Chapter 45- Truth and Dementors
May 1995
Singing to herself in German Johanna was enjoying a warm spring morning as she drew a series of geometric designs on the grass.
"Hermione Granger, what in Merlin's name do you think you are doing," Professor McGonagall yelled, her harsh voice scaring away the birds.
"Is there a problem professor," Johanna said looking up from her work.
"What is all this, Hogwarts is a school not a stockyard," she snapped pointing at the piles of stone, lumber, and other building materials organized in neat piles around the grounds.
"Building material," Johanna replied.
"I can see that," McGonagall said. "What I fail to see is what is it doing here?"
"You don't, but this is all for the project you assigned me," Johanna said.
"I assigned you a project to show mastery of various aspects of magic," McGonagall said.
"But that is what I am doing," Johanna said.
"Explain," McGonagall said.
"Ja Professor," Johanna said. "As per your instructions I have come up with a project that will demonstrate mastery in transfiguration, charms, defense, herbology, potions, runes, magic theory, creatures, astronomy, divination, and history. Transfiguration will be used to shape the materials into the desired dimensions, while charms will move the materials into place and provide the finer details such as the color. Defense will serve an ancillary purpose protecting the created structures from errant spells, and attempts at sabotage. Herbology will be used in a variety of places adding native plants where necessary for aesthetics. Potions will support and reinforce what I have planned in several places. Runes and magic theory are the basis of the project doing the heavy lifting for such a large-scale project," Johanna explained.
"And what about the care of magical creatures, astronomy, divination, and history play," McGonagall pressed.
"Care of magical creatures was important regarding the modification of the stables, as did astronomy in the design of the gazebo, divination will be woven into the weather protecting spells, and history helped in the overall design," Johanna said.
"Design of what Miss Granger," McGonagall said, her eyes narrowing.
"New and improved outdoor facilities for the school. It was all in my report," she said.
"Such things need approval," McGonagall said.
"But I did get approval," Johanna said.
"Then why was I not made aware of this sooner," she said.
"Professor as the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, you are only involved in changes to the actual school building aka the castle, and any changes requiring school funds. And since my changes were not being made to the castle, but the castle grounds I only needed to get the approval of Professor Hagrid who is also the grounds keeper," Johanna said.
"What sort of changes," McGonagall pressed.
"Expanding the stables, adding some greenhouses, an observatory, and several gazebos for teaching classes outside. Then there is the new boat house, adding two actual cheering stations to the quidditch pitch, a soccer field, volleyball court, an outdoor amphitheater and a path around the lake," Johanna said.
"And you can do all this…." McGonagall said.
"Ja," Johanna said gently, moving the professor out of the way before she stepped on a half-drawn array. "Please do not disturb my circles."
"Well, I never," McGonagall huffed.
"If it helps, I have the approval of the board of Governors," Johanna said. "It was all in my report."
"What report," McGonagall said.
"The one that I had delivered to your office this morning," Johanna said. "I thought you would want a detailed explanation of the project beyond simply seeing it in action."
"Mipsy," McGonagall called out.
"Yes, Professor McGonagall," the little elf said.
"There is a report on my desk from this student, please retrieve it," she ordered.
"Yes, Professor," the elf said before popping away only to return a minute later with the large spiral bound report.
"This is not a simple report," McGonagall said, holding what for all intents and purposes could be a book in her hands.
"I tried to be as brief as possible, but I had to include not just what I did, but why and how, including all of the relevant information," Johanna said.
"What relevant information," McGonagall asked.
"A list of all the materials used, Geological and hydrological, and atmosphere studies, environmental impact statements, architectural designs, engineering reports, building permits, copies of the magical circles, and runes used in the array, maintenance spells, the mana gems that will need to be replaced in the future," Johanna said.
"This was not what I assigned you," McGonagall said sharply, dropping the book on the ground.
"But professor if I remember correctly you ordered me to create a project highlighting mastery of all aspects of magic in years 1 through 4," Johanna said.
"I am aware of what I asked you to do," McGonagall said.
"Then you are aware that you gave me no actual specifics on what sort of project that you wanted," Johanna said.
"If you think," McGonagall growled.
"Think what Minerva," Ponma said, stepping out from behind a stack of lumber. "This is beyond anything I would have expected from a 9th year student let alone a 4th year. This is the sort of thing that should be celebrated."
"The school can't afford such things," McGonagall said.
"But the school isn't paying for it," Professor Meloi added.
"It's not," Minerva said, turning back to Johanna
"No, I paid for any and all expenditures for this project," Johanna said.
"You went into debt for a school project," Minerva said.
"No," Johanna replied. "The dwarves sold me the materials at cost, and Urd Ogenslotter gave me a discount on the potion materials."
"Still…." McGonagall said.
"Professor while the total cost was around a million silver thalers, my sister and I assisted in the recovery of…" Johanna said.
"That was you," Hagrid said, walking over to the group.
"Mom wanted to go hiking, Dad had the crazy idea of looking for hidden treasure, Victoria was the one who found it with an acoustic spell, and I just froze the tunnel so we could go exploring," Johanna said.
"Hermione, did you recover missing artwork again," Ponma said.
"Maybe…." she giggled digging her heel into the ground.
"Do you have any idea how much that was worth," Meloi gasped.
"I dunno but giving each of us 6.25 million thalers was too much," Johanna said.
"But the article said you each got one percent," Hagrid said.
"25 million, that's a million galleons," McGonagal gasped.
"Like I said too much," Johanna said. "I already make decent money teaching ice skating lessons on my breaks, and the occasional photoshoot for Volupsa."
"Only you would call recovering artifacts stolen by Grindelwald's forces a hike, and making 250,000 galleons too much," Meloi chuckled.
"Oh, come on it's not that big of a deal," Johanna said. "And Professor McGonagall, this means that spending 40,000 galleons on a school project is not a big deal. But please don't let it think that I am in any way trying to buy my grade."
"Your money and how you spend it will have no influence on how I grade the project," McGonagall said before turning sharply on her heel and leaving.
"Of course, Professor," Johanna said, returning to her work.
"Merlin, she is a real stick in the mud, and I work with sticks in mud," Ponma said.
"She said it not me," Meloi remarked as Johanna tried and failed not to laugh.
"You can just forget I said that Hermione," Ponma said.
"Ja, I can do that, but could you do a favor for me first," Johanna said.
"And what is this favor," Ponma said.
"Could you call me Johanna," Johanna said.
"Certainly Johanna," Ponma said.
Break
"Lucian," Marcus said, walking up to the 9th year and team captain.
"What's the problem Flint, are you nervous for the game tomorrow," he replied.
"No, the likelihood of me playing any real time is minimal," Marcus replied.
"Then what can I do for you," Lucian said.
"It's no secret you couldn't care less for dorm politics or politics in general as long as you get to play quidditch," Marcus said.
"You're losing me," Lucian said.
"But you are also loyal to Slytherin," Marcus said.
"I'm not listening," Lucian said.
"Look I know you couldn't care less about what happened to Millie, Johanna, and Astoria, but you should know that Potter was involved," Marcus said.
"He was," Lucian said looking up at Marcus.
"Yes," Marcus said.
"He is the reason I couldn't have any of Millie's scones for 3 months," Lucian said.
"Yes," Marcus said.
"And the reason why Vainsley tried to blow up Liz," Lucian said.
"Tangentially I suppose," Marcus said.
"And Johanna hasn't turned him into a popsicle, because…" Lucian said.
"You and I both know Dumbledore would never allow that to happen," Marcus said.
"True, but why are you telling me this?" Lucian asked.
"Because I have an idea," Marcus said.
"Oh…." Lucian said, cocking his eyebrow at Marcus. "What sort of idea?"
"I know how we can stick it to Gryffindor and Potter at the last game of the year," Marcus said.
"I'm listening," Lucian said.
"There is no way Adrian or Draco are going to beat Potter to the Snitch," Marcus said.
"I am well aware of that," Lucian replied.
"But they don't need to stop him, only delay him long enough for the team to get ahead by more than 150 points," Marcus said.
"And how do you propose we do that," Lucian said.
"By having the beaters focus entirely on him, the whole game from start to finish, rattle him, make him nervous, get him looking for the bludgers and not the snitch," Marcus said.
"I doubt the Weasley twins are just going to sit back and let it happen," Lucian said.
"No, but we'll have an extra player," Marcus said.
"An extra player," Lucian said.
"Carrington," Marcus said.
"He is the keeper," Lucian said.
"Yes, but even you make no secret of how terrible he is at it," Marcus said.
"That is true," Lucian stated.
"So let's pull him out of the goal and use him as an extra offensive player," Marcus said.
"That's…." Lucian said.
"Not illegal and if we add more charms to his gloves, we can let him hit the bludger without breaking an arm or hand," Marcus explained, silencing Lucian.
The older boy sat quietly thinking it over. "This is an insane plan, but one that might give us the victory or at very least embarrass Gryffindor."
"So…" Marcus said hesitantly.
"We have training to do," Lucian said.
Break
"Fuck my life," Liz groaned plopping down on the grass as another practice session, aka torture ended. "Why did I let them suggest anything," she sighed.
"Because it was a good idea," Millie said.
"Ugh…. just shut up and give me a scone or something," Liz said with an exasperated look on her face.
"What did you want the last one…." Daphne said with half of a scone in her mouth.
"Why am I not surprised," Liz sighed as Daphne came up empty.
"No raiding the basket," Millie snapped. "Merlin it's no wonder you're gaining weight."
"I am not," Daphne protested before meekly eating the rest of the scone.
"Yeah, you kind of are," Pansy said. "Anyway, did you make us something good?"
"Yes," Millie said, showing Daphne off as she laid out a nice picnic for them.
"Good, now it's time for a team meeting," Liz said.
"So that's why you wanted lunch," Millie said as they gathered around.
"Yes, but that is beside the point," Liz said. "As you know the last quidditch game of the season is coming up."
"Yes, it is the championship match against Gryffindor," Pansy said.
"And before that is the runner up match between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff," Liz said.
"You want to do something between the two games," Victoria said.
"Yes," Liz said. "Lucian spoke to me about doing something that will fire up the team and the crowd."
"We're in," Johanna and Victoria said.
"Good, because we've already cleared it with Madame Hooch," Liz said.
"How much time do we have," Johanna said.
"Warm up lasts about 30minutes," Pansy said.
"I could come up with some music for it," Astoria said.
"I was counting on that," Liz said. "Now Pansy do you think you could come up with a dance routine."
"And I could add in some acrobatics," Johanna said.
"You're thinking too small," Millie said pausing as they slowly scanned their eyes towards her. "Yes, Astoria can sing, Pansy can dance, and Johanna can do some acrobatics, but those are 3 separate displays, why not instead create a single unified performance that tells a story."
"Millie, that's genius," Johanna exclaimed.
"So essentially we are creating a one act ballet," Pansy said.
"More or less," Liz said.
"Why does it have to be just ballet," Johanna said.
"Because the pitch doesn't have an ice rink, and it's spring," Daphne said softly.
Johanna smirked at Daphne pulling out an ice blue sapphire. "It wouldn't be the first time I made an ice rink on the fly."
"Try not to get blown up this time," Pansy remarked.
"Yeah, yeah, twinkle toes," Johanna snarked.
"We're going to need more people," Millie said.
"It's a good thing I've been helping out the junior team," Victoria said.
"You've been what!" Daphne snapped whipping her head around.
"Was I not supposed to do that," Victoria said.
"Well, there is no rule against it," Liz said.
"Great job sis," Johanna said high fiving Victoria.
"She's not your sister," Daphne said.
"Well, she certainly doesn't look like yours tubby," Pansy said as Daphne's jaw dropped.
"Save the name calling for later Pansy we are trying to come up with a one act musical ice dancing extravaganza," Liz sighed, summoning a breeze just by lifting her wand.
"Right," the others said, quickly falling in line.
"Now what story should we tell," Millie said.
Pansy shrugged. "Gryffindor's drool and Slytherin's rule," Pansy said.
"Ugh, really Pansy, that's…." Daphne said as Steve seemed to be hissing in Millie's ear.
"A good idea," Millie said. "We can tell the real story of Salazar Slytherin and Godrick Griffindor."
"The real story…" Johanna said.
"Yes, Steve was just telling me all about it," Millie said.
"That's easy, he wanted to kick out all the muggleborns," Pansy said.
"Not according to Steve," Millie said as Steve nodded his head affirmatively.
"Ok, saying I actually believe you what is the real story," Liz said.
"The short version is that Salazar didn't trust the muggle borns not because they were muggleborns, but because Godric Gryffindor wanted to teach all people who had the gift of magic," Millie explained.
"We know all that," Pansy said.
"I'm not finished," Millie hissed. "Godric Gryffindor, and Helga Hufflepuff had a habit of collecting muggleborns and obliviating the memories of their past lives. The reason Salazar didn't like them is that the erasure of such vast amounts of memory might drive the person crazy," Millie said.
"That crazy bastard," Liz cursed under her breath.
"Don't worry we're just fine," Millie whispered to Liz.
"Ok, but what about Rowena Ravenclaw," Johanna asked.
"She was a traditionalist, and didn't see the point in educating the commoners, magical born or muggleborn, and felt that Salazar had a point, but couldn't be bothered with the whole mess," Millie finished.
"I call Salazar," Johanna said, thrusting her hand in the air.
"Rowena," Millie said.
"Music," Victoria chimed in.
"I guess that makes me Helga," Liz said before Pansy could act.
"Awe man Gryffindor," Pansy groaned. "You'd better make this epic."
"What about me," Daphne asked.
"Special effects," Victoria said.
"Not for nothing ladies but what about me," Mathew chimed in.
"Narrator," Liz shrugged.
"Boring but someone has to do it I guess," Mathew said.
Break
The sound of bats cracking against bludgers rang out across the open field as a lone red-haired girl bobbed and weaved around them. The twin cannonballs narrowly missed her as she slipped around them. "Ok, boys let me have it," she said, driving her back foot into the ground. "Pridwen," she said, her wand tracing an oval in the air becoming a golden shield. The first cannonball impacted with a loud clang, her back foot digging into the ground but Tracy remained firm as the second one hit, cracking but not breaking the shield. "You're getting better," Tracy said dismissing the shield after the cannonballs fell to the ground.
"Awe man, I was sure we got her that time," Vincent said.
"Yeah, what gives, we've been at this for a month now and we still can't get her," Gregory added.
"I never said I wouldn't be improving as well boys," Tracy said. "And I do appreciate all of your hard work."
"We're not complaining, it's great to have a practice dummy," Gregory said only to get elbowed by Vincent. "I mean training partner…." he said only to get elbowed again. "I mean coach."
Tracy smiled. "Thank you, Gregory that means a lot to me," Tracy said.
"Yes, with your training we'll be starters next year for sure," Vincent said.
"Hey we're gonna miss dinner if we don't get going," the boys said checking the time.
"You guys go on ahead, I want to walk it off before calling it a day," Tracy replied.
"Ok, we'll make sure to save you something," the pair said before jogging off.
"Please don't," Tracy muttered, placing a hand on her stomach as she took a path that moved her closer to the forest as she felt a familiar tingle. "You can come out, I know that you are there!"
"You can feel us now," the dementor hissed.
"Yes," Tracy replied. "I sense a hollow presence when you are around," Tracy said.
"Improvement," the dementor said, causing Tracy to smile slightly.
"Well, it's about time I got a little love from you, you bloody slave drivers," Tracy muttered as the air grew colder. "Awe crap, I just had to say it." Tracy muttered as the dementor directed her to meditate.
Break
"We're not warming up in the stadium," Draco asked as they headed away from the quidditch pitch.
"No, Liz has something special planned," Lucian replied.
"What sort of thing," the team asked.
"I hear it's going to be quite the show," Lucian said.
"And that is going to throw the Gryffindor's off balance," Draco said as the music began to play.
Break
"Hello and welcome to the Quidditch Cup Championship match," Mathew announced from the center of the pitch as the Gryffindor team warmed up overhead. "Now some of you might be wondering what is going on, where is the Slytherin team, don't worry they have no plans to forfeit the match. They have just decided to warm up elsewhere because today the Slytherin cheer team has a special surprise for you. Instead of dying of boredom waiting for the game to start you can instead enjoy a performance by the Slytherin Cheer team, because today we have a special tale for you," Mathew said.
"You can do that," Oliver Wood yelled down.
Mathew simply pointed to Madame Hooch who replied. "Yes, I approved of it, Mr. Wood, this is why I said to not warm up in the stadium."
"Throughout time no adage has been more true than history is written by the victors, and it is the same for The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but today we seek to shine a light on the history of the losers, The Secret History of Hogwarts. It is a harrowing tale of friendship, and betrayal, and of morals, and ethics, and how one man's good is another man's evil. And if you doubt our tale you will find the full list of our sources on your seats, but for now let's meet our players," Mathew said as the music began to play.
"Where monsters rampage, I'm there to take them down!" Victoria sang as Pansy and Liz stepped out dressed as Godric Gryffindor and Helga Hufflepuff respectively laying waste to an illusionary dragon created by Daphne.
"Where treasure glitters I'm there to claim it!" Victoria sang as Johanna and Millie joined them as Salazar Slytherin and Rowena Ravenclaw gathering jewels from a chest.
"Where an enemy rises to face me victory will be mine!" Victoria sang as the four looked out over the stadium as the vision of an evil wizard floated into the sky.
"Feel the wind, and feel the fire, Roarin', gettin' higher, Risin' while my enemies face me down," Victoria sang as the quartet faced down the evil wizard and his minions as flames erupted from the ground, forcing them into a circle in the middle of the pitch. The others looked concerned but Salazaar simply smirked.
"With the snap of just a finger, Time they got the picture, Boom! They're dead and buried and in the ground," Victoria continued to sing as Johanna snapped her finger and the enemies turned into ice before Rowena called upon the plants to shatter them while Goderic was thrown into the air by Helga into the air slashing the wizard turning him into dust in the wind.
"I'm a star, and I'm a knockout, Yeah, you better watch out, Ooh, but if you're jealous get out the way," Victoria said as Goderic preened in her victory.
"Don't have time for hesitation, Pure annihilation, That's the only thing that my foes'll face," Victoria sang as Salazar shattered the remnants of the wizard's army.
"Hey, you wanna try it? Ooh, I wanna try it! Boy, you oughta know that I'm a wild girl," Victoria sang as Goderic tried to get Salazar's attention with a rather provocative dance.
"Don't have time for your games, Better watch what you say, Or I'll send you right straight to hell," Victoria sang as Salazar ignored Godric.
"Far away, I'm going where I want to forever," Victoria sang as the two continued to argue as they danced energetically around the field.
"Get along, Get along," Victoria sang as Rowena and Helga tried to get them to stop arguing.
"Never giving in, I'll never surrender," Victoria sang as the pair refused to get along.
"Get along, Get along," Victoria repeated as Rowena and Helga tried and failed to get them to agree as another danger loomed.
"Stare down the darkest days with a laugh and a wink and a smile," Victoria sang as more enemies marched out of the shadows.
"Far away, I'm going where I want to forever, Burnin' with a fire, so, baby, remember, I'm out to reach my dream but there's no guarantee that it's you, Go as far as you can go," Victoria sang as the group took down the new round of enemies played by the junior team and led by Elizabeth.
"Get Along, Try Again," Victoria sang as the battle ended and the music shifted the heroes remaining on the field as the others made their way off as the music shifted.
"With the defeat of the Witch King of Thule, the four heroes were at a loss, they could defend Britain, but what would happen in the future. They would not be around to protect the country in perpetuity," Mathew said as Millie danced with several large plants, Liz entertained children by making objects dance in the wind, Johanna skating and jumping between patches of ice, while Pansy looked for more foes to fight.
"They all lamented the fact that for all the power and knowledge they obtained, it would be lost with their passing," Mathew explained as several children came out watching and then questioning the heroes. "Unless it was passed on to the next generation," he said as the heroes began to teach the children magic.
"Salazaar favored the clever, Rowena the inquisitive, Helga the friendly and Goderic the brave. However, four working together can help more than four working alone, and this the idea of a school was born," Mathew said as the heroes came back together each pantomiming their idea.
"Helga found the location," Mathew said as Liz led them to a crumbling castle by a lake. "Salazar rebuilt the castle," he added as Johanna danced around planting gemstones around the ruins before stopping clapping her hands before slamming them into the ground, a castle of ice growing out of the rubble.
"Wandless magic that's impossible," many in the stands gasped.
"Nah it's just gem based magic," Lavender said.
"How reckless," McGonagall said.
"I checked over everything myself and it's not beyond her abilities," Meloi said.
"Ssshhh," Pomphrey said, shushing them.
"Rowena, the library," Mathew said as Millie directed plants to carry books inside the castle. "And Goderic the defenses," Mathew added as Pansy created a shield over the castle, before the group celebrated their success before the music took on a melancholic tone. "Despite their success, cracks began to grow, for who should they allow into their school as the others crowded around it.
"Rowena allowed only those of noble blood be they from a magical line or new to magic," Mathew said as the nicer dressed entered. "Helga who wished to teach the commoner," he said as the poor looking children entered. "Neither agreed with the others position, but common ground was found as they both agreed talent trumps birthright," he said as Millie and Liz shook hands agreeing to teach them all.
"Next came Salazaar and Goderic, for both wanted to teach all who had the gift of magic whether they came from a magical lineage or were new to magic," Mathew said.
"Wait what, Vainsley snapped as the play continued.
"What the hell kind of story is this,' Lev added.
"However, the world was fearful of magic, and they feared for the safety of those who were new to magic as people had been punished far worse for things far less than having magic," Mathew explained as the dancing grew frantic several dancers bursting into flames before vanishing.
"Goderic felt using magic to rescue the children from a world that they wouldn't understand," Mathew said as Pansy plucked children away, some from happy homes, and some from painful ones. "This however came with a heavy price as some did not adapt well to their new memories," Mathew said as Elizabeth's dancing became more frantic and erratic grabbing her own head. "Often with tragic results," Mathew said as Elizabeth erupted in flames. Johanna rushed to save her but she couldn't make it in time, cradling the dying girl in her arms as ice erupted around her. Pansy tried to apologize but Johanna was having none of it.
"Salazar confronted Goderic who claimed his actions were for the greater good and would bring more people into the magical world. Salazar was not swayed as nothing good could ever come from the sacrifice of a child," Mathew said as the pair began to dance occasionally clashing with each other. "Helga and Rowena tried to mend the breach, but the battlelines had been drawn. Friend vs. friend, right vs. wrong, the needs of the many vs. the needs of a few."
"Merlin's bloody balls," Ron gasped as Johanna rose into the air riding a giant snake made of ice flanked by an eagle made out of vines. "When could that runt do something like that."
"Shut up Ron," Parvati groaned.
"Is that an eagle," Padma gasped.
"Made out of vines," Cho added.
"They can do that," Marietta said, looking on in disbelief.
"The constructs were made using premade runic arrays powered by gems, and by tapping the overflow of natural energy from the forbidden forest," Luna said as Liz rose into the air on a badger made out of water held together by swirling winds, while Pansy mounted a large lion created out of earth.
"And those," Penelope asked.
"Liz is using invisible air to hold and give the water shape, while Daphne and the others are powering Pansy's transfiguration," Luna said.
"And how do you know that Loony," Marietta said only to get smacked on the back of the head.
"Enough," Cho snapped as the lion roared, forcing the snake and raven back with the force of its roar while Johanna and Millie had to shield themselves from the wind.
A second gust came from the badger slicing into the snake and raven cutting away at their massive forms. With a flap of its mighty wings the Raven filled the stadium with flower petals as the music picked up.
"Avenge world!," Victoria sang as the petals were blown away by the badger just before the snake's tail slammed solidly into its midsection throwing it against the wall breaking apart in a giant splash.
"To protect someone is to know hate for someone," Victoria sang as the lion pounced on the snake stone claws carving into its icy skin.
"An unknown pulse, swallow it and it becomes mere hope, it falls apart without a sound" Victoria sang as vines shot out from the raven's wings, retraining the lion.
"The savage pain inside me is fighting tragedy," Victoria sang as the snake wrapped around the lion
"I never wished for this power: the stars to wish upon have already fallen," Victoria sang as Johanna slid down the tail to confront a trapped Pansy.
"This sad fate screams out loud, tear me apart my loved ones," Victoria sang as Johanna ranted at the captive Pansy, still defiant even as the ice closed around her.
"Now grab ahold of your dream," Victoria sang as it looked like Pansy was beginning to listen.
"However much you scream about your sad fate," Victoria sang as Johanna and Millie released Pansy.
"Light and prayers will change to betrayal," Victoria sang as Liz and the badger reappeared blowing Johanna away with a massive blast of wind and an audible thump as she slammed into the wall of the arena.
"Dude dick move," Seamus said.
"But it's Salazar Slytherin," Dean replied.
"It's still a dick move," Seamus said. "And since when did Hufflepuffs attack people in the back?"
"Who cares, it's Slytherin," another boy said.
"It's time to be brought to justice," Victoria sang as Millie moved to help her Raven shield Johanna from a barrage of earth arrows.
"Ah where did that smile go," Victoria sang while Liz and Pansy piled on the attacks slowly eating away at the Ravens vines, as they whittled it down.
"The answer is nowhere to be seen this daybreak," Victoria sang as the Snake exploded in a shower of snow sparkling in the afternoon light. As the afternoon sun cut through the snow, a lone Johanna stood on the top wall of the stadium looking down at the others sadly as the music shifted. Dancing wistfully along the edge she circled the stadium once giving a final look before falling back over the edge, as Millie shed a tear for her friend.
"Was Salazar right to confront Goderic over his use of memory altering spells, was Helga right in defending her friend, was Rowena wrong in helping her friend escape. History can not say, what it can say however is that soon after the battle there was an outcry against memory charms leading to their use being restricted. Was it the work of Salazaar, or Rowena, or some other party. Who knows, and this is where our tale comes to an end," Mathew said to a silent crowd.
No one was quite sure if they should cheer or jeer as the stunned students looked at each other. "Bravo, Bravo," Neville yelled as he stood clapping his hands as he cheered.
"Dude, seriously," Dean said, eyeing him.
"Dude it was freaking cool did you see those constructs; it was like watching a giant monster movie," Seamus said.
"Yeah, that was pretty cool I guess, but the story needs some work," Dean said joining in.
"Helga Hufflepuff, couldn't have really done something like that," Susan said.
"Who cares," Salazar is evil," Hannah said.
"But Goderic was the one obliviating kids," Susan protested.
"Oh please, that is just more Slytherin lies," Hannah said.
"Yeah," several others chimed in. "Still the effects were cool, I didn't know you could do magic like that, so freaking cool."
Break
"I think they liked it," Johanna said as she lay flat on her back looking up at the sky as the applause began.
"That was insane," Pansy said, turning her head to look at Johanna.
"I know we practiced it, but fuck me that was draining," Liz added collapsing face first into the grass.
"And you had invisible air," Millie said. "Do you have any idea what I had to do to make that Raven fly."
"Which I used to contain a badger made of water. Do you have any idea how much my head hurts right now," Liz replied?
"So, we overdid it a little," Johanna said.
"We," Pansy said. "You didn't tell us the snake was going to be that big. I had to buff up my lion just to make sure they could even see me," Pansy replied.
"It worked didn't it," Johanna smirked.
"Yeah, but I'll be lucky if I can cast a lumos by Monday," Pansy sighed.
"Ditto," the others said.
"But…" Pansy said.
"When are we doing this again," they said together.
"So, this is where you girls ran off to," Mathew said.
"Don't tell me it's time to cheer," Liz groaned.
"Nah you got time, and I think that would confuse the Gryffindor's too much," Mathew chuckled.
"Did the game start," Johanna asked.
"And we're off," Lee Jordan's voice boomed over the loudspeaker. "The snakes are off to a fast start, while the Lions didn't get a chance to warm up thanks to the underhanded."
"That's enough, Mr. Jordan," Professor Meloi's voice cut in. "The performance was pre-approved by Madame Hooch, and it was a lovely performance."
"But they didn't get a chance to warm up…." Lee protested.
"They could have left or ignored it, not that anyone could ignore such a lovely performance," Professor Meloi said. "However, I digress, and it is time for us to get back to the game."
Break
"Sorry," Carrington yelled as the quaffle flew through the goal posts.
"Don't worry about it, we knew they would get up to speed sooner or later," Lucian said, pulling up next to him.
"Adrian, how is Potter," Lucian yelled.
"Getting faster," Adrian said.
"Is it time," the others said.
"Adrian can you get Potter to follow you," Lucian yelled.
"It's only going to work once," he replied.
"Then let's go, and Carrington," Lucian said looking at the goalie.
"Knock him off his broom," Carrington replied.
"You got it," Carrington said.
"Some time today," Oliver yelled, waiting for Carrington to throw the quaffle in.
Lucian nodded taking the pass from the goalie as Adrian raced off making a beeline for the setting sun.
"Potter, snitch," Oliver yelled as Adrian rocketed past them into them into the sun. Harry nodded before giving chase.
"Get control of the bulger and wait for it," Lucian ordered as he flew into the fray, his chasers following behind.
"It's Harry and Adrian racing for the snitch," Lee Jordan yelled as the pair raced back into the stadium. "And the bludger is wide, it seems Bentley still can't hit the broadside of the barn," he said as the shot barely missed Harry. The second Slytherin beater grinned as he lined up the shot hitting it wide as the seekers turned upward. What happened next seemed like a blur and slow motion at the same time as Carrington didn't dodge the bludger choosing instead to interlace his fists, slamming them into the bludger. The haymaker sent the bludger straight into Harry's side, tossing him from his broom.
"GAH!" Harry screamed in pain as he slammed into the ground as a whistle blew.
"What the hell was that Lucian," Oliver roared, flying up to him.
"Exactly what it looks like," Lucian said.
"Boo, what the hell play was that, is cheating the only way you know how to play, dam those Slytherins, play fair," the crowd yelled.
"And what exactly is that," Madame Hooch said, approaching them as Madame Pomphrey helped Harry slowly get back on his feet.
"Madame Hooch there is no rule against another player hitting the bludger as long as they do not use a beaters bat," Lucian said.
"Correct," Madame Hooch said. "But it would break your hand and magic is not allowed."
"Keepers are allowed to wear extra protective gear, we simply acquired the gear with the highest defensive rating," Lucian said.
"That is correct, even if it is an insane plan," Madame Hooch said.
"But he left the goal," Oliver said.
"There is no rule saying the goalie has to stay in the goal," Lucian said.
"Correct," Madame Hooch said as Ginny Weasley was swapped in while Harry got checked out.
"In fact, I think the Chudley Cannons once used a similar play," Professor Meloi said over the loudspeaker.
"You are getting very close to the line, Lucian, you best make sure you do not cross them," Madame Hooch said before signaling the game to resume.
Break
"What did we miss," Liz said as they finally returned to the game surprised that it wasn't over yet.
"Lucian is using Marcus's plan," Victoria giggled, pointing to the score showing Slytherin ahead while Carrington switched between acting as a chaser, a beater, and a goalie. "And you missed Harry getting thrown off his broom."
"And that," Millie asked as the Slytherin beaters sent every shot in Harry's direction who had to spend more time dodging than looking for the snitch.
"Marcus told Lucian Harry was part of the reason why you had trouble cooking lately," Victoria said.
"Oh my," Millie said as Harry took another heavy hit, while remaining on his broom.
"And they didn't sub him out, because," Pansy said.
"They did but Ginny got the same treatment," Elizabeth said pointing to Ginny who was laying on the bench in the players box hounding her arm. "And Harry demanded to go back in after that."
"I see," Johanna said, turning her head towards the game.
Break
"Seriously, Lucian, knock it the hell off," Oliver yelled as Harry was sent reeling from another hit.
"Knock what off," Lucian replied with a smirk.
"You know damn well what you're doing," Oliver shot back.
"Who me, I am simply playing by the rules," Lucian said, turning to look at Harry. "Get good scrub."
"Fine that's how you want to play it," Oliver shot back. "Fred, George, consider yourself off the leash."
"Roger that boss man," the twins said.
"Heads up boys the twins are up to something," Lucian said.
"They are certainly dragging the game out," Liz said as the sun began to set.
"It's probably the only way they have to win," Pansy said.
"Exactly, he will get the snitch eventually, the trick is to drag out the game and hopefully run up the score so even if he gets the snitch we still win by points," Johanna replied.
"Since when do you know quidditch," Pansy replied.
"Since I had to cheer for it," Johanna replied. "It's not really my thing."
"That's because there is no ice or art involved," Victoria said with a smirk.
"Hey," Johanna retorted as the game continued. "It's not like you're any better, music head."
"Guilty as charged," Victoria said. "If it wasn't for Marcus, I'd probably give it a pass to."
Break
Tracy gave a bored look as she watched the game before nudging the girl next to her. "Vainsley," she whispered.
"Yes," she replied.
"This is how you get things done," Tracy said, checking the cheerleading box.
"You consider this getting things done," Vainsley hissed.
"Actifadu, Sylvia," she whispered to her wand in Welsh.
"And this is supposed to impress me," Vainsley said.
"Just watch," Tracy replied.
"This better be good," Vainsley said as the bludgers curved towards the Slytherin cheerleaders' box before being smacked away by the beaters. Only for the beaters to send them towards Harry again who flinched for the impact that never came as the bludgers curved away moving back towards the Slytherin cheerleader's box. "What did you do?"
"You'll see," Tracy said as the Weasley twins nailed the bludgers again aiming for Lucian who pulled up out of the way.
"Sylvia get down," Liz yelled as the girl froze, staring in horror at the bludgers headed directly towards her. Still exhausted from their performance the others were still moving as a flash of blond rocketed past them followed by a sickening crack. "ARGH!" Liz screamed holding Sylvia tightly as the Bludgers turned heading back for the pair.
"Verstärkung!" Victoria roared leaping into the air, her foot lashing out at the iron balls sending them into matching craters in the ground.
"You bastards," Lucian and Adrian yelled, rocketing towards the twins.
"Both teams on the ground now," Madame Hooch roared, flying between them. "And I hear one word, or see one spell."
"Professor," Lucian protested.
"Now," Madame Hooch barked.
"Yes, Ma'am," everyone said slowly floating to the ground.
"Sylvia are you ok," Liz forced out through grit teeth.
"I'm fine, but…. Oh my god," Sylvia gasped at the sight of the bone poking through Liz's skin.
"It's not as bad as it looks," Liz forced out.
"Elizabeth take Sylvia," Millie ordered.
"Come on," Elizabeth said, pulling the third year away.
"Victoria silence spell," Liz said, her voice growing ragged.
"On it," Victoria said, waving her wand a blue line of magic trailing from it forming into a runic circle. "Geräuschunterdrückung," she said as the circle settled over them just as Liz finally screamed out in pain her cries unheard by the spectators and more importantly the other girls Elizabeth was herding away.
Johanna pulled out a large green emerald. "He…." she began to say before Millie put her hand on hers.
"Let me," Millie said, taking the gemstone.
"But you don't…" Johanna said.
"Green represents nature, and I have a closer connection to nature than you," Millie said, holding the gem over Liz. "Guérir," Millie said as she crushed the stone letting the green dust sprinkled down over Liz.
"Thank you," Liz said as the pain began to abate as a gentle green glow settled over her.
"You have to stop him," Liz groaned as tears fell down her face.
"Stop who," they said.
"Mathew, stop him," Liz said before passing out.
"On it," Johanna said.
"No," Victoria said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You're still drained from the performance. "I've got this," she said leaping over the side descending gracefully to the floor of the stadium.
"Fred, George, that was over the line," Mathew roared marching across the field.
"Mathew, we swear we didn't," they protested.
"The hell you didn't, you targeted Liz," Mathew yelled.
"Dude seriously we would never target anyone," they said.
"Then what the hell was that," Mathew said pointing back at the stands.
"Mathew we are just as shocked as you are," Oliver said, moving to intercept him.
"Urk," Oliver said as Mathew grabbed him by his uniform hauling him off the ground.
"Cut the crap, I am all too aware of the pranks those two love to pull," Mathew said. "They seem to think that Syltherins are their personal test subjects." He hissed before tossing Oliver aside.
"We're boned," the twins said.
"Magische Peitsche," Victoria yelled, snapping her wrist out flinging a thin blue ribbon of magic around Mathew.
"Victoria, let me go," Mathew growled.
"No," Victoria yelled, grabbing the magic with her hand as she struggled to hold him in place.
"They deserve it," Mathew said.
"Not like this," Victoria said.
"You know they will just get away with it like they did with you Millie, and your sister," Mathew said.
"This was in public in front of the whole school. There will be no weaseling out this time," Victoria said. "Besides what would Liz think if you got expelled."
"... Fine, you win," Mathew said relenting.
"What did you do," Vainsley said.
"Nothing," Tracy smirked.
"Cut the crap, how did you make the bludgers, no that's impossible, Madame Hooch would have detected any magic cast on or directed at the pitch," Vainsley said.
"True," Tracy said.
"So how did you get the Bludgers to home in on Liz like that," Vainsley said.
"A real magician does not reveal their secrets, but I suppose letting one trick go for free isn't a bad thing," Tracy said. "I simply soaked a pair of school bludgers in a potion that essentially turned them into a magic magical magnet, and then swapped them for the competition pair at the last minute."
"Bullshit," Vainsley said. "There is no way you'd ever be able to pull that off."
"On my own you'd be correct, but you know dementors can be so helpful sometimes," Tracy said while buffing her nails.
"You got the dementors to listen to you," Vainsley gasped.
"Maybe," Tracy giggled.
"Ok, assuming I believe you, it still doesn't explain. It still doesn't explain how you got the bludger to home in them," Vainsley said.
"I soaked the shoes of the 2nd and 3rd year members of the team in the complementary potion and put a canceling charm over it. Then all I had to do was wait until one of the girls got into a good position," Tracy said.
"How did you know Liz would jump in," Vainsley said.
"I didn't but if it hit Johanna, Victoria, or Millie I would also consider that a win," Tracy said.
Break
"Why is she glowing," Madame Pomphrey said, breathing heavy from running across the stadium.
"Guérir, it's a basic French based healing spell, that slightly enhances the body's natural ability to heal," Millie said as the nurse looked over the unconscious Liz.
"I commend you for your quick reaction, but please cancel the spell. She has compound fractures in both femurs, this isn't something that will heal naturally," Pomphrey said watching as the girls clench their fists. "That doesn't mean it can't be healed, it just means that some extra help will be needed."
"Surely it is not that serious," Albus said, joining the group.
"Liz Tuttle has broken both her femurs, and you call this not serious," Pomphrey said, turning towards the old man. "This is beyond my ability to heal; she needs the experts at Saint Mungos."
"Surely..." Albus said.
"Where is the patient," a pair of healers said, appearing in the middle of the pitch.
"I've already called them," Pomphrey said waving the healers over.
"We're coming to," Johanna, Victoria, and Millie said.
"No can do, medical portkeys are designed to keep the patient stable and can not handle extra passengers," one of the healers said.
"Don't worry about me I'll be fine," Liz muttered as the pain relief potions kicked in.
"Ok, she's good to travel," the second healer said.
"I'll follow along with her medical file," Pomphrey said, calling for an elf who returned with the file. "Albus, can Fawkes," she said as the phoenix arrived in a burst of flame.
"Yes, and I will be joining you," Albus said before the pair vanished in a burst of flame.
"So now what, does like the game start back up or something," Pansy asked.
"Really," Johanna said, turning to glare at Pansy.
"What it's a valid question, I mean the game doesn't end until someone catches the snitch," Pansy said.
"You stupid blond-haired bimbo," Millie snapped marching over to Pansy. "Liz is on the way to the hospital with a pair of shattered legs and all you can think about is a game of quidditch. Where the hell are your priorities," Millie growled.
"Yes, Liz was hurt and that was terrible, but she is in the good hands of the Healers from Saint Mungo's. At this point there is nothing else we can really do." Pansy said.
"Do you not even care," Millie yelled.
"Do I care, yes, the Tuttle Family," Pansy said.
"Her family, Liz is hurt and you only care because of her family," Millie said.
"The Tuttle family is very important, and your histrionic ranting is not helping," Pansy said.
"And how am I not helping," Millie snapped.
Pansy raised her hand pointing to the sky. "Dementors are attracted to intense emotions," Pansy said.
"You have got to be kidding me," Hermione groaned watching as the dementors approached.
"Dementors!" the students screamed as a panic ensued.
"Students remain calm," Professor Meloi called out over the loudspeaker.
"Fat chance of that," Pansy said, gripping her wand as a chill passed through the stadium.
Break
"Where are the professor's," Padma yelled as the dementor's swooped down.
"It's the weekend and a full moon so most of the Professors are otherwise occupied," Luna replied.
"Why does it matter that it's a full moon," Padma replied.
"You mean you don't know," Luna replied.
"No," Padma said. "And can't you do that thing."
"Not with this many of them, and they would just swarm me and anyone near me," Luna replied as they blotted out the moon.
"Ok, but that thing you do is just concentrated magical power right," Padma said.
"More or less, but with a little of Artemis's divine authority," Luna replied.
"Close enough," Padma said, clenching her fist. "Ok, Padma nothing like a trial by fire, sudrdheekaran," Padma said. "Lohe kee chaadar," Padma said gritting her teeth. "Now back off!" Padma yelled, slamming her fist into an approaching dementor feeling the satisfaction of her fist catching something solid as she launched the dementor back.
"What the hell was that," Penelope gasped.
"Use enough magic and anything works," Luna said.
"Oh I can do that," Cho said. "Huǒyàn pēnshè qì," Cho yelled firing off a series of fireballs from her wand.
Break
"Students remain calm," Professor Meloi called out over the loudspeaker as they scrambled to leave the stadium racing out across the grounds.
"Someone is going to get kissed at this point," Millie said.
"No shit sherlock," Pansy shot back, diving for cover.
"Johanna," Victoria yelled using her whip to swing back up into the cheerleading box.
"Millie can you," Johanna asked.
"After the performance and stabilizing Liz, I'm tapped out," Millie said as they looked out over the chaos.
"Ms. Granger is your project ready," Professor Meloi yelled slowly working his way towards them while driving the dementors off.
"Yes, but what does that have to do with anything," Johanna replied.
"A large burst of magical energy would distract them," Millie said.
"But how would that help," Victoria said as Mathew activated his shield creating a large white dome that forced the dementors back.
"Professor I am going to need your help," Johanna said.
"Of course," Meloi replied. "What do you need."
"I am going to link my project to the castle wards," Johanna said.
"I can help you link it to the local leyline but I don't have access to the castle wards," Professor Meloi replied.
"Crap," Johanna hissed as a white arrow shot across the stadium. "Victoria," Johanna said, lifting her head to look at them. "Get everyone one inside the areas marked off for my project. Millie get Luna for me, Professor I need you to make sure I don't screw this up."
"On it," the girls said.
"And what about the dementors flying around," Pansy screamed.
"Wait where is Tarasque," Millie said.
"Isn't he with Elizabeth," Victoria said.
"No, and I can't find him anywhere," Elizabeth said running up to them.
"You need to train your dumb dog better," Pansy said pointing to a large dog walking along the top of the stadium.
"No," Millie yelled as the dog began to transform into a person.
"You have an interesting taste in pets Ms. Blustrode," Professor Meloi said as Sirius Black appeared.
"HEY! DEMENTORS!" Sirius's voice boomed. "LOOKING FOR ME!" he roared, dropping his pants. "THEN COME AND KISS MY SHINY WHITE ASS YOU PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR A GRIM REAPER!" he yelled mooning the dementors who froze and turned towards him.
"Bad Tarasque, no snacks for you," Millie yelled.
"Missed me," Sirius yelled, jumping off the side of the stadium.
"Come on we have work to do," the professor said.
"Right," the girls said, racing off as a large group of dementors peeled off after Sirius followed closely by several Gryffindor's.
Break
"Everyone, please get inside the areas marked off by the yellow tape," Victoria yelled as she raced through the stadium.
"Victoria," Marcus called out flying up to her.
"Marcus," Victoria said, jumping on to his broom.
"Let's get out of here," Marcus said.
"No we need to get everyone into the areas marked off for Johanna's project," Victoria said.
"And what will that do," Marcus said.
"My sister has a plan," she replied.
"Got it," Marcus said.
"Lucian, Johanna's got a plan," Marcus yelled.
"You heard him Oliver," Lucian said.
"And I care because," Oliver said.
"Because in case you haven't noticed quidditch-obsessed jackass, we are currently under attack from dementors. Now you can either help us, or get out of our way," Mathew added.
"He's right," Katie and Angelina said.
Oliver looked up at the panic students as the terrified screams of the students combined with the revolting hiss of the dementors. "Fine what do you want us to do," Oliver said.
"Get them out of the stands and we'll shuttle them to where Johanna wants them," Marcus said.
"And the dementors," Katie said.
"I'm sure you boys always have some pranks on hand," Lucian said looking at the twins.
Break
"Luna," Johanna yelled.
"Johanna," Luna said, racing towards her as Cho continued to shoot fireballs at the dementors.
"Luna is Artemis listening," Johanna said.
Luna's eyes flashed silver. "Yes."
"I have a plan," Johanna said.
"Make it quick," Luna said.
"I'm going to activate my project and the magical flare should confuse the dementors, but if I used some of Artemis's power," Johanna said.
"Humans aren't meant to handle divine authorities," Luna said.
"I know, but I'm just using my project to flash it all over the grounds distracting the dementors," Johanna said.
"Ah I see, that is possible, but you don't have enough power," Luna said.
"Yeah, I didn't expect to have to do this now and my mana gems are in the castle," Johanna said.
"We are going to tap into a local leyline," Professor Meloi said.
"That would do it," Luna said.
"What do you need," Cho asked.
"I hate to ask this of students but we will need cover from the dementors while I rework the main array to tap into a local leyline," Professor Meloi explained.
"We can do that," Padma said.
"Don't forget us," Parvati and Lavender added.
"Shall we take a walk then," Professor Meloi said slowly righting himself facing off a pack of approaching dementors. "While I am loath to rely on students, that does not mean I can not help," he said adjusting his glasses. "Now ladies the wand movement is a forward thrust, the correct pronunciation is Expetco Patronum, all while focusing on a happy memory, the key is the emotion, and not the memory itself," He said thrusting his wand towards the dementor a large white stallion erupting from his wand and trampling the beast.
"I need to learn that spell," Johanna whispered in awe of the magical beast before it turned back towards her.
"Later, right now you need to focus, activating the entire project at once is no easy feat," Professor Meloi said before picking her up and placing her on the horse.
"Wait professor," Johanna squeaked before Luna was placed next to her.
"As I said you need to focus," he said as they began wading through the chaos.
"Right," Johanna muttered as she sat helplessly watching the chaos raging around her.
Break
"Millie duck," Neville called out. "Telum terrae," he roared, a missile made out of rock exploding out of the tip of his wand rocketing across the ground throwing a dementor back.
"Thanks," Millie said, leaping back to her feet.
"I hate being useless," Millie growled.
"You are not useless," Neville said.
"Dementors are flooding the place, and I can't even cast a single spell," Millie said.
"You don't need spells to help," Neville said.
"I don't," Millie said as they ran for the stables.
"No, you just need to ask your friends," Neville said pointing at the agitated animals who were chomping at the bit tugging at their restraints.
"Goomba, Goomba, Goomba," the mushroom-like creatures chanted.
The scared look on Millie's face began to change with a slight upturn of her lips. "Yes, you are right I do have friends," Millie said reaching out to touch one of the larger goombas.
"Koopa, koopa, koopa," several turtles chanted, eager for Millie's attention.
"Demetors are threatening my friends, and I would appreciate it if you could help me punish the dementors for being meanies," Millie said gently patting their heads. "I'll give each one of you a special treat for each student that you help," she said before releasing them.
"Goomba, Koopa, Goomba, Koopa," the animals chanted, racing out across the grounds pouncing on the unsuspecting dementors.
"Now, I have a dog to punish," Millie said. "Steve," she called out, extending her arm.
"Millie, I don't think," Neville said as Steve seemed to just appear out of the grass slithering up her leg and onto her arm.
"Where is Tarasque," she said.
"He disappeared into a tree," Steve hissed.
"Show me," she said.
"Millie, I'm not sure," Neville said.
"I didn't save that hound dog's life just so he could sacrifice himself, now let's go," Millie said marching off.
"Oh hell, Millie," Neville yelled chasing after her.
Break
"Pavarti stop screwing around and get over here," Padma yelled.
"Does it look like I am screwing around," Pavarti shot back as she fought back against the dementors.
"Go, go, go," Lavender said, pushing along a group of first and second years.
"Lavender, look out," Dean yelled.
"What," Lavender said, turning as a dementor slammed into her skeletal hands grabbing her shoulders.
"Lav," the Patil twins screamed.
"I might be a flighty girl, and not the best with a wand, but I was sorted into Gryffindor for a reason and you are not taking anyone else," Lavender said, latching onto the dementor. The creature wailed struggling to break free as it rose into the air.
"Oliver, they took Lavender," Colin yelled pointing to the sky.
"Like hell they are," Oliver yelled, turning his broom to chase after them only to be swarmed by dementors.
"Get off me," Oliver said, lashing out at the creatures before he was thrown from his broom. "I said get off!"
"Aayaran phist," Padma and Pavarti yelled, launching themselves at the horde. Magically reinforced fists hammered against the skeletal bodies of the dementors.
"Are all twins freaking crazy," Penelope gasped as a sickening crack reverberated across the field as everyone paused slowly turning their heads to see a dementor holding its side appearing to be in pain.
"Did they just," Penelope said.
"Break it's ribs," Percy finished.
"She did it," Padma and Pavarti said pointing at each other as the dementors howled swarming around the injured one.
"Oh come on, you were the one who broke his ribs," Padma said.
"But you broke his jaw," Parvati shot back.
"Either way I don't think they will accept an apology," they said.
"Screw an apology, Sturm," Victoria yelled from above as a white tornado slammed into the dementors scattering them.
"That works too," the twins said.
"Pavarti where is Lavender," Victoria called down from her spot on the broom next to Marcus.
"The dementor's got her," Parvati said, pointing to where she was still struggling against the dementor.
"The hell they do, Marcus let's go," Victoria snapped.
"Jarol," Marcus snapped, kicking his broom into action. "You do have a plan right."
"Blast it and catch Lavender before she hits the ground," Victoria said.
"Works for me," Marcus said, racing after the dementor who held Lavender. "But you got any ideas on how to handle those guys," he said as the dementors began to close in around them.
Victoria smiled spinning her wand in her hand. "Sturmschild," she called out as a sphere of swirling wind formed around them. "I can't hold this for long so punch it."
Marcus didn't need to be told twice and pushed all of his magic and more into the broom his eyes locked on Lavender. "Come on," he growled, willing himself to go even faster, a white and yellow streak across the evening sky.
"Get your hands off my friend," Victoria roared as they slammed into the dementor, her fist hitting something solid where it's head would be as Lavender fell onto the broom.
"Got her," Marcus yelled one arm around Lavender as the other kept a tight grip on the broom.
"Go," Victoria yelled just as they shot off. "Eat this," Victoria yelled, tossing several small sparkling clear gemstones at the dementors. "Sturm explosion!" The air behind them exploded in a maelstrom ripping into the dementors.
"Now what," Marcus said, turning to make sure Victoria was still behind him.
"Window!" Victoria yelled. "Sturmschild." she cried as they crashed through the large windows of the hospital wing.
Break
"Ready," Johanna called out.
"Ready," Professor Meloi said.
"Luna the transfer," Johanna said.
"Ok, but you are not going to like it," Luna said before reaching up and pulling Johanna's head down for a quick kiss.
"GAH! What the hell Luna!" Johanna exclaimed as magic flooded her body. "Tingly," Johanna muttered as she staggered a bit.
"While I can't say I agree with the method the results are effective," Professor Meloi said as silver wings erupted from Johanna's back.
"You tell anyone about this and we will be having words," Johanna said.
"Was it that bad?" Luna asked.
"No," Johanna snapped. "I just didn't think it would be my first kiss."
"Me too, but if Artemis's memories are anything to go by it wasn't bad," Luna said.
"What you can see my memories," a second voice said from Luna's mouth.
"Sometimes," Luna replied. "So where can I find my own Orion," Luna replied.
"Later, right now Johanna needs to get to work," Artemis said.
"Right," everyone said.
"Johanna, whatever you are going to do, do it fast," Padma and Pavarti said, taking a defensive stance as a large group of dementors turned their attention towards them.
Johanna clapped her hands once before dropping to her knees, her hands over top of the rune array. "Activating primary array," Johanna said as white lines raced across the ground lighting up the twilight sky.
"Merlin's bloody balls," Dean gasped as dementor's all paused, their darkness being driven away by the light of the spell.
"Understatement," Seamus replied.
"Initiating leyline tap," Professor Meloi said as a pillar of light erupted from the ground.
"What the fuck is that," Vainsley yelled poinitng at the pillar of light.
"Someone's tapping the local leyline," Tracy answered.
"Ok, but what the hell is a leyline," Vainsley said.
"Short version is the magic circulatory system of the Earth, and it is particularly potent due to the abundance of life in the forbidden forest," Tracy said.
"And you know how," Vainsley said.
"I have knowledgeable teachers," Tracy replied.
Johanna pulled out her wand directing it toward the pillar. "Connecting the leyline to the primary array." she said as her wand began to vibrate, as faint wisps of smoke began emerging from her wand. "Connection, stable, routing magic through secondary arrays," Johanna said as the magic flared out across the castle grounds, the light blotting out the night sky.
"I bullied her, what was I thinking," Daphne gasped as the night turned into day. "Mother must have dropped me on my head."
"Johanna really is something else," Elizabeth said smiling as the dementors pulled back.
"She's incredible," Daphne muttered. "But why does she hate me now…"
"I can't help you with that one," Elizabeth said.
"Johanna," Luna yelled as the girl's wand exploded, the magic beginning to flicker like a strobe light.
"GAH," Johanna yelled as she was thrown across the field from the explosion.
"We're boned," the Weasley twins said, watching as the light began to fade.
"I believe a strategic retreat is in order," Professor Meloi said as the dementors regrouped.
"No, I still have magic," Johanna said, dragging herself to her feet, her silver wings flaring to life.
"And you'll be next if you don't discharge that," Artemis said.
"Please tell me you have some gems," Padma said.
"Pavarti, cut it," Johanna said holding out her long silver hair.
"But…" Parvati wavered.
"Just do it," Johanna snapped.
"Right," Parvati said, slashing her wand. "Diffindo," she said slicing off Johanna's long braided hair.
"Reinitiating primary and secondary arrays," Johanna yelled, throwing her hair into the air smiling as the silver strands sparkled in the moonlight as they fell on the magic array causing them to flare with even more power.
"Using your hair to transmit magic," Professor Meloi said. "Inefficient but effective in a pinch.
"Activating the transfiguration matrix," Johanna said, pushing more power into the magical system. The various piles of material around the grounds slowly shrinking as buildings began to appear constructing themselves around the huddled students.
"Incredible," Professor Meloi gasped.
"That won't hold the dementors off forever though," Padma said as they began to slam into the buildings.
"If this doesn't work, get ready to run," Johanna said, breathing heavy.
"If what doesn't work," they asked as the runes that made up the array began to move, taking a new shape.
"Lunar protection protocol activated," Johanna said as her silver wings exploded in a shower of silver light. The fragments looked like falling snow as they were pulled into the magic circles spread across the grounds. "Shield of Artemis," Johanna panted as glowing silver domes appeared over the students.
"Bloody hell she did it," Professor Meloi said before adjusting his glasses.
"Does this mean I can be in 5th year classes next year," Johanna muttered looking up at the professor.
"It does if I have anything to say about it," he said as the dementors wailed in frustration as they bounced off the silver shields.
"Ok, I'm gonna take a nap now," Johanna said before slumping to the ground unconscious.
Break
"What was that," Neville asked as the surrounding tunnel groaned.
Millie stopped placing a hand on the wall of the tunnel. "I think someone tapped the leyline running through the forest."
"I thought they were only theoretical," Neville said.
"I guess not," Millie said. "But that just means we don't have to worry about everyone else."
"That's good," Neville said as they heard people arguing ahead.
"You bastard, you killed my parents," Harry screamed, his voice cracking from the raw emotion of seeing his parents killer.
"Harry I," Sirius pleaded.
"Shut up," Harry yelled.
"So what will you do now Potter," Snape said.
"I'll kill you," Harry yelled, tackling Sirius to the floor. "You killed my parents," Harry raged, pummeling him.
"Stop it," Millie said, rushing into the room.
"What the hell are you doing here," Ginny yelled, pulling her wand.
"That is something I would like to know as well Miss Bulstrode," Professor Snape said from his spot in the shadows.
Sirius locked eyes with Millie for a moment before nodding. "We got to close the whomping willow during the commotion and got dragged into a tunnel that led here," Neville said.
"I am not stupid or naive Miss Blustrode, the whomping Willow would not have attacked you. Nor would you have left your friends behind, now what is the real reason you came here," Professor Snape glaring at the pair.
"If you must know Professor, I directed some friends to help with the dementor problem before coming here," Millie said.
"Then why are you here," Ginny demanded.
"I am here to retrieve Tarasque and punish him for being a very bad dog," Millie said.
"Do you see that monster dog here anywhere," Ron yelled as Snape's eyes turned towards Sirius.
"Impossible!" Snape roared.
"What's impossible," Ron said looking between the two.
"Animagus, but how," Snape said.
"In my defense, I thought he was a dog, and named him Tarasque, but he has turned out to be a very faithful companion even if he can be a bit naughty at times," Millie said.
"How can you say that, he murdered my parents," Harry screamed.
"Not everything is the way it seems Harry," Neville said.
"Shut up, you are with those liars," Ginny said.
"Harry you don't understand, Peter was the secret keeper," Sirius said.
"Peter Pettigrew is dead, you killed him," Snape said.
"Sadly you are mistaken Professor," Millie said.
"Then you know where he is," Snape replied.
"No," Millie said.
"Then shut the hell up you dumb blonde," Ginny snapped.
"Millie is not dumb," Neville shot back.
"She talks to plants," Ginny snapped.
"Hey I talk to animals too," Millie said.
"That's because you are an evil parcel mouth," Ron said.
"Hey," Harry said glaring at his friends.
"Ok, fine but you're still a snake charmer," Ron said.
"Why thank you Ron I think that is the nicest thing you've ever said to me," Millie replied.
"That wasn't a compliment, fat ass," Ron shot back.
"I'll have you know Daphne is the fat one," Millie said.
"This is why I hate kids," Snape sighed.
"Then why are you a teacher," Harry, Ron, and Ginny yelled pointing at Snape.
"Shut up you brats," Snape snapped as Steve launched himself from Millie's arm slamming into Ron.
"GAH! Get it off me get it off me," Ron yelled flailing his arms throwing Scabbers into the air only to be snagged by Trevor's tongue.
"Now I think it's time we got to the bottom of this," Millie said, staring at Scabbers. "Transform now or Steve gets a snack."
"What?" Ron, Ginny, Harry gasped as Scabbers turned into a fat ugly looking man in shabby clothes.
"Pettigrew is alive," Snape said.
"You bastard, you betrayed them," Sirius growled, throwing Harry off him lunging for Peter. "I'll kill you," Sirius roared slamming into him.
"I didn't kill them," Peter sniveled as Sirius began choking him. "You did."
"I didn't sell them out," Sirius shot back.
"Liar," Peter said, smirking as Harry threw himself at Sirius.
"Harry stop," Sirius said as Harry put his arm around Sirius's neck pulling back hard, choking him.
"You were always jealous of James, you bastard." Peter said breaking free from Sirius's grip.
"Oh this is just precious," Snape sneered.
"Professor do something," Ginny yelled.
"Why," Snape said, moving towards the hidden passageway.
"Don't bother," Nevillle said before grabbing Harry.
"Neville you traitor," Harry yelled, flailing his arms. "Ron!"
"Get off Harry you traitor," Ron yelled, throwing a punch at Neville.
"I guess that leaves you to me," Ginny said.
"You do not scare me," Millie said.
"I will," Ginny boasted, charging her.
"You are no nothing like them," Millie said, turning to the side as she raised her foot.
"Of course not, I'm better," Ginny said as Millie spun lashing out with her leg striking Ginny in the side. The red head crumpled to the floor.
"No, you are not," Millie said.
"Millie look out," Neville yelled as Peter broke free.
"Touch my human and you die," Steve hissed lunging at Peter.
"Snake," Peter screamed, quickly shifting into a rat and falling through a crack in the floor.
"Dam it," Sirius screamed.
"You are not getting away," Harry said as the howl of a lone wolf echoed through the house.
"You need to leave now," Sirius yelled as the sound of an animal walking across the old floors filtered into the room.
"No," the children yelled.
"Idiots," Sirius groaned as the sound of a large animal breathing drew their eyes to the door to the rest of the house, yellow eyes peering at them out of the darkness.
"Neville get behind me," Millie said.
"What are you crazy," Neville shot back.
"No, that would be Johanna," Millie said looking back at him. "I actually have a plan."
"Werewolf, we need to move," Ron said, grabbing Harry.
"But he'll get away," Harry cried out.
"From a werewolf, I don't think so," Ron said. "Come on help me with Ginny."
"This isn't over," Harry yelled, scrambling as he helped Ginny into the hidden passageway.
"Moony, it's not what you think," Sirius pleaded.
The massive beast let out a deafening roar lunging at Sirius while at the same time Millie thrust her wand into the floor. "Grandir et piéger," Mille yelled as all manner of plants exploded out of the floor wrapping up the werewolf.
"What the bloody hell was that," Sirius exclaimed.
"When you drill for water what happens when you hit it for the first time," Millie said.
"Well sometimes it can spray out, if the underground spring is under pressure," Neville said.
"Exactly, and this was a large leyline with a lot of pressure. My connection to nature allows me to absorb some of the excess," Millie said.
"And when did you find this out," Sirius asked.
"When we were walking through the tunnel to get here," Millie said.
"You kids," Sirius sighed slowly standing up.
"I suggest we leave before he breaks free," Neville said.
"Right," Sirius said.
"And can I count on you to go straight home tonight, no side trips or stupid ideas," Millie said glaring at Sirius.
"Yes, Ma'am," Sirius said.
"Good, and thank you for saving us tonight," Millie said.
"It's the least I could do," Sirius said as they left.
