A/N: Since, I want you all to live until Christmas, here is the next update. And sorry that it is kind of on the short side, but in the next chapter you'll see why. Honors go to Jestana for reviewing each and every chapter of this story – and for posting my 300th review. Thanks to all of you who take the time to tell me what you think.

Chapter 36 – Under Attack

It was an odd feeling, yet strangely exhilarating. She felt the blood thrumming through her veins – hot and burning like acid. Her senses were sharpened almost over the edge.

Not only did her sight seem heightened beyond anything she had ever known, but her ears picked up on the rustling of the leaves. Yet, there was no wind to move them. In addition, she could smell things she usually couldn't detect: the metal in the buttons of her companion's robes or the stones of the castle turning hot from the constant friction. And she could feel things on her skin – the very air, the breath of her companions.

It was an eerie situation, yet it was invigorating.

She felt strong. She felt young. She felt alive. She felt … like a goddess going to war.

And to war, Minerva McGonagall was going.

They had apparated as close as possible to the gates of Hogwarts, but had found a magic wall blocking their way. No magic seemed to penetrate this barrier, and they didn't have time for many attempts. In a bout of quick thinking Minerva had tried a much simpler solution and transfigured her companions into birds: her twin brothers into cuckoos and Melina into a falcon. Then she had taken on her second animagus form, and together this odd assortment of birds tried to fly over the magic wall.

If there was one weakness in the Dark Lord's plan, it was to not create a more elaborate protection. In his mind only wizards were his enemies, and wizards used magic to overcome obstacles. A more basic solution had never entered his mind. Birds, since they were animals, and owls necessary to deliver messages, had certainly never been on his list of possible trouble. The wall was surprisingly low and therefore even those three completely new to flying easily overcame their impediment.

Once on the castle grounds, they had flown to the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest, where Minerva transfigured them back to their original forms. Hermes and Mercury looked a little queasy, while Melina had turned positively green.

"Phew," she gasped. "Flying will never be my preferred method of transportation."

Her comment however, remained unnoticed, for the concentration of her uncles was completely captured by the scene on the lawn.

Minerva didn't take any notice of her surroundings. Too occupied was she with herself. It had started when she had managed the transformation into an owl this time. Since then, she suddenly felt this strangely invigorating feeling. This strength. This power. She suddenly felt like the battle goddess, whose counterpart she was named for.

The prophecy still didn't make sense, but it didn't matter. Prophecies gave hints, they didn't carve anything into stone. She felt like a battle goddess and she was here to fight.

Her gaze was fixed on the battle before her. The teaching staff against death Eaters, while He-With-The-Ridiculous-Name stood on the side muttering some incantation.

Strangely enough, Minerva felt almost detached from this scene. Somehow it didn't matter to her when respected colleagues were hit by spells. It didn't even have any meaning to her when Melina pointed to the castle and gasped: "They made it."

Minerva followed her pointed finger and recognised her brothers and sister joining the fight, but it had no meaning for her.

Yet.

"We need to help them." Hermes said urgently. "They can't hold out much longer." His sister held him back. "Not yet."

It is often said that twins have a perfect understanding of each other. This time it was of no surprise that Hermes and Mercury McGonagall shared an opinion. They stared at each other, then at their younger sister with mouths hanging open. Did Min know what she was saying? Their siblings were fighting Death Eaters, and she wanted to wait? What for?

The brothers looked at each other for a second and then each gripped a shoulder of Minerva and shook it. "Min, they are being attacked by Death Eaters. They need our help."

The woman was unperturbed by their urging. "They do. But most of all they need our strength. They fight and we need to hold up the spell." She looked squarely into their faces. "Do you have your amulets?"

Both nodded in surprise.

"Good. Take them in your hands." Minerva took the battle scene in one more time. Watching her, Melina thought – not for the first time – that she looked exactly like a cat just before she pounced. "Go!"

The four of them leaped up and ran across the grounds with their wands drawn. Among the battling teachers, Baldur Nipps was the first to spot them. Whispering the news to Xiomara Hooch, he started to cast his spells with renewed vigour and determination.

The knowledge of the newcomers quickly spread through their rows and the whole staff doubled their efforts to cover up advance. Unfortunately, their enemies discovered the new arrivals as well and promptly turned against them.

However, their move had been anticipated, and under the direction of the flying instructor they regrouped to shield the McGonagalls. Meanwhile, Diana, Uray and Dion were shoved to the back of their group. They turned and eagerly awaited their siblings who made it into the cover of the group without any losses.

"You made it!" Diana exclaimed.

Minerva ignored her and cried out over the din: "Take your amulets out!"

Dion and Diana stared at her uncomprehendingly, while Uray already ripped the silver chain out from under his robes. "What for?" Dion asked.

"The circle spell!" Uray responded in exasperation. Next to them another staff member fell down to his knees gasping in pain after having been subjected to a "ripping" spell.

Dion's eyes widened in shock, but he quickly recovered. "All right!"

He turned and put his hand on Minerva's shoulders. She threw her last spell and yelled to Xiomara: "We'll try the circle spell! You must cover for us!"

The flying instructor nodded and skilfully directed her colleagues into a new formation as to shield the now defenseless McGonagall siblings.

As if in a silent agreement, Melina – who did not own an amulet and was therefore excluded from this dangerous kind of wandless magic – and Severus moved to guard Minerva. There was no doubt in their minds that whatever spell was to be used, it would draw most strongly on Minerva. And somehow, both knew that there was more to come.

Behind their backs, the siblings had put away their wands and had clasped their hands, thus pressing their amulets against each other's palm. Quietly they began to chant:

"One soul can be strong, but united they are stronger.
And so I join my mind, my heart and my soul to yours –
To be stronger together in this Circle of Souls.
We are bonded together through the love of sisterhood/brotherhood.
Bonded together eternally.
Thus, I'll take the pain to lessen yours –
Thus, you'll take my strength.
Let us find our way through this hardship –
United in this Circle of Souls."

Suddenly, Severus Snape felt the hairs on the back of his neck prick, as an aura of magical power began to build. It seemed like a halo of warmth and strength that expanded and moved, first encompassing the fighters, then moving between the castle and the Dark Lord.

Amidst the din of the constantly cast spells that filled the air, Severus suddenly heard something very odd.

Nothing.

The creaking and groaning of the castle had stopped. The screaming of the tortured stones that had relentlessly ripped on his eardrums over the last few hours was no longer there. For a short second, Severus risked a glance back at the castle and found that it was no longer quivering.

Some sort of a happy lump was forming in his stomach. Things were looking up. The Dark Lord was no longer in charge of everything here. There was a force set against him and this force he could not be cast aside so easily.

Severus risked another glance backwards at the circle the McGonagalls had formed, and he found that they were surrounded by some sort of a scarlet and goldring. It seemed to be only a ring of light actually, but he could feel its strength.

For a long time to come, Snape would blame himself for having taken the risk of looking back this second time, for he never saw the curse coming the way of the circle.

He only felt a sudden cold permeating his back. And from the corner of his eyes, he saw first an angry red streak passing behind him. An angry red streak that was followed almost immediately by a blinding green light.

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