Nymphadora Tonks and Mad-Eye Moody were standing watch at the gates of Hogwarts when the attack began. The Dementors, giants and Death Eaters had successfully brushed aside the few Aurors between Hogsmeade and the gates quickly enough that there was no warning when their advance elements attacked. The Dementors led the attack, but the two Aurors and Order members responded with their Patronuses. The Dementors were forced back a short distance before they were joined by Crabbe at the head of half a dozen Death Eaters. The Death Eaters viciously attacked their enemies, throwing every variety of curse at them, but Tonks and Moody fought as a well-drilled team, helping to defend one another while they sent curses of their own back at the Death Eaters. Two unwary Death Eaters were swiftly stunned, but the other four put up a good fight. "We're in trouble here, Mad-Eye," Tonks said as she ducked a jet of light. "They must have dealt with everybody between here and Hogsmeade." Tonks fired off a stunner before ducking back into cover.

"Yes, you're right Tonks," Moody responded while he cast an "Expeliarmus", disarming Crabbe. "Bad enough to be up against these buggers again, but those damn Dementors too. We should have been warned. Constant Vigilance! What are they teaching you Aurors these days? I'd never have let them sneak past me or through me."

"I don't think this is the time to reminisce Mad-eye." Tonks paused in her reply long enough to send her Patronus, a large butterfly, at a small group of Dementors attempting to slip around the pair's left flank. "What are we going to do? Dumbledore needs to know that Voldemort's begun his attack."

"You're right." Moody sent a Death Eater flying with the Reductor Curse, but grunted in pain as he took a glancing hit on the stump of his left arm, causing it to bleed profusely. "We can probably deal with these clowns. They're hardly the cream of the Death Eaters. Others are going to follow them though." As he spoke Tonks managed to stun another Death Eater leaving only two of their foes and the disarmed Crabbe conscious. "You go to the castle. You'll move quicker than me. Send everyone you can down here, but make sure Albus knows what's happening."

"Are you sure, Mad-Eye?" Tonks asked.

"Yes, I'm sure. Get going. I'll cover you. Go now!" Moody sent a well-aimed stunner at a Death Eater who had to jump out of the way. Tonks moved out of cover, swiftly heading in the direction of the castle. Moody stayed in his place, firing off curse after curse in the Direction of the Death Eaters who were unable to outdo him and were also unable to hit the retreating Tonks. Moody was hit several more times, but he kept on fighting until, nearly ten minutes after Tonks had left, he was joined by Mundungus Fletcher and Dawlish.

"Moody," Dawlish said respectfully the instant they arrived. Dawlish sent two stunners in quick succession in the direction of the Death Eaters, one of whom was knocked unconscious.

"'Ow are you Mad-Eye?" Mundungus asked Moody before sending a curse in the direction of Crabbe who had retrieved his wand and was back in the fight.

"Well enough Fletcher. Dawlish," he acknowledged the Auror, "good to see you."

The three of them continued to trade curses and counter-curses with the Death Eaters and Dementors who were gradually reinforced by a few giants and several more Death Eaters while other Aurors and Order members gradually trickled into the battle. Several Death Eaters were down, but so were a few of their opponents, some with the look of those hit by the fatal Avada Kedavra curse. Suddenly the hugely amplified voice of Bellatrix Lestrange called out "Enough! Our master calls us! We'll be back to finish them off later!" The Death Eaters immediately responded by Apparating, and the Dementors and giants pulled back as well. As soon as they were gone, Bellatrix could be heard laughing in a way very unlike her normal laugh. "That was fun. It probably won't work again though." As she spoke, her voice gradually changed from Bellatrix's to that of Tonks.

"What are you doing back here Tonks?" Moody demanded. "I told you to tell Dumbledore that the Death Eaters were here."

"Don't worry Mad-eye," Tonks replied, "I bumped into Hagrid. He can move faster than me and he thought I would be more use back here than he would so he went to inform Dumbledore while I changed into my dear aunt so that I could persuade them to leave us alone."

"Clever girl, Tonksy," Mundungus said. "Y'know I could really use you. When we're done 'ere, 'ows about you listen to a business proposal I've got going? Could make us both very rich."

"She won't be doing anything of the sort Fletcher," Dawlish said seriously. "No Auror would help you with your schemes. If I had my way, you'd be locked up for a good while."

"Oh, I don't know. It could be quite fun," Tonks said mischievously. "But Dung, don't call me Tonksy if you know what's good for you."

"Sure thing Nymphy."

Tonks moved towards Mundungus threateningly, but before she could do anything to him Moody spoke up. "We should be getting back to the school. Dumbledore will be telling us what he wants us to do. And Tonks, while I wouldn't mind you turning Fletcher into a cockroach any other time, we could really do with him now."

"All right, Mad-Eye," Tonks responded. "I'll leave Dung alone. He's all right most of the time, more fun than you or Dawlish at any rate. But I'll get you for calling me Nymphy, Dung, just you wait."

"Enough," Dawlish put in. "Moody's right. We do need to get back to the school. If we don't get a move on, You-Know-Who will get there before us."

The Aurors and Order members headed back to Hogwarts, leaving several of their number behind to delay the Death Eaters if they made another attack. When they arrived at the school, Dumbledore was waiting for them. "It has begun," the headmaster of Hogwarts stated simply, looking exceptionally old.

"Yes Albus," Moody said, "it has begun. The Death Eaters aren't going to be delayed by Tonks's trick for long. What do you want us to do?"

"Hold them outside as long as you can. Most of the teachers and much of the DA will join you shortly. The other students will be gathered in the Great Hall, where they will be best protected. Hagrid, will you go into the forest one last time? We need as many creatures that are willing to help us as possible."

"I'll do that, Professor Dumbledore," Hagrid said eagerly. "Every one I can get to fight will, and if they won't I'll know why."

"Thank you, Hagrid. I am afraid that we are all going to be in great need of assistance before the end of this battle. The end of the war is at last upon us. Good luck to each and every one of you." As he said this, Dumbledore turned and left to begin the final preparations for defending the school and its pupils.