Before our fighting can commence, I notice Tom's eyes dart towards the gate. For a moment, my blood freezes.
Hooded figures, at least five of them, are approaching our battlefield.
"Tom." I say in a low voice.
No answer.
"Tom."
"Tom!"
"Bena, please, control your anger..." he trails off, laughing. His Death Eaters are gathered behind him now. I swallow hard. Tom I can handle, but a handful of loyal followers were not in my plan.
My fear is back, and I know he can sense it rolling off of me in waves.
"Frightened, Bena?"
I affix a sneer on my face. "Never of you, Lucius."
He makesamotion as though tospeak again, but Tom raises his hand. "Not now."
"Where are your friends, Bena? Have they forsaken their champion so easily?"
"I am not the champion, Tom." I am rolling my wand between my hands, a gesture of nervousness I have retained from my youth. Wishing I would afford a glance towards the castle, I instead seek to distract one or all of the Death Eaters.
"Did you know he let Potter return to the castle, not five minutes ago."
They all momentarily stop. Tom glares daggers at me. I smirk.
"Nice try, Bena."
"It is no 'try', Lucius."
"Stop it, both of you." Tom commands.
"Master, look!"
All our heads whip to the castle. A small group of black os rapidly approaching our position. My heart swells.
I turn back to Tom, whose face has soured.
"They change nothing."
"I agree."
Albus, Remus, Minerva, Filius, and Vector have all arrived at my side. I will freely admit surprise at the appearance of Vector, appreciated though his presence is. The others I am relieved to have at my back.
"She is still mine." Tom yells, I assume to Albus.
Albus simply nods. Immediately, all five let loose with spells. Two death eaters fall to the ground. Two more stagger to regain their balance.
Tom takes the opportunity to send a flash of light in my direction. I easily dodge it and send my own spell back.
The fighting continues.
Soon enough, the death eaters seem defeated, though I freely admit being only peripherally aware, my attention focused on the ferocity of the attack Tom is unleashing.
"Ah!" I hear Albus say sharply.
It draws my attention for long enough.
"Avada Kedavra!" I hear Tom bellow.