By the time the first hour struck, Odile could thoroughly consider herself cold. Her fingertips seemed to be gathering a bluish tint from what she could see in the moonlight. Snow flurries laid a fine dusting the floor as they gathered in from the open window. She hung her head, breath becoming more painful by the second. Sleep threatened to overtake her, though she was reluctant to leave herself vulnerable. Turned out she didn't have much of a choice as her eyes fluttered shut, pulled down once more by invisible weights. Then, she dreamt. She couldn't make out much, there was snow and light, but she felt at home. This… peace she couldn't explain, warmth that spread through her form. And she saw a face, the features impossible to make out yet she knew him. She could feel her skin heat under his touch. And the way he said her name, with all the love in his heart, like she was his entire world.

"Odile… Odile… ODILE!" She jerked awake, eyes darting around wildly like a trapped animal. She felt hands on her face and looked down to see-

"Buxtley?" He held her face gently, scanning her battered form with obvious concern.

"My poor girl, what have they done to you?" She tried to clear her throat but it just proved to be more painful than it was worth.

"You can't be h- here. They'll... they'll hurt you."

"Damned what they do to me! I've got to get you out of here." She felt herself slump against him as he released her bindings. He propped her up with care, throwing her arm over his shoulder. She leant against him with all her weight, and he pulled her tightly against his form.

"Come on love, we don't have much time." She blinked heavily, but staggered with him. Given she had no feeling in her joints, walking was proving to be an obstacle. They hurried past several knocked out guards and she couldn't help but look at him in surprise.

"Did you-?"

"They didn't put me in charge for no reason my dear. Now hurry." She smiled despite the situation and forged on, hobbling up the stone steps as quickly as she could. With no shoes, walking on the stone felt like walking on ice, but she didn't have time to concentrate on any of the pain. They'd just made it up to the steps when someone appeared from the corner, a wand on them before Buxtley could blink. They were both out of breath, and stared at the boy with evident fear. Odile cleared her throat, and pleaded with the familiar face, desperation clear in her voice.

"Adrian… please." He glanced between Buxtley and Odile with apprehension before lowering his voice.

"Stupify me, and make it a good one, they can't find out I helped. Your wand is in my back pocket." They glanced between one another before looking back at an impatient Pucey. He indicated them to hurry and Buxtley drew his wand.

"Thank you." She whispered forcibly, clutching his forearm before the butler could sound his spell. He regarded her with some disappointment before nodding softly.

"We could have been great, you know. You'd better get out of this alive Odile. I'm rooting for you." She grinned crookedly as he shut his eyes to brace himself. Buxtley sent out a silent curse and the boy was thrown backwards, knocked clean out. Odile pocketed her wand before hurrying forward, leaning on Buxtley for support. He pulled her towards the opposite direction than the entrance and she looked at him in confusion.

"Servant's door. You don't really want to go through the ballroom again, do you?" She nodded quickly and followed him. There were a few of the staff milling about, but they all quickly turned their heads. It was a silent show of support, but support nonetheless. He got her to the kitchen's exit door before throwing his coat around her and moving back.

"Buxtley, what are you doing?" She hissed, still limping slightly. He smiled bittersweetly at her before glancing back as voices began to rise from the ballroom.

"Someone's got to hold that lot off."

"They'll kill you!" She whispered in horror, tugging at his arm. He simply smiled and held her face, pouring as much love into her eyes as possible.

"You're worth a death sentence, my love. Not to mention," he cut her off before she could protest, "This old dog still has a few cards up his sleeve. Now go. Go!" He pushed her gently, but she threw her arms around him before he could get her out fully.

"Thank you. I love you." He clutched her tightly, placing a soft kiss on her head. He gently pushed her off of him, grasping her biceps.

"It's been an honour serving you, Odile, truly. Now go!" She nodded before hurrying through the exit. Buxtley sighed before turning back to the room of employees.

"You lot too, I won't have any of you caught in the crossfire." There was silence, and a lot of shared glances. Then, there was the sound of wood clicking against stone as the dishwasher Jim stalked towards Buxtley, his prosthetic leg steady in his direction.

"If you think," his Scottish brogue filling the room clearly, "that any of us would miss out on the opportunity to strike down a few of those entitled bastards, you hired the wrong staff." Buxtley couldn't help but smile, as loud resounding cries rang out around the room. Shouts of anger began to fill the corridors and Buxtley turned to his group.

"As soon as you can, apparate out. We'll deal the first wave, then run. May Merlin be with you all." There were grim looks but several nods of agreement. Footsteps sounded in the corridor and the small group of servants steeled themselves. Faces began to appear in the doorway, and they trained their wands forward.

"STUPIFY!"

A/N: Sorry this is such a short one loves, but it was really the only cut off point that worked. Next chapter will be longer, hand on heart. Anyway, hope you enjoyed. I don't want to be a beggar, but please leave a review! I say it so often because it genuinely helps me as a writer. Especially since I've started writing book 3, all ideas or tips are welcome.

Special thank you to Psycho-Jellybean, Sakura Lisel and Ravarynn1 for following! Another thank you to Sakura Lisel and Ravarynn1 for favouriting. And a huge shoutout to Sakura Lisel for following and favouriting my profile, it means the world. Until the next one!