Chapter 25- The fighting begins
The Professor's and Auror's assembled outside the castle the next morning. Remus stood with Sirius, Harry, and Anaka. He scanned the crowd for Leslie. His brow furrowed with concern when he realized she was not there. Severus was standing a few feet away and Remus walked towards him.
"Hello Severus," he said quietly.
Severus was fixing his robes and now he looked up at Remus.
"I'm afraid I have to go check with Voldemort," he grumbled. He started to walk away but Remus stopped him.
"Have you seen Leslie since last night?" he asked.
"No," Severus said slowly, "Why?"
"I saw her last night. She left to find the creature and kill it. She had a bunch of muggle stuff and I'm pretty sure we would have heard it if it went off. I'm worried about what might have happened to her."
"Leslie can take care of herself," Severus said gruffly.
"I know…it's just…." he sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "I'm worried."
"Keep your mind on the battle and your daughter," he said nodding toward Anaka.
Remus nodded and watched Severus pull up his hood and leave. He walked back to the others. Remus ignored Sirius's stare and smiled a forced smile at Anaka.
"Everything ok?" she asked.
"Fine," he replied.
She nodded but Remus knew it hadn't fooled her. She was always able to see when he was bothered by something. Like her mother, Remus thought gloomily. He quickly pushed the worry and concern out of his head as Dumbledore came out of the castle. He stood in front of the assembled Professors and Aurors.
"My friends," he said sternly, "today we risk our lives in the first real battle against the darkest power in the world. I suppose there is no way to avoid deaths but please try to refrain from killing. If we turn to using those methods we are no better then he is."
The group murmured their agreement. Sirius stayed towards the back of the crowd with a hood hiding his face. He scanned the group and frowned when he realized what had bothered Remus.
"Leslie," he said under his breath.
The girl was causing more trouble then he had thought she would. Remus having feelings for her made it worse.
Dumbledore continued to talk and soon they were getting into their positions and warming up. Anaka and Harry started to talk nervously while Remus continued to scan the grounds. Sirius sighed.
"You won't see her and you know it," he said softly, edging closer to Remus, "Keep your head here and watch out for your daughter!"
Remus looked at him in surprise.
"I was just looking around," he shrugged.
"I think I know you better then that Remus," Sirius snapped.
"Ok, ok! I'm just worried. Why would it take her all night!?"
"Have you seen this thing Remus? It's huge and we don't know what can kill it! Leslie can take care of herself. I think it's time you did the same."
Remus smiled slightly.
"What would I do without you as a friend?" he asked.
"I shudder to think," Sirius replied with a laugh.
Anaka watched her father talk to Sirius. Harry was talking about something but her mind was somewhere else. What was her father worried about? Anaka knew her father needed to concentrate on what was going on or he could make a fatal mistake. The fact they were going to transform tonight did not help the situation. Anaka's head was already pounding and her stomach was a mess, made worse from her nerves.
"Are you ok?" Harry asked. Anaka blinked and looked back at him.
"My dad seems to be worried about something," she sighed.
Harry shook his head.
"If that ever happens to me I give you permission to knock me back to myself."
"If what happens?" Anaka asked.
"If I ever fall in love and lose my senses."
Anaka paused a moment. A smile crept onto her face.
"What?" Harry asked.
"Harry you are such a genius!" she blurted.
"What?!" Harry asked confused.
"You have relieved what's making my dad so confused and worried! He won't accept it so it's eating him. I knew it all along! He loves Leslie!"
Harry absorbed that a moment and shook his head.
"They have not known each other long enough for that to happen."
"Why not?" Anaka scolded, "John and I fell in love and we did not know each other that long."
Harry gave her a skeptical look and Anaka sighed.
"It explains why he is so worried," she suggested.
Harry shrugged.
"I guess we have more important things to think about," she grumbled. Harry smiled slightly and they walked towards the Miffugans.
****************************************
Leslie awoke suddenly and checked her watch. She sighed when she realized she had only slept a half an hour. Leslie had been awake all night and had not slept a wink. Even though it was only a half an hour, it felt good to sleep a little. Leslie knew she needed all the strength she could get.
Leslie got up from her seat behind the statue where Anaka had been attacked and stretched. There had been no sign of the creature all night. Leslie checked the weapons at her belt to make sure they were all there. The dagger, pocketknife, handgun, potion, wand, and small bombs were all in place. She looked up and down the now light hall. Leslie let her mind wander as she paced the hall. What if she never found the creature? What if the creature left the castle and started attacking the professor's and auror's outside? What if the creature killed Dumbledore? Or Harry? Or Remus, or Anaka, or Severus?
Leslie stopped pacing and shook her head. Worrying was not going to help her. She looked at the statue for a moment. Leslie's eyes widened and she walked closer. A series of scratches were on the statue that had not been there before Leslie went to sleep. She bent closer and gasped when she realized what it meant. Before she could turn around Leslie was sent sprawling to the ground by a powerful blow to her side. She scrambled to her feet and turned around to see the creature. Leslie made sure to avoid its eyes as she unhooked the potion on her belt.
"Why must you get in the way?" the creature hissed, "It is not you I was sent to kill."
"Then who were you sent to kill?" Leslie shot back. The creature laughed.
"Why would I tell you?"
"I will reconsider killing you if you do," Leslie replied. The creature laughed harder.
"You? Kill me? I think not…"
The creature lunged at her and Leslie jumped back, throwing the potion at where the creature's head should have been. The creature cried out and covered its eyes. The potion only seemed to annoy the creature. Leslie watched it grow larger and cursed silently. Why her?
The creature grabbed for her with a hand the size of her head. She rolled to the side and drew her handgun. The creature's claws raked her left side and Leslie crumpled to the ground. She looked at her side and gasped in pain. Her black shirt was torn and blood was seeping out of the three long wounds. She crawled away from the creature, wincing in pain. The creature hissed and grabbed her legs, pulling her towards it. Leslie cried out in pain and anger and turned over so that her back was being dragged on the floor. She pointed her gun at the creature's chest and fired three shots. The creature grunted and let her go. Leslie was surprised to see two burn marks on his chest in the shape of hands.
"John really hurt you huh?" Leslie gasped loudly.
The creature roared and knocked the gun out of Leslie's hands, knocking her against a wall in the process. She slumped against the wall, dazed. She took off the three bombs on her belt as the creature shrunk to a normal size. She threw them at the creature and watched with despair as he knocked them all aside, unfazed by the nearby explosions. Leslie looked at her belt again.
"My weapons seem to be going fast," she grumbled.
She drew the pocketknife and lunged at the creature. The creature grabbed her arm and twisted it in an odd direction. Leslie screamed and dropped the knife. The creature grabbed her other arm and forced her to her knees. Leslie gasped, staring at the ground.
"What should I do with you now?" the creature hissed in her ear.
********************************************
John looked at the scene before him. Professor Snape had returned from speaking with Voldemort a few minutes ago and was now discussing tactics with Dumbledore and a few other professors and aurors, his parents included. Anaka and Harry stood quietly next to him. Everyone was waiting patiently for the battle to start. John, Harry, and Anaka were the very last line of defense and John hated it. He was not a kid and should be in the first few lines with his parents. After all, they had powers that they could use to defend the others.
Anaka noticed his itchiness and felt a pang of guilt. He was back here against his will because of her and Harry. Everyone seemed to think they were too childish to do anything.
"I am sorry John," Anaka said suddenly.
John looked down at her surprised.
"For what?" he asked. Harry turned towards them to hear her reply.
"You got stuck here with Harry and I because we are young and everyone thinks we will either mess things up or get everyone killed. You must think I am such a child," Anaka said quietly, head bowed. John smiled and Anaka looked up as John took her hands.
"I do not think I have known anyone as grown up as you. You have been through more things in your life then I can count. You have made it through everything ok. If anyone should think someone's a child you should be thinking I am one. The things I have done were childish and nothing compared to you and Harry," he hugged her and Anaka buried her head in his shoulder.
"Even if I was in the front and you were back here I would come back here to protect you," he whispered.
He glanced at Harry and smiled at the boy's red face. Harry seemed to be very interested in the ground as they drew apart and kissed.
"Are you going to change when it starts?" Anaka asked. John shrugged.
"It depends on what my parents decide," he replied.
"Do you think your powers are stronger then Voldemort's?" Harry asked. John hesitated.
"Our powers are different. One has advantages and disadvantages against the other. I guess it depends."
Harry nodded. The small group of battle planers broke apart and Sirius, Remus, and the Miffugans walked towards them.
"It's all set," Alania said cheerfully. Anaka smiled. It seemed like one person was trying to keep cheerful.
"Do not try anything heroic," Sirius said sternly to Harry. Harry nodded and smiled as Sirius ruffled his hair.
"That goes for you to young lady," Remus said to Anaka. Anaka hugged her father.
"I promise," she replied.
"How are you both feeling?" Rich asked.
"Surprisingly well," Remus answered, "besides a pounding headache and a feeling like a knife in my stomach I am fine."
"I'm ok," Anaka smiled, "I just have a headache and a minor stomach ache."
Rich nodded.
"Good luck to you all," he said.
John hugged his father and mother and watched them walk to the front of the lines.
"I guess we should be going too. Severus said they will be here any minute," Remus said quietly. He hugged his daughter and Harry and shook John's hand.
"Be careful," he told his daughter's boyfriend.
John nodded. Remus and Sirius soon disappeared in the crowd.
"I guess we wait," Harry sighed.
John stayed silent. There was something moving in the surrounding forest. Something a few miles away.
"Do not let your guard down. They are coming," he said slowly.
"Where…" Anaka started to ask when a sound like people screaming all at once escaped the forest.
There was a moment of complete silence and then one of the five Aurors they had sent to watch in the forest came running towards them. Dumbledore met him halfway and everyone was craning to hear what they were saying. John could hear it perfectly and listened intently.
"What happened?" Dumbledore asked.
The auror tried to catch his breath and then spoke.
"They…. came out of no where…. no time…. to move. He killed the other four…. I ran as fast as I could…." he gasped.
"Who killed them?" Dumbledore asked, knowing the answer. The Auror's eyes were wide with fear as he looked at Dumbledore.
"You-Know-Who."
Then all hell broke loose.
The Professor's and Auror's assembled outside the castle the next morning. Remus stood with Sirius, Harry, and Anaka. He scanned the crowd for Leslie. His brow furrowed with concern when he realized she was not there. Severus was standing a few feet away and Remus walked towards him.
"Hello Severus," he said quietly.
Severus was fixing his robes and now he looked up at Remus.
"I'm afraid I have to go check with Voldemort," he grumbled. He started to walk away but Remus stopped him.
"Have you seen Leslie since last night?" he asked.
"No," Severus said slowly, "Why?"
"I saw her last night. She left to find the creature and kill it. She had a bunch of muggle stuff and I'm pretty sure we would have heard it if it went off. I'm worried about what might have happened to her."
"Leslie can take care of herself," Severus said gruffly.
"I know…it's just…." he sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "I'm worried."
"Keep your mind on the battle and your daughter," he said nodding toward Anaka.
Remus nodded and watched Severus pull up his hood and leave. He walked back to the others. Remus ignored Sirius's stare and smiled a forced smile at Anaka.
"Everything ok?" she asked.
"Fine," he replied.
She nodded but Remus knew it hadn't fooled her. She was always able to see when he was bothered by something. Like her mother, Remus thought gloomily. He quickly pushed the worry and concern out of his head as Dumbledore came out of the castle. He stood in front of the assembled Professors and Aurors.
"My friends," he said sternly, "today we risk our lives in the first real battle against the darkest power in the world. I suppose there is no way to avoid deaths but please try to refrain from killing. If we turn to using those methods we are no better then he is."
The group murmured their agreement. Sirius stayed towards the back of the crowd with a hood hiding his face. He scanned the group and frowned when he realized what had bothered Remus.
"Leslie," he said under his breath.
The girl was causing more trouble then he had thought she would. Remus having feelings for her made it worse.
Dumbledore continued to talk and soon they were getting into their positions and warming up. Anaka and Harry started to talk nervously while Remus continued to scan the grounds. Sirius sighed.
"You won't see her and you know it," he said softly, edging closer to Remus, "Keep your head here and watch out for your daughter!"
Remus looked at him in surprise.
"I was just looking around," he shrugged.
"I think I know you better then that Remus," Sirius snapped.
"Ok, ok! I'm just worried. Why would it take her all night!?"
"Have you seen this thing Remus? It's huge and we don't know what can kill it! Leslie can take care of herself. I think it's time you did the same."
Remus smiled slightly.
"What would I do without you as a friend?" he asked.
"I shudder to think," Sirius replied with a laugh.
Anaka watched her father talk to Sirius. Harry was talking about something but her mind was somewhere else. What was her father worried about? Anaka knew her father needed to concentrate on what was going on or he could make a fatal mistake. The fact they were going to transform tonight did not help the situation. Anaka's head was already pounding and her stomach was a mess, made worse from her nerves.
"Are you ok?" Harry asked. Anaka blinked and looked back at him.
"My dad seems to be worried about something," she sighed.
Harry shook his head.
"If that ever happens to me I give you permission to knock me back to myself."
"If what happens?" Anaka asked.
"If I ever fall in love and lose my senses."
Anaka paused a moment. A smile crept onto her face.
"What?" Harry asked.
"Harry you are such a genius!" she blurted.
"What?!" Harry asked confused.
"You have relieved what's making my dad so confused and worried! He won't accept it so it's eating him. I knew it all along! He loves Leslie!"
Harry absorbed that a moment and shook his head.
"They have not known each other long enough for that to happen."
"Why not?" Anaka scolded, "John and I fell in love and we did not know each other that long."
Harry gave her a skeptical look and Anaka sighed.
"It explains why he is so worried," she suggested.
Harry shrugged.
"I guess we have more important things to think about," she grumbled. Harry smiled slightly and they walked towards the Miffugans.
****************************************
Leslie awoke suddenly and checked her watch. She sighed when she realized she had only slept a half an hour. Leslie had been awake all night and had not slept a wink. Even though it was only a half an hour, it felt good to sleep a little. Leslie knew she needed all the strength she could get.
Leslie got up from her seat behind the statue where Anaka had been attacked and stretched. There had been no sign of the creature all night. Leslie checked the weapons at her belt to make sure they were all there. The dagger, pocketknife, handgun, potion, wand, and small bombs were all in place. She looked up and down the now light hall. Leslie let her mind wander as she paced the hall. What if she never found the creature? What if the creature left the castle and started attacking the professor's and auror's outside? What if the creature killed Dumbledore? Or Harry? Or Remus, or Anaka, or Severus?
Leslie stopped pacing and shook her head. Worrying was not going to help her. She looked at the statue for a moment. Leslie's eyes widened and she walked closer. A series of scratches were on the statue that had not been there before Leslie went to sleep. She bent closer and gasped when she realized what it meant. Before she could turn around Leslie was sent sprawling to the ground by a powerful blow to her side. She scrambled to her feet and turned around to see the creature. Leslie made sure to avoid its eyes as she unhooked the potion on her belt.
"Why must you get in the way?" the creature hissed, "It is not you I was sent to kill."
"Then who were you sent to kill?" Leslie shot back. The creature laughed.
"Why would I tell you?"
"I will reconsider killing you if you do," Leslie replied. The creature laughed harder.
"You? Kill me? I think not…"
The creature lunged at her and Leslie jumped back, throwing the potion at where the creature's head should have been. The creature cried out and covered its eyes. The potion only seemed to annoy the creature. Leslie watched it grow larger and cursed silently. Why her?
The creature grabbed for her with a hand the size of her head. She rolled to the side and drew her handgun. The creature's claws raked her left side and Leslie crumpled to the ground. She looked at her side and gasped in pain. Her black shirt was torn and blood was seeping out of the three long wounds. She crawled away from the creature, wincing in pain. The creature hissed and grabbed her legs, pulling her towards it. Leslie cried out in pain and anger and turned over so that her back was being dragged on the floor. She pointed her gun at the creature's chest and fired three shots. The creature grunted and let her go. Leslie was surprised to see two burn marks on his chest in the shape of hands.
"John really hurt you huh?" Leslie gasped loudly.
The creature roared and knocked the gun out of Leslie's hands, knocking her against a wall in the process. She slumped against the wall, dazed. She took off the three bombs on her belt as the creature shrunk to a normal size. She threw them at the creature and watched with despair as he knocked them all aside, unfazed by the nearby explosions. Leslie looked at her belt again.
"My weapons seem to be going fast," she grumbled.
She drew the pocketknife and lunged at the creature. The creature grabbed her arm and twisted it in an odd direction. Leslie screamed and dropped the knife. The creature grabbed her other arm and forced her to her knees. Leslie gasped, staring at the ground.
"What should I do with you now?" the creature hissed in her ear.
********************************************
John looked at the scene before him. Professor Snape had returned from speaking with Voldemort a few minutes ago and was now discussing tactics with Dumbledore and a few other professors and aurors, his parents included. Anaka and Harry stood quietly next to him. Everyone was waiting patiently for the battle to start. John, Harry, and Anaka were the very last line of defense and John hated it. He was not a kid and should be in the first few lines with his parents. After all, they had powers that they could use to defend the others.
Anaka noticed his itchiness and felt a pang of guilt. He was back here against his will because of her and Harry. Everyone seemed to think they were too childish to do anything.
"I am sorry John," Anaka said suddenly.
John looked down at her surprised.
"For what?" he asked. Harry turned towards them to hear her reply.
"You got stuck here with Harry and I because we are young and everyone thinks we will either mess things up or get everyone killed. You must think I am such a child," Anaka said quietly, head bowed. John smiled and Anaka looked up as John took her hands.
"I do not think I have known anyone as grown up as you. You have been through more things in your life then I can count. You have made it through everything ok. If anyone should think someone's a child you should be thinking I am one. The things I have done were childish and nothing compared to you and Harry," he hugged her and Anaka buried her head in his shoulder.
"Even if I was in the front and you were back here I would come back here to protect you," he whispered.
He glanced at Harry and smiled at the boy's red face. Harry seemed to be very interested in the ground as they drew apart and kissed.
"Are you going to change when it starts?" Anaka asked. John shrugged.
"It depends on what my parents decide," he replied.
"Do you think your powers are stronger then Voldemort's?" Harry asked. John hesitated.
"Our powers are different. One has advantages and disadvantages against the other. I guess it depends."
Harry nodded. The small group of battle planers broke apart and Sirius, Remus, and the Miffugans walked towards them.
"It's all set," Alania said cheerfully. Anaka smiled. It seemed like one person was trying to keep cheerful.
"Do not try anything heroic," Sirius said sternly to Harry. Harry nodded and smiled as Sirius ruffled his hair.
"That goes for you to young lady," Remus said to Anaka. Anaka hugged her father.
"I promise," she replied.
"How are you both feeling?" Rich asked.
"Surprisingly well," Remus answered, "besides a pounding headache and a feeling like a knife in my stomach I am fine."
"I'm ok," Anaka smiled, "I just have a headache and a minor stomach ache."
Rich nodded.
"Good luck to you all," he said.
John hugged his father and mother and watched them walk to the front of the lines.
"I guess we should be going too. Severus said they will be here any minute," Remus said quietly. He hugged his daughter and Harry and shook John's hand.
"Be careful," he told his daughter's boyfriend.
John nodded. Remus and Sirius soon disappeared in the crowd.
"I guess we wait," Harry sighed.
John stayed silent. There was something moving in the surrounding forest. Something a few miles away.
"Do not let your guard down. They are coming," he said slowly.
"Where…" Anaka started to ask when a sound like people screaming all at once escaped the forest.
There was a moment of complete silence and then one of the five Aurors they had sent to watch in the forest came running towards them. Dumbledore met him halfway and everyone was craning to hear what they were saying. John could hear it perfectly and listened intently.
"What happened?" Dumbledore asked.
The auror tried to catch his breath and then spoke.
"They…. came out of no where…. no time…. to move. He killed the other four…. I ran as fast as I could…." he gasped.
"Who killed them?" Dumbledore asked, knowing the answer. The Auror's eyes were wide with fear as he looked at Dumbledore.
"You-Know-Who."
Then all hell broke loose.
