Chapter 16: A Time to Defend

Defence was the first and only thing on Albus Dumbledore's mind as he threw himself out of the Slytherin common room, swiftly followed by another burst of flame. Lying face down he was pleased to realise he had been right about the magical field breaking down, he was not pleased with his supposition it was a flame-thrower that the Slytherins held. Behind him he heard the intake of breath as the dragon on the other side of the wall prepared to release a gout of flame again. 'Impedimenta!' the Freezing Charm was released and the breath held, but he hadn't cast it.

He saw Viktor, Harry, Ron, Dudley and Hermione running down the corridor, a thin wisp of smoke trailing from Hermione's outstretched wand. 'Excellent work, Miss Granger, I see you found out about Harry's watch then,' there was a mischievous glint in his eyes as he said this, Harry suspected Dumbledore knew all along they were coming. 'Let's go, I can't think of a dragon containing charm yet.'

'There isn't one sir.' Hermione said quickly.

'Reliable as ever Miss Granger,' Dumbledore shot her a smile, 'we should definitely go then. Harry, did you see if Professor Flitwick spoke to Professor McGonagall?'

'Yeah,' Harry replied as they began to move off, 'she left quickly with Neville, Professor Lupin, Minister Fudge and Mr. Weasley.' Behind him he heard a slow hissing that entered the corridor. 'Um…how long does that Freezing Jinx last Hermione?'

'Not long, why?' as she spoke a jet of flame shot into the corridor and began to spread. 'Oh…' with this small speech the group turned and ran for the Entrance Hall, as they neared the connecting passage Harry saw Professor McGonagall appear holding what looked like a crossbow.

'MOVE MINERVA' Dumbledore shouted at his deputy as they ran, the fireball growing larger behind them. However she didn't duck, but pulled out her wand and pointed at the fire, shouting a spell Harry lost in the roar of the fire that was…silent. Turning slowly he looked to see a massive wall of ice that was blocking the corridor, behind it was a blazing red, but the surface glistened with crystal coolness. 'Ah, well at least there's a spell for stopping fire, must have slipped my mind at the time.' With a slightly embarrassed look Dumbledore sidled past McGonagall and calmly walked into the Great Hall.

'Wouldn't think he was almost human toast,' Ron murmured, watching Dumbledore as he stood beside Harry, 'I guess we ought to go in, yeah?' he nudged Harry who was still gaping at the ice wall.

'Wha…yeah, this could be interesting.'

* * *

They entered the hall to find most of the school gathered round the tables or at the side of the hall, as the group converged on the Gryffindor table Harry saw that only the six Slytherins were at their table. Behind them he could see Bole's parents and younger brother Albert, as well as the parents of all the others, except for Draco's. Harry tried to catch his eye but he was just staring at the ceiling, eyes lost in the swirling clouds above. At the front of the hall, Harry could just see Dumbledore amid the mass of teachers welcoming him back, he almost missed the doors spring open as Sirius walked in, he was hobbling slightly. 'Sirius!' he cried and ran over to tackle his godfather, 'You're okay!'

'Ouch,' Sirius gave Harry a wincing smile, 'I was fine until you broke half my ribs!' then with a burst of laughter he held his godson close. 'I told you never give up, me and Snape sure as hell didn't.' Harry was about to reply when Dumbledore stood up at the front and silence arose.

'Hello again,' he began, 'most of you know me, I am Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts until last year.' At this point most of the students began shouting out cries of shame, only those who knew what was happening remained silent. 'Thank you for your support, but I am happy to leave the school in hands of Remus Lupin, there are other matters for me to deal with now…and this is why I, and others you do not normally see, are here. You were all present for Lord Voldemort's attack on the Hogwarts Express, no doubt some of you have noticed that the Slytherin table seems rather empty.' He took a breath and held a brief pause before continuing.

'Hogwarts Academy has come under siege by the forces of Voldemort, and some among you will already know he attacked Hogsmeade and Ministry officials stationed there this evening. He has successfully destroyed and disrupted our institutions throughout the world, our Ministry of Magic building in London and the Durmstrang Institute are two familiar places to you. Now Voldemort has mustered his forces here and recently tried to take the castle through the Slytherin students not present, those you see have successfully defended you from his early attack.'

While he paused a wave of clapping swept over the hall, not the applause that congratulates winners, but that which respects true bravery and courage. 'I will now brief you on the situation, but first I would ask anyone who has already been assigned by myself or Minister Fudge to go to their posts, excluding students who have helped.' He added this last remark as Harry turned to follow Sirius from the hall, but now he, Viktor and Draco were watched by the entire hall. 'By students I refer to not only those from Slytherin house but also to Harry Potter and Viktor Krum, they have been my eyes and ears along with some teachers, indeed Harry is responsible for saving several families and Ministry officials with Draco Malfoy in Hogsmeade.'

Again a ripple of applause crossed the hall as Harry sat down, 'I will now brief you on what has arisen since the attack inside the castle. I have sealed the Slytherins in their common room, undoubtedly they will escape to the outside and I will not stop them. Since then Professor McGonagall and the staff have opened the castle armoury, which many of you may not know even existed. Soon you will be not only familiar with the existence of these weapons contained within, some of you will have to use them. For now I ask everyone to return to their sleeping quarters and common rooms, will the Slytherins please go to Gryffindor house. Will the remaining staff, head boy, and all the house Prefects please stay behind.'

Harry waited until the rest of the Gryffindors left, Dudley walking off with Seamus and Dean amid cries of 'Football', 'Basketball' and 'Quidditch', then he rose with Hermione, Ron and Neville. Amongst the group that stayed behind Harry saw Ernie, Cho and Draco among others including Justin Finch-Fletchley and Hannah Abbot. He didn't recognise the other Ravenclaw Prefects as none of his previous classes had been with them.

'Well, needless to say exams are off this year,' Harry arrived to hear Dumbledore utter these sacred words, but managed to avoid cheering out loud. 'Of course we will continue normal teaching, but it will be more themed,' all of this was directed towards the staff as Dumbledore had been waiting for the students to assemble, then he turned his attention to them. 'Ah good, hello my Prefects, now most of you know Viktor Krum, a few know he's our Head Boy this year, Remus couldn't find a Head Girl of his age so the position was left clear.'

'You will now all be my eyes and ears, not just Viktor, Harry and Draco, I am counting on you to patrol the school and watch for any discrepancies. Each of you has been removed from one set of lessons each week during which you will patrol. I have another notice as well and that is there are no Potions lessons this year, Professor Snape is working another job for me…so this means Potions will be replaced by Advanced Muggle Studies, which is a new compulsory course.'

Dumbledore waited out the whispers among the students then; 'It will of course be taught by Professor Snape as he otherwise would hold no position. However he is currently in the hospital wing so I would like to take the lesson myself. With this in mind Harry, Justin and Hermione, will you please stay behind, I think that's it, you may all go now.' The crowd around the elderly wizard dispersed, including the staff, until just Dumbledore and the three students remained in the Great Hall.

'Thank goodness that's over, I hate long speeches,' with a short smile Dumbledore slumped into a chair with a small groan, 'You will not believe how happy I am you students are running around for me now!' This bought a little chuckle from the wizard and Harry couldn't help but smile, 'Now, I won't pretend myself and Professor Snape are the absolute authorities on Muggles, that is why I need your help to prepare for the lessons in the new subject.' At this point he rested his gaze on Harry before continuing.

'As you may have guessed from my public speech and its sudden introduction, Advanced Muggle Studies is based on the use of and defence from Muggle weapons, because if I know Voldemort, he'll use them all once the magical field around Hogwarts is totally down. I have chosen you three because you have all been raised as Muggles until you were eligible for Hogwarts, as such you have knowledge of Muggle affairs, albeit some more than others.' Harry thought this was a direct remark to him, after all as a Muggle he had spent eleven years of his life in a cupboard.

'So, tonight if you could all write out a short list of any Muggle equipment you feel should be covered in the course, I would appreciate it a lot. Now, you three are also to be my patrollers for the first week, as well as Neville if you could let him know Hermione, so this means none of you has to attend any classes, you will instead patrol.' Although Hermione looked distraught at missing such a large amount of lessons, Harry knew she could easily catch up from the other Gryffindors. 'So, unless you have any questions…'

'One sir,' Justin put in, 'is the course meant to cover weapons training, or just knowledge of their potential?'

'Unfortunately, I have decided they shall be in the training of weapons use, although any theory will be useful. Now, I have finished and you should all go get some sleep, you have a long week ahead.' Dumbledore rose from his chair and with farewells from the students he left for the room behind the Great Hall. While Justin and Hermione turned away, Harry watched the old wizard open the door and pass into the room, he looked tired and frail, as if a gust of wind could blow him over. With a grim look on his face Harry turned to follow the other two thinking about what he had seen, a gust of wind perhaps, but a bloody strong one.

* * *

Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah.

Errol awoke with a fuzzy tongue and found himself looking into another forest, that of the bristles that covered Hagrid's mountainous chin.

Get a shave.

'Ah, yeh awake then. I thought yeh were a gonna when I saw that wing. Better tell Ron.' Hagrid turned away and scribbled onto a parchment lying on his coffee table, Errol noticed a school owl perched on the windowsill and hooted over at her.

How you doin'?

At this Errol roguishly ruffled his feathers.

Drop dead.

A sharp hoot came as a reply.

I almost did, some respect for a wounded owl.

The school owl did not dignify this jibe with a response and instead stuck out her leg to receive the letter that Hagrid had hastily scribbled. As she flew out the window Errol's vision was obscured by the mountainous body of Hagrid, 'C'mon Errol, I told Ron that you'd be waiting for him in the Entrance Hall.' Picking up the greying owl he opened the door to his shed and began a rambling path up to the school, Errol bumping around in his arms.

I g-guess th-this beats f-flying… I'm g-gonna hurl.

* * *

Harry was almost at the portrait of the Fat Lady when a black blur knocked him flying, closely followed by Dudley who helped pick Harry up, his glasses askew. 'Did you get the licence plate on that elephant?' he asked as Dudley lifted him and put his glasses back on an even keel, while trying to burst out from laughing.

'Ron just got an owl from Hagrid, Errol's okay, we're picking him up in the Entrance Hall with everyone else, wanna come?'. Harry started to say yes, but then his memory reminded him that Dumbledore had said sleep was needed.

'I better stay up here, I don't want to stay up too late, I'll explain why tomorrow, you go, have a laugh but avoid Hagrid's rock cakes if he has some with him to celebrate.' Dudley looked slightly put out, but then shrugged and raced after Ron. Watching his cousin race down the hall Harry smiled, perhaps it was slightly good that he had been stranded here, sighing he turned to the Fat Lady, 'Pigwidgeon', and the frame swung forward admitting Harry to the common room…the deserted common room.

'Hi Harry.' Neville's voice came out of nowhere and almost sent Harry into shock. 'Sorry, everyone else has gone up to bed, I was waiting to talk to you and Hermione, but she's gone as well – what was up with Ron.' Harry explained quickly about Errol, and while Neville nodded he sat himself in another comfy armchair by the fire. 'So it's all action now, guess it was coming then.'

'Neville, I have to ask you something…don't answer if you don't want to.' He stopped and looked the boy in the face, it wasn't the usual rounded expression, but the firelight cast long shadows on a longer and more wizened face. With a nod from Neville, Harry continued; 'I want to know, what…what changed since last year?' he had not expected the reaction he got, Neville paled considerably and looked to object, then stopped abruptly. 'It's okay if you don't-'

'I do…it's just, difficult.' Neville turned to face Harry with his face shining in the firelight, 'first of all I have to tell you something I've never told anyone else, about my parents…' before he could get any further, Harry interrupted Neville.

'I know about your parents, I saw…last year…I didn't tell anyone…Dumbledore has a Pensieve…I fell in.' Harry flustered at this, he was embarrassed not to have told Neville earlier, 'he made me promise not to tell anyone…I didn't, not even you. I'm sorry, it's not enough but I am.'

'It's more than enough, I'm glad you kept it to yourself, I don't know what I would have done if you had told me.' He smiled almost sheepishly at this, then settled down to continue with his first conversation; 'anyway, you should know that I always go to St. Mungo's during the holidays to visit them…' Harry nodded an affirmative to him rather than speak again. 'Well, normally…normally they don't recognise me…they just talk as if I'm still a baby, I was when they were attacked. I was at my grandma's when the Death Eaters came…'

'Did you ever find out who did it?' Harry asked before he could stop himself, he had seen the trial of the accused.

'Yes…Dumbledore told me at the end of last year – after you found Crouch again.' Neville had a grim look on his face when he said this, but continued with his summer memory. 'Anyway, for the first time…my dad…he looked at me and recognised me…as I am now…not as a baby.' He looked up again and Harry saw faint tears glistening on the boy's face, 'it was only for a second, but he told me one thing; keep going. He didn't go back to…normal afterward, he just fell asleep…he's coming back and I now I have something to go for…he's changed me.'

'What about your mother? Is she getting better as well?' Harry felt a rush of hope for Neville, was he also getting his family back?

'She…she died about a week later…she was different from dad, her brain was failing, not just damaged. Her funeral was two weeks ago. Dad was at the funeral, he remembered her, he's coming out in two weeks…' Neville added the last part with some conviction; 'I promised him I would, so I've changed, now I have something to really go for…I guess that's like you now, you have a father as well.' Neville then returned to gazing at the fire while Harry thought on the last comment…I have a father.

Chapter 17: Dreams and Reality

That night Harry dreamt again, blood and violence seemed to be an issue as he lay noiselessly moving in the armchair opposite a snoozing Neville. The dream was the same as the previous evening's, but the venue was different with Harry confronting Voldemort, their allies surrounding them.

To either side of Harry was Ron and Hermione, while Dudley stood behind the trio, he was armed with a crossbow while they all held wands. Behind them the survivors of a bloody battle stood warily, gazing with anger at Voldemort on the other side of an earthy floor. Harry again took control of his body to look around, he saw Draco and Neville holding each other up, both with burns all over their clothes, Hagrid stood dwarfing the rest of the party with his crossbow, which was in fact a siege spear thrower. The rest of the crowd blurred away but he caught the faces of Sirius, Remus, the Weasley twins and Ginny, Professor McGonagall was there two, but then his body moved irresistibly forwards, pacing towards Voldemort.

'Hey Harry,' into his cloudy vision walked Hermione holding two pieces of steaming toast, smeared liberally with smooth butter. 'Have a comfortable sleep? You were in the armchair all night.'

'Fine thanks,' Harry slurred as he scraped fuzz off his tongue.

'Surprised you and Neville managed it actually,' she continued handing Harry a slice, 'the entire Weasley troupe came in at about 1:00 a.m. for a party, George and Fred set off about twenty Dr. Filibusters.' She then moved onto Neville who was still snoozing away.

He now took in the opposition, most of the Death Eaters had their masks on but a few were torn off, he saw Macnair, the supposed executioner of Buckbeak, Crabbe and Goyle stood covered in blood, their two sons behind them, he felt a whirl of hate as Lucius Malfoy's mouth formed the word Mudblood as he gazed at Hermione, advancing beside Harry. Finally there was Pettigrew and Voldemort himself, the undying Dark Wizard and his ever faithful servant, again uncontrolled Harry spat out a small jet of saliva and blood.

'Ready to patrol then?' asked a yawning Neville, 'I guess we should start straight away.'

'Fine,' Harry said, 'it'll give me a chance to find Ron and Dudley before they go to lessons.'

'I doubt it Harry,' Hermione intervened, 'it's six a.m., I think most of the students are still out of it.'

'Six!' Neville moaned as he sorted out his robes, 'how did you get this food then?' he waved his buttered toast around to illustrate the point.

'With a little help from Dobby's friends, and a certain bowl of fruit,' she added this with a wink to Harry. He remembered the previous year when Hermione had led Ron and himself to the kitchen after Fred accidentally revealed the location of the entrance to her. Stifling a yawn herself Hermione threw the napkins she had brought up into the fire and it engulfed them hungrily, sending one log crashing with a cloud of ashes.

Harry wasn't sure who fired first, all he knew was when the gap between the opposing forces had dropped to ten feet all hell had broken loose. Red and green flashes had rent the air, and a sneering Voldemort had brought up a wall of flame around himself, as the Death Eater beams began to home in on the four in front, Hermione cast a Shield Charm that deflected the curses with flickers of electric blue. As Dudley loosed off crossbow quarrels spells flew thicker and faster, Harry turned his head while his arm loosed off spells in sync with Ron. Behind him Harry saw Neville and Draco working together behind a Shield Charm that was steadily draining, Harry saw why, the caster was a bleeding Flitwick who was sagging down against the body of Lavender Brown.

'So where do we go first?' Neville asked Hermione who held a scroll in her other hand, 'or do we patrol a bit each?'

'Bit each, I've got the main halls and library, Neville does the upper classrooms while Harry gets to do the dungeons and middle levels.'

'Fun,' Harry muttered sarcastically, 'maybe Professor Snape will have a warm Butterbeer on hold for me when I'm down there. Wait, what about Justin?'

'He gets to do around the grounds,' said Hermione uneasily, 'I think he just has to walk around the castle.'

'Who wrote the orders Hermione?' Harry asked.

'I–I have no idea,' she tried to cover up the stutter, 'why?'

'Give them to me…' he asked quietly. Wordlessly she handed Harry the scroll, there was an instruction to meet in the Entrance Hall at 6:15 a.m. from Dumbledore, but the rota was in Hermione's handwriting. 'Put Justin inside.'

'I–'

'Nothing is going to happen to me Hermione, just put Justin on the inside.'

'You win,' she relented, 'but stay close to the school.'

'No problem…' Harry gave Hermione a warm smile.

The headlong attack had become very troubled, both Draco and Neville were dead on top of Flitwick after his charm had finally failed. George and Fred had formed a whirling dervish of wands with Ginny, the twins sent out all the curses, charms and jinxes they knew while she cast a Shield Charm to match Hermione's. Sirius and Snape were fighting side-by-side again, at their feet was a bloody mess of rags that had been Lupin, towering over them was Hagrid as he reloaded his crossbow, the size of bolt-thrower from a siege. The rest of the staff had formed a line with Dumbledore at the centre, Professor McGonagall on his immediate left, and they constantly sent spells flying towards the Death Eater lines as the battle of attrition continued.

'Harry, are you sure it's the best idea?' Neville asked after Hermione fell silent. 'I know, hell, we all know that you can fend for yourself…but last year you barely escaped with your life when you were alone against him.'

'I wasn't alone Neville,' Harry replied fiercely, 'I had the help of anyone who ever believed in what was good, and paid for believing that.' Hermione knew he referred to his parents Lily and James, Bertha Jorkins, the old Muggle; Frank, and Cedric. 'And I'm not alone now, no one is alone while we're here, and that's because Dumbledore is here, and McGonagall and Sirius and Arthur Weasley and Snape and Lupin. Everyone who ever believed in something that is pure and good is here, and while they are no one here is ever going to be alone.'

After this fierce speech Harry left through the portrait hole with a slightly shocked Neville and quiet Hermione remaining in front of the fire. 'I guess he's patrolling outside then,' mumbled Hermione.

'Yeah, but he sure as hell isn't going alone,' with this Neville threw some dust from on top of the fireplace into the fire, 'Dobby,' he said as it turned a deep blue, 'come here please, it's Neville from Gryffindor.' Hermione just looked shocked, she had not known you could do that with the dust, Neville just winked as Dobby stepped out of the hearth wiping ash off some mismatched socks.

'Hello Neville Longbottom, hello Miss Hermione. Is you both feeling well, you is looking a bit shaky.'

'We're both fine,' Neville replied, 'Harry is going outside Dobby, I just want you to watch him, You-Know-Who's forces are nearby.'

'He is in danger?'

'Maybe…'

'Then I will make sure no one is to harm Harry Potter, including Mr. Lucius, he is giving me my freedom and I is always thankful to repay him.'

As more and more spells came in on the quartet of friends Harry saw Voldemort emerge from his cloud of fire with Pettigrew, only when his attackers were depleted did he even show his face. Dudley loosed off a quarrel that Pettigrew grabbed from the air and crushed in his silver hand, then a stray spell struck him from behind as Voldemort casually raised his wand and aimed it at the friends. As Pettigrew collapsed Voldemort formed the words in his mouth that would unleash the Killing Curse, forgetting offence Harry and Ron joined Hermione in muttering the Shield Charm until an orange orb formed around them. The curse struck with the force of a strong wind and with surprising suddenness the shield's strength disappeared as Voldemort raised his wand again. As Harry stepped forward to protect his friends he saw the green point of the spell approaching and knew he would join the grey-eyed corpses that already littered the field, then there was a BANG!

Harry was already outside by the time Dobby flicked into existence by the front doors of the castle, he had just turned round the corner and so using House Elf magic Dobby faded into the background, turning an odd grey colour until he matched the stone castle walls. Padding forward silently, thanks to his layered socks, Dobby turned the corner to find Harry standing stock still and staring down the slope to Hagrid's cabin. The boy was visibly calm but Dobby could sense Harry was at a conflict, should he patrol as normal or go and see his friend? Swiftly thinking, Dobby flicked into the room above Harry's head and spoke in the voice of a student: 'But Hagrid, why can't we have our class outside?'

'It's too dangerous, I'm not even allowed into my cabin yeh know,' Dobby continued the charade and was eventually rewarded by Harry's receding footsteps around the next corner. Dobby than flicked into Hagrid's cabin and found that it was indeed deserted, all of his belongings had gone; even the enormous bed that Hagrid slumbered in had disappeared, he then flicked out to Harry's position again.

Luckily for Dobby he was still in camouflage as Harry walked straight past him a few seconds later without a second glance. Breathing outwards with relief Dobby began to track Harry as the boy made his way outside the long wall that belonged to the Great Hall, pausing when Harry stopped outside an open window. He saw Hermione lean out and chat to Harry for a few minutes, both wore smiles whereas previously they had been arguing. As Harry left Hermione looked around and quickly uncovering Dobby gave her a wave, this time smiling with relief she retreated into the window again as Dobby reapplied his camouflage and disappeared.

Harry fell backwards under the weight of Dobby's body, the house-elf had appeared in front of the spell as it had been about to hit him. He looked down and found that instead of grey and sightless eyes, Dobby was breathing raggedly and covered with burns. 'I is repaying you at last sir…Dobby has given Harry Potter his freedom…I is…I is…going now…' and with a final shudder he closed his eyes and was still. Harry laid down the body and lifted his face until he stared Voldemort down, there were tears running down the boy's face as he raised his wand until it hovered over the Dark Wizard's heart.

Harry and his tail were approaching one of the last walls before the entrance when a loud CRACK rent the air. Dobby's ears clamped round his eyes in a natural reflex and by the time he had removed them, Harry had disappeared from his vision. Panic took over Dobby's instincts and he ran along the wall, steadily gaining his natural green colour as the grey walls passed in a blur. 'Where is Harry Potter?' he muttered under his breath as his lopsided run led to a brown patch of earth. Slowing down Dobby recognised it as the area where the Slytherins had blown their way out of their dungeon common room.

Cautiously he walked inside down the earthy slope and was at the bottom when a voice rang out; 'Stupefy' and Dobby saw a luminous red spell sizzle his way. Throwing himself aside Dobby raised his right finger and began muttering in elf lore searching for the source of the spell when the voice spoke again. 'Dobby, what the heck are you doing here? Lumos' and Dobby saw Harry appear beneath a glowing wand tip. 'I could have hurt you,' Dobby then neglected to tell Harry he would have deflected the spell, 'I was looking around when you came down – I thought you were a Death Eater for crying out loud.'

'I is very sorry sir,' Dobby replied, 'only I is worried about you sir. I is following you because of this.'

'And who told you to?' Harry asked with a broad smile on his face.

'I is doing it myself sir,' Dobby said then tried to throw himself into the wall.

'Accio cushion!' Harry cried and Dobby crashed into the fluffy target.

'I is still not happy lying sir,' Dobby said, dusting off his tea cosy, 'it was Mr. Neville and Ms. Hermione's idea, they is worried about you…and I is as well.' Dobby looked at Harry with his enormous saucer eyes.

'I'm fine, really, they thought I would go looking for trouble.' Harry picked up one of Dobby's socks that had flown off and handed it to the house elf with a warm smile, 'I guess you're the worst I found.'

'Not quite…'

Chapter 18

The harsh voice came from a figure standing at the bottom of the dirt slope, he was just a shadow to Harry and Dobby as the light streamed in all around him. This was not enough to hide the long wand he held in his left hand from Harry's vision, it was enough to send him diving behind a burnt out armchair dragging the hapless elf behind him. 'You can hide but you can't run, Potter', the voice sounded again, why was it so damn familiar? Harry asked himself the question, then a burning green spell shot overhead and set a picture on fire. Harry watched as the canvas monks inside ran for another frame, 'ooh, hot stuff today Potter,' the voice was now in a high pitched giggle.

Raising his head slowly, Harry pushed his glasses over the rim of the armchair and regarded the figure whose wand was now waving wildly through the air. 'Who are you?' he asked then ducked as another crackling spell shot past him.

'I'm just a crazy guy!' cackled the figure, then he shot off another wild spell and stumbled over a wrecked table, 'I'm bored now Har-ry, let's just end this.' And with a massive leap the figure landed on the other side of the armchair. Cackling he aimed his wand at Harry who stared bravely into a white death mask, then Dobby flicked out one of his long fingers, and a loud BANG! sounded with a white explosion sending the man flying across the room.

Harry looked at Dobby, the last time the elf had used such wild magic was when Lucius Malfoy had tried to attack him in his second year…Lucius Malfoy. Pulling out the Marauder's Map from his robe's pocket, Harry scanned the lower level floor as he and Dobby emerged into the light. Finding the Slytherins's common room he saw a single black dot, Lucius Malfoy, Harry gave a short chuckle then turned to Dobby. 'You can magic to Dumbledore's office right?' the house elf nodded in reply, 'you know which office I'm talking about?' Dobby then nodded in exaggeration. 'Show him the map, tell him…just show him the map.' Harry finished and with a white flash Dobby flicked out of his vision, a few seconds later the boy ran for the near main entrance.

As he reached there he ran slap bang into Justin Finch-Fletchley who had come haring out of the doors, wand raised at shoulder height. Mouth wide open, Justin babbled quickly; 'IwasinthedungeonsandIheardabigbang!', then drew in a deep breath. 'Sorry.'

'Never mind,' Harry said, rubbing his shin where it had met Justin's foot, 'we could have a problem.'

* * *

'Dobby go and tell Professor McGonagall we have a problem.' Dumbledore turned away from the bright flash as he studied the enlarged wall map, unlike Harry's it had an extension so that Dumbledore could see a further 500 yards around the school. Hogsmeade was now a mass of black dots, almost equivalent to those moving about the school, scanning the names Dumbledore found the one he had least hoped for: 'Tom Marvolo Riddle'. Not many people were too aware of Voldemort's true identity, in fact so far as he knew only vastly younger people then himself knew.

Chuckling grimly he turned his attention to the main entrance where he saw 'Justin Finch-Fletchley' had joined 'Harry Potter', the small dot marked 'Lucius Malfoy' was still unmoving in the Slytherin's dungeon. Returning to the main mass of dots outside the school Dumbledore let out a sigh, it looked like the siege he had expected was finally coming to a head. A bright flash exploded next to him and a different elf appeared, he wore the white pillowcase of a Hogwarts employee, however on his left foot Dumbledore noticed a small sock.

'Hello Binky,' he said smiling, 'and how can I be of assistance?'

Normally a house elf would have beat their head at the thought of taking human assistance, but Binky knew that the wizard meant 'what question?' did he have. 'Sir, we is all noticing a lot of weird things…'

'Yes I imagine you have.'

'Dobby is running off after Harry Potter, your staff is running all over the place and you is having a large map with lots of new dots on.' Binky said all this in a quick and high pitched voice, eyes wide and fixed on Dumbledore.

'That is true also. What was your question?'

'Will you be requiring supper tonight sir?'

'Yes,' Dumbledore said while trying not to laugh, trust a house elf to think of the basic necessities, 'although there will be a change.'

'A change…oh good sir, you know we is not liking change much.'

'Yes, but this change is for the benefit of all,' here Albus paused, 'even house elves.'

'You…you is meaning we are getting more work?'

'I wouldn't be surprised,' Dumbledore replied as another flash hit the office and Dobby appeared, 'ah good, now I can tell both of you. From now on all meals will be served at different times so I need you all to cook all the time, people may request breakfast at lunch for example.'

'Why is this sir?' asked Binky.

'We're going to have a lot on our hands…' the wizard didn't bother explaining the rest, they knew what was going on. 'Dobby this will mean a pay rise for you and Winky.' At this both the house elves gazed at each other, while none could approve of this Dobby had gained some sympathy from most elves. 'This will also apply to any who have joined you,' he continued gazing at Binky's sock, 'but for everyone there is one last new job.'

'We is ready sir.'

'Let us do our best.'

'Well, here is my new job for you…'

* * *

Justin was left standing in the doorway, Harry had gone to fetch Dumbledore after telling the boy to watch out for anything, he'd also given him a map of the castle. Looking again Justin was amazed that Harry had come into such a possession, then again he did have a Firebolt, and this was probably another gift or item Harry had brought. Studying the map closely he was scanning the different classrooms where a multitude of small dots were appearing and flicking out in a matter of seconds, they all had names like 'Binky' and 'Floo'. So busy was Justin he missed the single black dot moving round the castle towards the front door, never saw it draw up beside the door that was closed, only inches away from him.

Seeing a dot flick in and stay put Justin raised the map close to his face and saw that it was called 'Dobby', he'd heard that name before. Of course, Dobby had tried to protect Harry by almost killing him in a game of Quidditch, Hermione had told Justin after they were both Unpetrified. Beside the elf's dot was one labelled 'Albus Dumbledore', that must be his office then mused Justin and continued to look finding himself by the front door. Wait, who's that beside me? Dropping the map Justin whirled around, the Entrance Hall behind him was clear, stupid map, no wonder people keep disappearing and reappearing.

Turning back Justin's eyes widened as a skull like mask appeared before him, 'wrong way around boy!' came a mad voice from within, then Justin saw a wave of red and fell to the ground. 'Peekaboo Hogwarts!' Malfoy muttered then let loose a low cackle and dragged the unconscious boy outside. A few seconds later Justin stepped back inside dragging a small body wrapped in a cloak which he leant against a pillar, 'now to find that damned boy and kill him,' he said, 'my, what a Muggle voice I've got.'

* * *

Harry burst into Dumbledore's normal office and found Lupin sat there again, 'Hello Harry,' he said genially then looked up, 'what's happened?'.

'No time, gotta tell Dumbledore,' Harry garbled, he'd never run so fast in his life, and within minutes he and Lupin were running again down the passage to the secret office. Bursting through Harry was blinded by a flash as Dobby and Binky disappeared, 'Professor, was that Dobby?'

'Yes Harry, and he told me all about Lucius,' the older wizard seemed to radiate calm, 'did you leave someone behind at the door?'

'Yeah, Justin, he heard the fight in the dungeons.' Harry looked up at the map and saw Justin was now leaning against a pillar, then he saw the mass of black dots moving around the edge of the map. 'I though something was up, otherwise why would Malfoy have tried to attack me…hey, where's he gone?!' looking at the map Harry saw the dungeon was clear. 'Justin!' and with that Harry took off running again, and was gone while Lupin just shot Dumbledore a look.

'You don't think?'

'Go with him Moony, I'll send some help along.'

* * *

Harry was running so fast that at the top of the staircase he almost knocked over Justin as he ran down the stairs to…Justin. Harry turned and saw the boy, blinked a few times then turned back to the cloaked figure leaning against the pillar, turning back again he saw Justin's eyes light up and a mad giggle escaped from his mouth. Harry punched him.

* * *

'So this is our new duty to Hogwarts,' Dobby finished with Binky by his side, 'is we all agreed to carry it out?' as one the Hogwarts house elves nodded. Suddenly a loud magnified voice rang out in the kitchen.

'Dobby, I need five of you into the Entrance Hall right now!'

'Winky, Beasel and Rufus,' Dobby shouted, 'you're with me and Binky, everyone else, keep cooking.' With this he and the four other elves flicked out to their destination.

* * *

Snarling the Lucius Malfoy in Justin's body wiped blood from his face and sent a fist flying into Harry's stomach. With a gasp of pain Harry stepped back as Malfoy walked forwards, then with a cry he charged him and the two were knocked down the stairs. Against the pillar Justin pulled the black robe from himself and saw Harry rolling down the stairs, with himself following closely! Several bright flashes lit the room and Justin saw five small creatures were now in the hall.

Landing with a thump Harry couldn't avoid Malfoy as he fell on top of him, removing all the air from his lungs with a sudden rush. Gasping Harry tried to push the boy off but found his hands locked around his throat, then he was amazed to see yet another Justin rugby tackle the frantic one off of him. 'Impersonate me will you,' came his very distinctive voice as he put a punch into his doppelganger's face.

Harry lifted his head in time to see Justin go flying as Malfoy released a spell from his wand that punched into the boy, then a loud BANG echoed in the room. 'You is not hurting our students,' cried Dobby and with a smack Lucius Malfoy slammed into the opposite wall, however this time he got up again within seconds. 'Winky and Rufus,' he cried as Malfoy picked up his wand, 'you will take Harry Potter and Justin Finch-Fletchley to safety now.'

Willing arms picked up Harry and he looked up into Winky's face, 'Hello Harry Potter sir,' she said chirpily, 'how is you today?' Harry just nodded as a spell shot overhead. Placing him behind the staircase Harry watched a Justin floated in beside him, guided by another elf whom he assumed was Rufus. Another loud BANG occurred and Winky smiled again at Harry, 'we is going to help Dobby and our friends now.'

Raising his head, it was still thumping from falling down the staircase, Harry saw Malfoy surrounded by five elves who chattered in their language and dodged spells that he launched. Pulling out his wand Harry aimed it at the door and summoned the closed one so it swung open on its hinges. Seeing this Dobby shouted a particularly loud phrase and raised his hands, sneering Malfoy lifted his wand and blasted off a large wave-like spell that knocked one of the other elves flying. 'You will be going now sir,' Dobby said, and lowered his hands sending Malfoy flying back out the door with an enormous explosion of light and sound.

A groaning beside him brought Harry back to Justin who was clutching his stomach, 'That guy punches like a gorilla,' he muttered as the elves shut the door, 'what the hell is going on Harry?'

'I think the school is coming under attack,' Harry replied trying to ignore the thumping in his head.

'Are you boys okay?' the voice belonged to Lupin who had just run down the stairs where Binky and Winky were watching over Beasel who had been hit by the wavy spell. Lupin crouched down as Harry managed to focus on his grizzled face, 'no major injuries I hope?'

'Just a few bruises Professor,' Justin replied.

'And one hell of a headache,' Harry added, 'how are your friends Dobby?' Harry asked the elf who was standing behind Lupin.

'Beasel is in a bad way, Rufus has gone to get him a doctor from the kitchen. We is glad to see that you and Mister Finch-Fletchley is okay.'

'Mister Finch-Fletchley,' Justin said with a grin, 'I could get used to that.'

A flash lit the hallway behind them and Dobby ran off to where the house elf doctor had appeared beside Beasel, a few seconds later all the elves disappeared. 'Right then you two adventurers, lets go see Madam Pomfrey.'

'As long as I don't have to go in a bed next to Percy' Harry replied as he pulled himself up.

* * *

In his office Dumbledore muttered the charm that would let him speak to the whole school and turned to face the map before him. 'This is Albus Dumbledore, may I have your attention please…'

* * *

'THE TIME I HAVE FEARED HAS COME, THE FORCES OF VOLDEMORT HAVE SURROUNDED THE SCHOOL AND AN ATTEMPT TO INFILTRATE US HAS ALREADY BEEN MADE…'

In the Gryffindor common room Ron shot Dudley a look, the morning break had suddenly lost its fun.

* * *

'THANKS TO A SMALL GROUP OF STUDENT AND STAFF THE ATTEMPT FAILED, BUT NOW IT LOOKS LIKE A MASSIVE ATTACK WILL BE QUICKLY LAUNCHED AGAINST THE SCHOOL…'

Draco Malfoy stared out of the window in a Charms classroom as several conjured plants grew into the ceiling unnoticed.

* * *

'I ASK NOW FOR ALL OF YOU ALLOCATED TO THE DEFENCE OF HOGWARTS TO GO AND MAN YOUR POSTS. SOON PROFESSOR MCGONAGALL AND THE STAFF WILL BE AROUND WITH WEAPONS FROM THE CASTLE'S MUGGLE ARMOURY, THESE COULD BE YOUR ONLY FORM OF DEFENCE…'

In their allocated room Arthur Weasley held his wife close as the news he had never hoped to hear unfolded from the walls.

* * *

'Remember, we now fight for all that is good, I wish you all good fortune.' Dumbledore removed the charm and sighed as he leant back into his chair, watching the map he saw 'Tom Marvolo Riddle' step out in front of the dots.

* * *

Around the castle masked Dark Wizards stepped out form their cover as Voldemort held up his wand with a blazing yellow light on the end. With baited breath they watched as he turned to face them all, then the light went out and with an unearthly yell the Death Eaters charged towards the castle…