their enemies. However, that was all living creatures, who did not like to feel Powerful for even a heartbeat of time? Legolas had found he liked how Harry's protective nature twisted him into this dark minx who knew when and where to strike to cause the most fear and damage. He recalls Harry's evil delight during the Battle of Helm's Deep. The utterly mad grin as he rode upon a reanimated Troll as the legion of the Dead slaughtered Mordor's forces. It made him hard and want.

"Legolas, calm... if we go again, I fear I will be useless with how tender I will be... I am already going to be walking funny as is..."

"Assuming you will be able to walk, beloved... you have yet to master climbing from the bed without my aid, never mind walking under your own power..." He purrs darkly, pleased at his own skills at rendering his beloved Omega incapable of leaving their nest. However he sobers quickly as he feels his knot finally come loose and slips carefully free. "Let me get you into the tub and then get you some pain relievers..."

"Do not fret, Legs... I'm fine..." Harry assures, placing a hand over his core and a whispered chant gives him some relief from the pain as well as soothes some of the soreness. He gets up slowly, wincing, but he is standing. Walking is a bit off, he knows the others can clearly tell he was fucked good, even if he hides their combined scents.

He makes it to the tub and sighs when Legolas still passes him one bottle of pain relief and pours another into the filling tub before he climbs in too and they gently wash one another. They take their time to map each other's every dip and curve, every line and plain. This felt like the last time they could be like this until the very end. They worship each other with affection and intimate caresses, nothing sexual or rousing, but so much deeper in meaning. They kiss and whisper prayers over each other, begging the Gods for safety and protection for the one they held most dear. They wash each other's hair and then they carefully plait war braids. Harry felt Legolas would look amazing with a combination of Celtic and Viking braids, twisting and weaving them into intricate designs until he had a bit of a faux hawk and it lent his face an open, lupine look especially when he angles his head down and glares fiercely.

Harry knows his mate will intimidate without effort and shivers in delight knowing many will cower before his rage. Legolas carefully pins Harry's hair into a very tight series of braids and pins it up into a flat bun, something his mother had once worn in battle before her death. He places pins of blood red stars in his hair, giving him a darkly elegant look, a subtle enhancement of the sheer level of menace Harry can produce. He may have a couple of thousands of years on his very young mate, but Harry was raised by Death, nothing could ever compare to his beloved's wrath or ire. He near growls with desire as he imagines Harry with his scythe in hand, his cloak like living shadows and Death's silhouette looming protectively at his back.

"May your enemies, quake before thee, beloved, may they rue this day eternally in the Here After..." He swears darkly, his voice a deep ominous growl.

"And may your blade taste blood, their lives cut short by thine will, my All. May they know no mercy at your feet, only swift judgment.." Harry whispers back, his voice a deadly coo even as his eyes bleed Omega violet on black, his Death Magic rising, sensing the approach of war. "Come, our time grows ever shorter..."

They dress quickly and march out to the Great Hall where everyone always seems to congregate. They must have sensed the shift in the air because everyone is dressed and ready. Tom smiles when his Knights march in, their masks on and their robes swirling around them like black angel wings. Everyone grows tense for but a moment before they drop in a seamless wave at Harry's feet.

"We are the Knights of Walpurgis, we serve Lord Thomas Marvolo Riddle, Lord Enperadorea Slytherin. We have pledged loyalty to Houses Riddle, Gaunt and Slytherin. We are here to serve our master at his command, but our loyalty is also to you, young Devi, as Lady Magic's voice to the people, you hold our lives and loyalty in your very hands. We pledge to serve you as we do our Lord and will aid you in this fight. Our fates have been decided and have been sealed, we are ready." They say as one. Tom smiles pleased at their show of unity. He ignores the startled looks and gasps as Harry walks up to Lucius at the head and touches his shoulder.

"Rise, we are all friends and family, are we not? I do not need you to bow to me." He says softly, pleased and little shy at the show of respect.

"Wait... DEVI!?" came many shrill voices.

Harry winces at the volume and gives them a small pouting glare.

"Must you be so loud?" He demands. "Yes, I am a Devi... what did you think I was? I'm clearly not human." Harry laughs and drops his glamours and everyone is struck at his beauty and then this intense call to their most primal urges to serve, protect, please! Filius has quickly jumped from his seat and is marching quickly to Harry's side and drops into a deep bow. He speaks in rapid fire Gobbledygook, swearing his loyalty, his skills and his life in service to the Son of the Gods, to one of the foremothers of all Creatures.

Harry blushes as others quickly do the same and he feels their magics connect to him, tethering him in place and yet he feels much freer than he's ever felt. He begins to glow as a pair of pure crystal light wings appear. Rye is squealing with delight at the crystal like feathers refracting the light they emanate into a mind boggling array of colors. She ignores Amun'dei's hand on her head, trying to hold her in place, but failing miserably. Severus is itching to go melt under Harry's feet, into his shadow and simply bask in this divine Creature's aura. Legolas is pressed between those large wings and nuzzles close to his beloved, his very being as an Elf screams to be close to their mate and he is glowing with the intensity of the sun.

It is in this moment that everyone born of Magic, be they Pureblood, Halfblood or Muggleborn, be they Human or Creature, Elemental, Eldrich, Angelic or Demonic. The very Earth shudders under this raw connection and in the Divine Realm, every God gasps as they feel their connections to their mortal children suddenly snap tight, pouring raw magic back into them, the devotion, the love and the awe. They feel stronger and in turn are feeding this back to their children.

Fate screams as her loom shatters and reforms as something new, something beyond her control now. Death and Life hum as they watch Hecate dancing and singing as she grows from her child form to a full grown woman, her fading glow coming back brighter than any star and cannot help but laugh. They are certain Chaos is singing wherever she is, either among the mortals as she is wont to do or hiding in a crevice somewhere knowing that Fate will soon try to hunt her down and force her to fix this 'mess.'

Dumbledore gasps as he feels a shift in power so much stronger than his and is instantly enraged. His people murmur, feeling the odd change and confused, it somehow feels like they are filthy street urchins out in the bitter cold, looking in on a loving family sitting down to a lovely feast of a meal. They find themselves weighed, measured and found wanting. What is going on?

It is soon over, a new thrum of magic through the Leylines can be felt the whole world over, a steady heartbeat only felt by those with the connection all that is Magic. Hogwarts herself begins to pulse, sitting at the Heart of a Knot and feeling herself become wholly alive, not just sentient. She is certain the other schools are finding themselves waking fully into living Beings, still schools and thus limited in their freedoms, but they are wholly alive! They can expand and grow like their students! They are flesh and blood as well as stone and mortar! Hogwarts smiles around her tears as she watches Harry calm from his final maturation as not only an adult, but as a Devi. His wings begin to shrink into little fluffs of feathery crystals upon his back, almost like cupid wings.

He is pressed tight to his mate, serene in his connection to all. She gasps softly seeing the figure of Death looming like a gentle shadow over the young couple, not menacing, but protective. She sees him hold a finger to where his lips would be under his hood, telling her to keep silent before he wraps himself around the couple, hugging them. She sees Harry's sudden relaxation, feels the contentment in her very bones and stones. It is then she realizes, they will win this war. For losing was not an option, it never was, but now they have a very good reason to win.

If they should lose, that means Dumbledore will get his hands on the Devi and she knows the sick bastard will use and abuse Harry until he dies. And if that happens, all of Magic from the tiniest sparks of natural magic to the monuments of skill of power. From innocent babes to the elderly. From nature made to man made, all magic would fade, would die out. They would be gone forever, dead and never to return. Dumbledore will seal their fate and kill them all if he wins. Hogwarts suddenly feels her Daddy's and Mommy's infamous tempers flare in her, burning hot and cold at the same time, she does not see red, no she sees clarity. She sees the fates of not only herself but all and she will be damned if she allows it to happen.

She glances around and sees the same grim determination on everyone's faces as they quickly come to the same conclusion that his reveal has given them. She looks to Death, who nods, his hood pulled back enough so she can see a fleshy face and the wide, manic grin he gives. She gives a subtle nod. The Soul Collector would fight with them, that would certainly help tip the scales into their favor, but for how long?