Harry Potter and the Siege

by Yoda

[Book V AU:] Voldemort holds the castle, Harry and Dumbledore are back with three new friends could hold the key to salvation, and the final battle has begun....WORK IN PROGRESS

4. Parts 10 - 12

Chapter 10: Trials and Tryouts

Harry was first up the spiralling staircase and knocked on reaching the oaken door. It swung open to admit him and Draco, and instead of Dumbledore, Harry was surprised to find Lupin sat behind the desk. Without looking up he opened the second passageway and absent-mindedly waved them through. As he passed the desk Harry noted the file Lupin was reading, it was about him, beside that were three others, but he couldn't get their names.

Puzzled he followed Draco along the winding passage until they reached the sturdy iron door. Before Draco could knock, Harry grasped his arm on a whim; 'Our passwords Pigwidgeon.' With this Draco gave a curt nod and rapped on the door. The steel door moved open and Harry was surprised to see Dumbledore had done it himself.

'Ah good, perhaps you'd be so kind as to shut the door Harry, it doesn't do my back any good.' Dumbledore sat behind his desk as Harry swung the door shut. 'first I have some news concerning all the parents, you probably missed them today, they are all in Hogsmeade, Draco if you could announce that in the hall after this meeting. Good, now…the emergency we discussed yesterday has somewhat escalated…Voldemort's attacks have increased and…and Durmstrang was attacked earlier.' Harry felt a jolt and Dumbledore lapsed into a reflective pause. Nervously Harry turned to see Draco had gone paler than usual, did he look the same?

'Viktor was told this morning and he's been waiting by the lake, he's expecting the ship, apparently most of the staff and students escaped that way…Onto another urgent matter, our Ministry of Magic has come under siege, much as I described with the others yesterday. Minister Fudge has informed me forces of Death Eaters are attacking on all sides, so far no one has been seriously injured...' Harry didn't like that, no one was badly hurt, but just being hurt was serious enough for him.

'However he realises that he cannot defend such a small building for long against such powerful dark magic as could be summoned. Now onto today's little operation to remedy the solution…' and on that note Dumbledore's eyes began to twinkle as he outlined his most audacious scheme ever.

* * *

After half an hour of mesmerising tactics and astonishing revelations, Harry and Draco were suitably flabbergasted. 'Now, the operation will begin at about five, so that gives you Prefects three hours for tryouts. Draco I would appreciate it if you could go and announce the tryouts are beginning, Harry, a word if you please.'

Draco left quickly leaving Harry facing Dumbledore and his familiar piercing stare. 'I understand your scar returned when the attacked occurred on your family.'

My family… 'Oh…yeah, Dudley said it was bright green as well.'

'And a mark appeared above you.' It was a statement rather than a question.

'Ron said so, yeah.'

'So now, your scar remains…' trailing off Dumbledore leant back and interlocked his hands under his chin. 'I have a new theory Harry, now that your scar is ineffective as defence, it appears to be, well I believe, an 'early warning system' is how Muggles put it. Instead of saving you, it simply warns you of Voldemort's presence, or his enemies.'

Harry swallowed the information, instead of saving you, before his scar's powers had saved him from Quirrel, now he had nothing. 'How…how did he find me, I thought you had already charmed the Dursley's house?'

'Ah, now that is a question I would like answered, I put a charm more powerful than the Fidelius charm that we placed on your parents. It kept you hidden, and then…gone.' He paused and picked out Harry's eyes with his gaze again; 'Do you know your mark appeared again last night? Remus saw it when he was taking a break from his work.'

'…was Voldemort nearby?'

'Did you dream Harry?'

'Yeah, but–but it wasn't bad, I didn't wake up with my scar hurting or anything.'

'Another loss I fear, you probably won't have your scar hurting any more, Voldemort can now only hurt you by touch or magic I suspect.'

Harry was silent, he had had no idea, no suspicion at all; all this time he had been defenceless, yet Dumbledore had done nothing. With all his courage Harry prepared his next question; 'W-why are you hiding, sir?'

'…what?'

'Professor Lupin's in your office, Professor McGonagall's running the school, I haven't seen you in a corridor or on the grounds, and, and it's your school.'

'It's not my school Harry, I gave it up.' Harry's jaw dropped. 'Professor Lupin is headmaster now, Arthur Weasley secured him after he replaced Mr. Crouch as a school governor. Only he, Minister Fudge, some of the staff, including Severus and Sirius, and you boys know I'm here. I have stayed here because after Voldemort's rise I have feared the worse, and it turns out I was right.' He sighed and Harry fleetingly saw that tired old man again. 'Now, I've seen your scar, you've learned my secret…it's time for you to leave, tryouts Harry, now off you go…'

Harry rose with a lump in his throat and couldn't clear it to say goodbye, wordlessly he left shutting the heavy iron door. Dumbledore stared after him then turned to his Marauder's Map, he watched the small figure marked 'Harry Potter' leave the school and head for the Quidditch stadium. By the lake was 'Viktor Krum', the figure was in the same place since it had arrived, watching he saw Harry detach from his walk and move over to Viktor. Then movement near the office caught his attention, being led down the corridor by 'Severus Snape' was 'Igor Karkaroff', this would be very interesting.

* * *

'This year we are conducting tryouts by facing off teams of players. Each house will have four teams, see your captain and they will place you, be aware you may have to play more than once. I am referee, Madam Hooch for those who don't know me, my decisions are final. The captains are; Harry Potter, Ernie Macmillan, Draco Malfoy and Roger Davies. The first match will be Gryffindor versus Slytherin in fifteen minutes, that's it, off you go.'

Harry and Viktor entered the stadium and were immediately swamped by twenty Gryffindors all vying for Harry's attention. Surrounded by loud voices Harry saw over heads that Roger Davies was under more pressure, with almost thirty Ravenclaws surrounding him. 'Erm right then…' but no one could hear Harry, 'Sonorus…everyone quiet and sit down right now!' immediately the crowd, even the older students sat down. 'Right' he blared, 'damn, Quietus, the first team will be Fred and George as Beaters, Katie, Alicia and Angelina as Chasers, Viktor will be Seeker and Dudley is Keeper.' At this Ron looked totally downtrodden until Harry announced him as Keeper in the second and third teams. Oddly he was made to cast some odd decisions, Neville was trying for a Chaser, and the Creevey brothers were going for the Beaters position (but they'll be attached to the Bludgers by the end!' whispered George.

Finally Harry had assigned everyone and sent the first team over to Madam Hooch. With a sharp blast she sent the Bludgers and Quaffle sky high, a small glint told Harry the Golden Snitch was loose and he watched contentedly at the match began. In the Slytherin team were none of the team Harry had played two years earlier (Draco and the first team were on the other side of the stadium) when he had won the Quidditch Cup, amid one of the most blatant foul-play matches ever. To his relief the only sore incident in the match above was when Dudley had headed the Quaffle clear ('Up the Hammers' cried Dean), but at least he could fly.

Dudley came back down exhilarated beyond words, he had soared, dipped, hung upside down, spiralled and more importantly had saved most of his shots, with a scoreline of one hundred and ninety to thirty. The next game was Gryffindor versus Slytherin and the highlight was little Dennis Creevey stretching himself between broom and a struggling, but held, Bludger that had been aiming for Ron's stomach. Despite losing one hundred and fifty to sixty ('Excellent Keeping Ron, not a single goal') Harry was exuberant when he took off to play in the final match.

* * *

Over the Forbidden Forest a lone and bedraggled grey owl winged its way towards Hogwarts. In its claws were a charred parchment carrying the official Ministry of Magic seal. The owl also had a burnt look about it, its tail feathers were in disarray and a large burn mark adorned its head. Suddenly a large screech sounded through the air and swivelling his head, the owl saw a large Harris Hawk screaming towards him. With a swift swoop the hawk ripped open one of the owl's wing tendons. The Weasley's owl Errol began drifting into the forest, blood spilling from the new wound.

Oh well, I needed a rest anyway…'

* * *

Harry was racing Ernie Macmillan for the Snitch when he heard the screech, briefly he looked up to see a lone hawk above the forest, and then his mind was back on the game. The Snitch was a foot ahead of Ernie's grasp when Harry's Firebolt outpaced him and Harry felt the cool surface of the Snitch in his hand. Triumphantly he landed and placed the struggling ball back into its box. With Neville's six goals and three from the other Chasers, Harry had given Gryffindor a victory of two hundred and forty to fifty ('Only one shut out than Ron').

Having finished their games most of the Gryffindors went back up to the castle with the Hufflepuffs. Harry stayed at the stadium with Ron and Dudley while Viktor walked over to the lake, where he was joined by Hermione who had just emerged from the castle. As the Ravenclaw and Slytherin game commenced the boys started debating the first and reserve teams. 'Right,' Harry said after ten minutes, 'we're keeping the normal team except one of you to is Keeper, I'll probably alternate you, and me or Viktor will be Seeker. For the reserve we've got one of you two as Keeper, me or Viktor as Seeker, Neville, Seamus and Dean as Chasers-'

'And the Creeveys as Beaters' Ron burst out.

'Why not, Dennis saved your stomach.' With a playful prod Harry was forced to dodge Ron's swipe at his head, and fell into the row of seats in front. With a wild cry between laughter and madness, a bellowing Ron proceeded to chase him over the stadium while Dudley went into hysterics on the seat.

* * *

Bugger.

Errol regarded his torn wing, he had managed to stuff loam into it with his beak.

Bugger.

Gingerly he flapped his wings and nearly collapsed from the pain.

I bloody well hate being old.

A sudden movement in the bushes caused him t cease struggling.

I bloody well hate this forest and all.

Errol closed his eyes as the movement came close, shuddering he prepared for a glimpse of snarling fangs, but instead he felt a warm comforting grip and was lifted. He found himself staring into Firenze's sapphire eyes. 'You are a long way from home.

Duh.

'I will take you to Hagrid at Hogwarts, he will take care of you while I speak with Dumbledore and the Potter Boy.'

Oi, read this!

Firenze regarded Errol's leg that was now wavering under his nose. 'Ah, this is for Dumbledore from the Ministry, we go now.' This last remark was to his sisters who had remained hidden. Overhead a cawing cause Errol to shudder involuntarily, looking at his torn wing, Firenze's eyes narrowed. 'We go right now.'

'bout bloody time.

Chapter 11: A Surprise Shipment

'Oi, Harry, get yeh backside down here.' Hagrid's voice thundered through the stadium as Harry climbed over another row of seats. 'Hurry, you two better come as well.' Slowly a puffed out Ron and Harry scaled down the chairs while Dudley walked over chortling. However when he was a few feet away he abruptly stopped and turned around with his hands in his mouth. As Harry and Ron approached they saw why, in Hagrid's hands was a crippled grey owl leaking blood onto the grass.

'Errol!' Ron exclaimed, 'What happened to him Hagrid?'

'Looks like a hawk attack, I'm sorry Ron.' He said morosely as Ron stared at his family's ageing owl. 'I've gotta take yeh to Dumbledore Harry, yeh've got some friends here as well.' Hagrid gestured to three palomino centaurs who had just entered the stadium. 'Yeh know Firenze already, these are his sisters Cascade and Sienna.' Harry mumbled a hello but couldn't peel his eyes off Errol.

'Can you help him Hagrid?' Ron asked, paler than Harry had ever seen him, but he only got a hopeful shrug in return. 'I better tell mum and dad, h-he was with Percy in London…' Ron stumbled off towards Hogsmeade path and with a nod from Harry Dudley walked after him. As Hagrid turned back to Harry, he saw Ron's shoulders begin to tremble as Dudley put a comforting arm around them.

'C'mon Harry, gotta get yeh to Dumbledore.' Hagrid gently put one of his giant arms around Harry and steered him towards the main entrance of Hogwarts. With the centaurs in tow they were approaching the main entrance when Dumbledore burst out. He gave Hagrid a look with his twinkling eyes and blinking his beetle-black ones Hagrid left the group with a small farewell. 'Be seein' yeh Harry, Professor Dumbledore sir.' When his massive arm left Harry he tottered but remained upright despite his numb feelings, he had seen Errol's attacker, the hawk above the forest.

'Welcome Firenze, I would have met you by Hagrid's but the time for hiding is over.' At this he raised his eyebrows significantly at Harry.

'Thankyou Albus Dumbledore, these are my sisters, Sienna and Cascade. It is good to see you also Harry Potter, I am sorry about your friend's owl.'

'I saw it Professor, the hawk that attacked Errol,' Harry was gabbling, 'I heard it…but, Percy sent Errol…what about Percy and London?'

At this Firenze handed Dumbledore the letter he had removed from Errol. Scanning it Dumbledore voiced his thoughts; 'Percy and London are why I am here. We will start now, Harry, go and get Viktor please.' Harry stumbled off again to the lake and missed the conversation that sent the centaurs back down to Hagrid's and Dumbledore inside the school.

As Harry approached the lake a familiar gurgling sound interrupted the dreamlike state he was in. Up ahead he saw Viktor rise abruptly with Hermione as the top mast of the Durmstrang ship rose slowly from the water. When he reached them Hermione turned with a grin that swiftly faded when she saw Harry's face, reaching for his arm she was stopped by a small gasp of disbelief from Viktor.

As the stern of the ship had risen from the water, the bow cabin had exploded in a gout of flame. Without thinking Viktor and Harry surged forwards as the rest of the ship emerged and the gangplank appeared on the shore. From her position Hermione could see several figures emerge and one began directing others down the plank but some leaped over the side instead. At the bottom Harry and Viktor were guiding the breathless students and staff while also pulling stragglers out of the lake.

When the last student was down Viktor ran up the plank to the lone figure as the tiller blew off the back with an almighty thump. After making sure no one was seriously hurt Harry ran after him to where the lone figure was standing at the top of the plank, watching the ship. As he arrived his hood fell down to reveal the face of Poliakoff, a student Harry remembered from the year before.

'Is this all of you?' he asked while looking at the bank where there were only forty or so people gathered.

'Vot? This is more than ve normally haff. Ve vere lucky only to lose two students to You-Know-Who.'

'Vait, vy are you here Stefan, ve left last year.'

'Vell who else vould be Quidditch teacher ven you left?' Poliakoff gave them a grim smile then flinched as another explosion rocked the ship. 'Ve didn't stand a chance you know, they attacked before breakfast, the students vere all assembled in the Hall, ve couldn't cover them all. There vere over vun-hundred Death Eaters, they burnt down the Institute Viktor, it's gone.' By now he was trembling with rage, but Harry could also see the sorrow in his eyes.

'I suppose we should put out the fire now?'

'No, ve vill let the ship burn, ve cannot go home now.' Viktor's voice was sharp and resolute, he met Poliakoff's eyes and the two turned down the ramp as the main mast toppled with its sails aflame. Harry briefly cast his eyes over the deck then turned and shuffled down the shuddering ramp. When he was off, the faculty and Viktor shot a beam of violet light at the ship that pushed it out into the centre of the lake. As it settled, Viktor sent a red beam that punched out a hole from the stern and with a gurgle the prow dipped under and the ship began slowly sinking into the lake.

The mast was drifting under when Dumbledore came down the hill with Professors Lupin, Snape, McGonagall and Sirius following. Off to his right Harry noticed five centaurs retreating into the forest, he thought that he saw Bane and Ronan. Viktor was slumped on the ground with Hermione who had enfolded her boyfriend in a hug as he stared vacantly out over the lake. Harry collapsed a few feet away from the couple and gazed out over the lake where bubbles rose slowly from below. Surveying the small crowd Harry noticed that most of the students were cradling injuries while a few were sobbing tearfully, as if not in belief. Thoughts from the previous year echoed in his head…it all came back to Voldemort…who had ruined all these lives.

* * *

In London, there was one person who couldn't have agreed more. Throwing himself over his father's desk, Percy Weasley as a blast ripped out the window where he had been a few seconds before. A loud screaming made him looked beside him to see Marcus Flint, who had finally graduated with Percy. A piece of glass was lodged in his arm and blood was spurting out around it. Muttering Percy placed his wand on the arm to heal the wound, but he couldn't pull out the glass.

Please be there Errol, please be goddamned there. Another blast shook the building and Percy looked over his desk to see a Death Eater climbing in the window. With a mad yell he rose and unleashed a Stunning Spell that sent the Dark Wizard toppling onto the office floor. Grabbing Marcus's good arm he dragged him out of the office and slammed the door as the building shook again. He had barely gone down a corridor when a large explosion nearby told him the door was gone, grunting with effort he pulled Marcus down another corridor.

* * *

'Harry…Harry!' Dumbledore's voice snapped Harry out of his reverie, 'we need to go now, you too Viktor. Hermione will you please take the Durmstrang students and faculty to the Great Hall, Madam Pomfrey is already there.' Hermione gave Harry and Viktor a puzzled look but left obediently, with the Durmstrang crowd gone the boys and staff gathered around Dumbledore again. 'Severus, go and fetch Draco, I have had a letter meaning we must move our deadline forwards.' With this Professor Snape left for the stadium where the Slytherin-Ravenclaw game had ended with a raucous cheer. 'The rest of you with me to Hogsmeade, we must secure the village now.'

With this the staff, Harry and Viktor headed for the main gates. As they passed through Draco strode up beside Harry and Professor Snape joined Lupin at the head of the small column. As they reached the outskirts of Hogsmeade the sun began set, blood red light seeping through the clouds. The group diverged rapidly and Harry moved to the front of Honeydukes. At a nod from Dumbledore he entered the sweetshop which was full of younger children who had arrived on the train and their parents. Raising his fingers he whistled over the bustle and silence prevailed. 'Erm…could I have your attention please.'

Chapter 12: Hogsmeade

Throughout the village teachers had entered the shops and drawn attention, Draco had remained at the far end while Viktor remained with Dumbledore by the end nearest Hogwarts. Checking his watch for the time (despite no numbers being on the face, but instead a small printed word), Dumbledore envisioned where his faculty and Harry would be in their talks. 'So if you'll all just remain in here while the Ministry officials move through we should be out of your way pretty quickly.' With this he gave the assembled crowd a smile and walked backwards out the door. Turning he let out a deep breath and saw Sirius across the street who flashed him a large grin.

'Five minutes everyone!' rang out Dumbledore's voice.

* * *

Cornelius Fudge had gathered his staff in the central offices, all of which had been coated in strong repelling charms, after the Death Eaters' attacks had been intensified earlier. As curses rebounded ineffectually off the walls, floor and ceiling the last of the defenders apparated in by use of a special charm. Dust was now beginning to fall around him as the number of curses increased violently. 'You know what to do now.' With this simple phrase the Ministry wizards took up their allocated positions around the centre of the room.

Three wizards remained in the centre of the room and gathered in a triangular formation with their wands facing outwards. The Minister of Magic turned to them while looking at his watch (it too had no numbers) 'Remember–fear the worst…now!' on Fudge's command the three disapparated from the room. After they left Percy passed Marcus over to Croaker, and then the Unspeakable disapparated with the unconscious figure over his shoulders. Steadily the groups of Ministry wizards began to clear under the shaking barrage that was attacking the rooms.

* * *

'Now' as Dumbledore read the tiny word from his watch the first three Ministry wizards appeared in the middle of Hogsmeade's main street. They all had their wands trained on the wizards surrounding the street but on seeing the staff, boys and Dumbledore they lowered their wands and had relieved smiles on their faces. Battered and bruised they made their way to Dumbledore to greet him, then after giving him a quick brief on the situation, they moved up the hill to Hogwarts.

No sooner had they done this then two more Ministry wizards disapparated, one stumbling under the others weight. Rushing forwards Sirius grabbed Flint and conjured up a stretcher as Croaker collapsed on the floor. Lupin ran forwards to help as the first stretcher began magically floating up to the castle, as it went past Dumbledore he lent down to talk to the ex-student who gave a weak smile in return. Conjuring another stretcher Sirius and Lupin lifted Croaker up and let it float upwards.

Sirius joined Harry as another group appeared, all warily holding their wands at first, but thankfully none were injured in the group. 'Croaker had two broken ribs, but he kept going…' Sirius was speaking to Harry in a melancholy voice now. 'Remember that for me Harry, never give up.' Harry turned to face his stepfather who was giving him a steady gaze. 'We'll win, but we must never give up.' Harry nodded in agreement but couldn't restart the conversation again, as they stood in silence a constant stream of Ministry wizards apparated into Hogsmeade and with grateful faces began the walk to Hogwarts, so far the audacious escape was working.

* * *

Above Percy's head and throughout the office small holes were appearing, most were millimetres wide but a large chunk had been blown out by him. Swearing at the hole's appearance, Percy swung his arm up and released a Freezing Charm and was rewarded with a shout and thud. Turning to alert Fudge, he missed a sleek rat slipping in and landing agilely on three paws and a silver stump. In a flash Peter Pettigrew had appeared and as Percy turned back he gave him a wicked grin.

Before he could shout there was a flash of light and Percy was thrown across the room, his body crumpling against the far wall. Wormtail laughed maniacally at his work, but suddenly a clenched fist struck him in the side of the head, and Penelope Clearwater sent him to the floor stunned. Leaving the prone wizard she moved over to Percy who wore a peaceful, but severely dazed look. As he opened his eyes he saw a fuzzy warm smile, and then he was lifted between two people. Supported between Fudge and Penelope, Percy's head lolled as the wizards prepared to disapparate. Turning his head to the nearest figure, Percy managed a brief sentence; 'Will you marry me?' and he lapsed into unconsciousness as a laughing Penelope and extremely puzzled Fudge (forming the word marry in his mouth) disapparated.

No sooner had the trio gone when the wall above Wormtail exploded inwards. With their wands raised several Death Eaters moved into the room, cape billowing around him, Voldemort emerged through the dust cloud and cast one look at Wormtail. Pathetic. Several bodies were sprawled on the floor, most were lifeless but one wizard still moved, despite his arm being torn in three places he feebly raised his wand. 'Hello my friend,' Voldemort swept down on the wizard and kicked his arm aside, resulting in a small multitude of breaks. 'Perhaps you can be of some help to me,' on this he reached into his sleeve and withdrew his wand and put the tip a few inches away from the wizard's forehead.

Closing his eyes Voldemort concentrated and a sharp red beam sprung out connecting his wand to the wizard. 'Where are they?' Voldemort's voice had shrunk to a harsh and sibilant croon as the wizards head began to shake violently. Sifting through the man's mind Voldemort was oblivious to the convulsions that now racked the tortured wizard's body. Eventually he found a single memory out of which sprung a single word…Hogsmeade. 'Damn you Dumbledore, this is your doing.' Voldemort had disconnected from the wizard who was now experiencing spasms in his wounded arm.

'Now for you…' Voldemort began to chuckle cruelly as he raised his wand, watching the fear in the wizard's eyes grow, so much so that he missed movement in his left arm. With a grunt the wizard grabbed his wand and disapparated with a pop, leaving Voldemort putting a killing spell on the wall. 'To Hogsmeade' he said curtly, and most of the Death Eaters disapparated leaving Voldemort, a recovering Wormtail and the stench of death.

* * *

Harry ran forwards when he saw Percy slumped between Fudge and a Ministry witch, who Harry recognised as Penelope when he arrived. 'He tried to tackle a wall with his head' she explained and gave him a reassuring smile.

'Ah…good…Errol made it then' Percy had raised his head that was sporting a purple bruise, and Harry moved in to replace Fudge who was nursing a bruised arm. Harry waved to Lupin who jogged over to replace Harry who was struggling under Percy's weight. Harry then turned back to Fudge who was looking around with a relieved face.

'Nice to see you Harry, excellent that Dumbledore's plan worked, excellent. I see both you and Sirius were involved, good, good.' Continuing in this vein Harry and Fudge walked away from the spot where everyone had apparated in, when a sudden pop sounded behind them. Turning they saw another Ministry wizard who was cradling his wreck of an arm and warily holding his wand in his left arm. 'Weaver? We thought you were dead!'

'He knows…he's coming…'

'What, what's going on?' Harry shot Fudge an anxious glance.

'I don't know, Weaver was left, we though he was dead.' Between them they moved him over to the nearest support which was the wall of Honeydukes. 'What happened Chris? Who's coming?' By now Sirius had arrived and was leaning over Weaver, then began pointing at Harry's head when there was another pop at the apparation point. The Death Eater was facing them when Harry whipped out his wand, 'Expelliarmus' he cried using the first spell that entered his head.

Knocking the Dark Wizard's wand aside sent everyone else into action, Sirius drew his wand and stunned the Dark Wizard. 'Everyone to Hogwarts NOW!' Dumbledore's voice rang out as more Death Eaters appeared with a myriad of popping sounds. More chaos emerged in the form of the families who had been shopping stepping out from the stores. As spells, charms and curses began to fly, screams mingled with the fanatical shouts of Voldemort's followers.

Harry, Fudge and Sirius began to clear a way for the Hogwarts path while firing off spells and charms to defend the families running with them. Harry's vision was blurred by green light and he realised that his scar was lit again, exactly as when the Dursleys had been attacked. They were escorting the last small group of parents while the Hogwarts staff and some Ministry personnel were providing a furious cover when a large POP sounded and a mass of Death Eaters appeared in their path.

'Back, go back' Harry managed before the air was filled with the noise of curses, and he Sirius and Fudge turned tail with the parents and children. The Death Eaters had split the defence and Professors McGonagall and Snape were also trapped on Harry's side, with no hope of reaching Hogwarts, until Harry's mind gave up the most obvious thought ever. 'Quick, Minister Fudge, get everyone into Honeydukes, there's a secret passage to the castle behind all the crates of sweets in the basement, under the dust.' Fudge nodded and herded the families into the shop while Sirius and Harry covered the door. By now Hogsmeade residents had appeared on the streets and were combating with the Death Eaters, but still the favour was with the Dark Wizards.

Harry saw that Dumbledore's defence line was holding, and turned with Sirius as they heard a rally of shouts approaching them. Four Death Eaters were charging them down, unleashing curses. As they closed Harry and Sirius released Stunning Spells but only managed to take out one of the fanatical wizards. With a scream the three wizards leapt at the two defenders, two piling on Sirius and one jumping on Harry.

Sirius was experienced enough to wait until he fell before releasing a charm that threw off one of his assailants, but Harry was pinned under his as his wand went flying. The Death Eater began to choke Harry as he desperately reached for his wand, but then a sudden bang lifted the weight off his neck. Raising his head he saw Professor Snape standing there with his wand smoking from the curse he had used.

Giving Harry a sallow smile, he missed the Death Eater rising up behind him and only recognised danger when Harry's eyes widened. Before he could react the Death Eater smacked him over the head with a brick, sending the potions master to the floor with blood trickling from his nose. Fuelled with unexpected rage Harry rose quickly and disregarding his wand punched the Dark Wizard in the face and was satisfied to feel bones crunch under is knuckles.

Looking over he saw Sirius had shaken off both of his assailants and had just stunned the second one who had raised his wand at the retreating staff and residents who were closing on Honeydukes. Harry bent over Snape as McGonagall took his position in the doorway, 'Sir, can you hear me?'

'Did you get him?' came a shaky voice.

'Yes.'

'Good.' Shakily Snape rose and tottered off towards the basement entrance. Harry stood indignant, not even a thanks, but then he hadn't thanked Snape for saving his life, ever. Harry turned back with mixed emotions as Draco Malfoy dived through the door, closely followed by McGonagall and Sirius as a large explosion hit the outside of the building.

'Is there anyone else outside?' he asked Draco who gave a swift shake of his head. 'We're out of here, c'mon.' Quickly he led them down the stairs to the basement where the secret passage was opened up, Fudge's head was poking up with wand visible but he lowered it when Harry stepped past a barrel of Fizzing Whizbees. Disappearing he ran up the tunnel as Draco and McGonagall dropped down into the passage. Harry was about to jump with Sirius when a creak on the stairs made them turn, a single Death Eater had his wand aimed over Harry's heart.

Before he could react, Harry was shoved down the tunnel by Sirius, who collapsed when the Impedimenta Jinx hit him. 'Run Harry.'

'Sirius…Sirius!' but his godfather was full under the effects of the jinx and then the Death Eater's mask appeared over the edge, looking down at Harry. Instead of releasing a spell he obeyed Sirius's wishes and ran like hell. Halfway up the tunnel he met Draco who was about to ask where Sirius was when a loud voice reached their ears.

'Erupto' the curse rang out loud and the boys turned to each other, a low rumbling was approaching and with a mutual consensus they turned and ran. As it grew louder Harry turned and saw that the ground behind them was erupting out in a long and gaining explosion. Up ahead he saw the light of the castle corridor, running up the slope with Draco he could feel ground flying up behind their feet.

With a massive explosion of noise and earth Harry and Draco flew out of the passage entrance and landed with painful thumps. McGonagall and Fudge moved to the boys' sides while looking down the corridor. McGonagall turned to Harry, whose flushed face had tears cutting through the dirt and grime, 'Sirius…' he croaked.

A/N: There's gonna be a gap between this and chapter 5 (13-15) because I'm about to take my A-levels, plus I have to write them yet (I go on paper than type it.) Keep up the reviewing. Preview: Chapter 13 carries the title of 'Sirius'.