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Chapter 44: The Siege of Hogwarts Part OneThe tension in the Great Hall was thick enough to cut. Students trickled into the Hall in small groups, their eyes sweeping over the Slytherin table and then ducking behind raised hands, their hushed murmurs creating a virtual sea of noise that swept over the Hall.
Ginny sat rigid in her seat, her back straight and unbending even as gaze after malicious gaze swept over the empty seats near her. Pansy laid a soft hand over her clenched fist, a forced smile plastered on her face. "They'll be fine, Ginny."
The younger witch nodded, the movement jerky and forced. "Of course they will."
"Where're Corner and Weasley?" Millicent leaned forward in her seat, her dark eyes sharp.
Pansy's head whipped around. She looked towards the Gryffindor table, then the Ravenclaw. Neither boy was in attendance. "That is a very good question."
Ginny frowned, her eyes scanning the large Hall. Fred and George were sitting at the far end of the Gryffindor table with their mother, father and brothers. Charlie met her gaze with a worried frown of his own. She pursed her lips and shook her head, letting her gaze slip down to where Seamus sat. The Irish boy looked pale and drawn.
"If they're not here…" Millicent let the sentence trail off.
"There must be another reason for them not showing up." Ginny let her hands fall into her lap and fist into her robes. "As much as I despise Ron, I know that he would never turn to the Dark Lord. He's too bloody blind."
"But Corner…" Pansy drew in a sharp breath, the air whistling between her teeth. "Weasley would be an easy mark to manipulate, don't you think?"
"If Corner was one of them…" Ginny swallowed hard and pushed away the twisting sensation in her stomach. "Then yes. There's a possibility that Ron's done something stupid yet again."
Their gazes were drawn to a sudden commotion at the Gryffindor table. Molly Weasley had stood, as had Arthur, and was attempting to make her way to the door. Ginny leaned forward in her seat.
"…out there!" The portly woman's rising howl silenced the large hall.
"Molly, we don't know that." Arthur had an arm around his wife's shoulders.
"Of course we do! They're out there! With You-Know-Who! One of them -," she flung her hand in the direction of the Slytherin table. "Have done something to him! I know it Arthur, I can feel it. My baby is in trouble and I'm not going to just sit here and let him get killed!"
"Molly!" Arthur forced her around and gripped her shoulders. He shook her hard. "The. Wards. Are. Up. We cannot go out."
"But Ron –," Tears spilled and made shiny tracks on her skin.
"I know." Arthur drew her close. "I know. We must have faith that he'll be alright. Ron's a smart boy. He'll be fine."
Ginny fought back a rush of tears and tore her gaze away from the two adults. She eyed the large wooden doors of the Hall. They were shut, the heavy crossbar bolted and the shining runes in place. Her hands unclenched from her robes as a sudden thought hit her.
"Those doors aren't the only way out of the castle." She blinked and turned to Pansy. "Right?"
The blond nodded slowly. "There are a few other smaller doors, yes."
"And they've been warded too?"
"Yes." Pansy tilted her head and studied the younger girl, her eyes sharp. "Why?"
"If we needed to get out," Ginny dropped her voice to a whisper. "Then we'd need to use one of the side doors, right?"
Pansy's eyes glittered. "Smart girl." She abruptly leaned forward and kissed Ginny on the cheek, making the younger girl flush. She then turned to Millicent and leaned close, her hissing whisper unintelligible even to Ginny.
The larger girl bowed her head and pressed her lips into a thin line. She nodded and took up her napkin, wiped her lips with dainty movements, and then stood. Not bothering to look back at her housemates, she made her way for the side door that led to the bathrooms near the Great Hall.
Ginny tracked Millicent's movements and then turned back to Pansy. "Where is she going?"
"Out." Pansy pushed her plate away and reached for her cup. "We can't all stampede for the exit…"
The windows of the Great Hall shook, the noise deafening in its intensity. Pansy dropped her cup on the table, ignoring the spill of pumpkin juice dripping onto her robes and reached for Ginny, grabbing the younger girl and pushing her down.
The roar of Wild Magic swept through the room, whipping napkins from tables and knocking over pitches of water and juice. Screams filled the air as the students dove for cover, diving under the tables in an attempt to hide.
The first crack had everyone holding their breath. Then the tinkling sound of hundreds of panes of glass shattering filled the air. Those tables closest to the side windows were immediately covered with large chunks of multicolored glass.
Pansy slid off the bench and pulled Ginny with her. A large gash marred the petite blonde's cheek. Ginny bit back a whimper as she cradled her left hand to her chest, where several shards were imbedded.
"Pansy? Ginny?" Neville's face appeared out of the darkness. He was also covered in scratches. He stopped and looked at the girls. "Are you alright?"
"We're alright. Ginny's hurt though." Pansy pushed the younger girl at him. Ginny spared her a glare.
"I'll be fine." She said.
"Let me look at it," Neville smiled at her. Blaise appeared behind him, scooting around the sandy haired boy and moving past the two girls.
"Where's Blaise going?" Ginny swore as Neville picked the pieces of glass from her skin.
"He's doing a head count."
"Millie went out into the hall. She's not here." Pansy crawled after the other boy, yelping once as her palm was slashed open by a shard of glass.
"There." Neville wound a handkerchief around Ginny's hand and tied it tight. "That'll have to do."
Ginny threw her arms around his neck. "Thanks Neville."
He patted her awkwardly on the back. "You're very welcome."
A body diving under the table knocked into them, sending both Ginny and Neville sprawling. The younger witch sat up with a hex ready on her lips, her wand slipping into her hand with ease.
Seamus' pale and bloody face greeted her. "Seamus?" Ginny frowned.
"Where's Sasha?"
"I don't know…she was down at the far end of the table…"
"Seamus!" The sharp voice cut through the dying screams. "You bloody, irritating Gryffindor! Where are you?"
Seamus' face lit up into a fierce grin as he scampered away, dodging past other Slytherin students.
A second wave rushed through the Hall just as Seamus' form faded from view. Ginny ducked, her arms going around her head. A fresh wave of glass hit the top of the table, making everyone flinch.
"Cover your eyes!" Neville yelled, curling his arms around Ginny. "Shut them tight!"
Ginny pushed her hands against her ears and closed her eyes tight. The table groaned as large, heavy objects began to rain down on it. She could hear the screams from the other students, and above the din, she thought she could hear the Headmaster shouting orders. Flying debris struck them as it landed on the floor, shattering on impact. She hid her face in Neville's robes, even as he shielded his eyes against her shoulder. We've got to get out of here. She shook as a heavy, fleshy body collapsed in the aisle near them. Oh Merlin help us please…
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Harry stumbled through the underbrush, batting away strands of cobwebs and greedy tree branches. The skin on the back of his neck crawled – Voldemort was in the forest, he knew it.
A rising howl made him trip over his own feet. Movement through the brush spurred him on, fighting through the thick bushes and sprinting across the clearings as fast as he could. But his already weakened body was fast running out of energy, and the muscles in his legs were starting to tremble with exhaustion.
The howls came again, from behind him now. They were on his scent. Harry stumbled to a stop next to a large tree and leaned against it, panting harshly. He knew he couldn't out run them. He turned and cast about for some type of weapon. "C'mon, there has to be something here…"
The snarling growl made him freeze. He looked up through his bangs and shuddered. The wolves ranged out in front of him in a half circle and all of them had their eyes trained on Harry's every movement.
The dark haired boy closed his eyes for a moment. He opened them and drew in a shaky breath. He backed up one step, only to stop when one of the animals lunged towards him. He glanced past the predators, deeper into the forest. He was running out of time.
A thought came to him as he glanced around the forest. His eyes narrowed and he shifted his stance, holding his hands out to his side, palms facing outward. He licked dry lips and hoped he had enough time.
"Fionn mac Cumhail," his voice was little more than a dusty whisper. "Warrior, poet and fellow wizard I call your names. Fionn mac Cumhail, Finn mac Cumhail, leader of the Feine and the Fianna I call you here." Harry's back hit the rough bark of the tree behind him. The wolves were starting to close in. "I call you here." He fumbled for a branch on the ground and held it in front of himself. "I call you here."
Magic shuddered through the night, racing up Harry's spine and spilling a gasp from his throat. The wolves went low, their eyes rolling in their heads. Harry took the momentary distraction to slip around the side of the tree in an attempt to flee.
Large paws landed on his shoulders, and rotten, decaying breath washed past his face, making Harry gag. He tried to bring his arms up to shield his face and throat. Wet, thick saliva dripped onto his skin and the dull pressure of the creature's canines were just beginning to press down onto the thin skin of his throat when the wolf was suddenly ripped away.
Harry sat up with a gasp. A tall body stood over him, the young man's green cloak swirling through the mist. A familiar face peeked over a shoulder and winked at him. "No giants this time, eh?"
Harry blinked rapidly. "I think they're with the rest of Voldemort's army."
"Ah," Fionn mac Cumhail nodded sagely. "It will be a good fight then." Both of their heads came up at the eerie howl that echoed through the forest. Fionn's face drew down into tight lines. "The Cwn Annwn."
Harry scrambled to his feet, turning in a fast circle, but nothing looked familiar. "I have to go. I have to get to the castle. They're not safe."
"Boy," Fionn ignored the creeping predators and laid a hand on the smaller boy's shoulder. "Go that way." He turned Harry and gave him a push. "Don't look back and don't stop, not for anything, do you hear?"
Harry looked back and nodded. "I hear."
"Good." A smile lit the young man's face. "It is good to be back, Harry son of James. Perhaps we shall meet again." The legendary hero saluted him with his sword and turned back to the snapping wolves. "Now for you lot…"
Harry stumbled forward, wincing at the sound of the battle behind him, but did not look back.
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"Albus!"
"Severus!"
The Potions Master pushed his way through the mess of the Great Hall, his wand holding a shielding spell over his head. He waded through the shattered glass, his robes catching and ripping against large shards that had become imbedded in the wood.
Pushing back the bloody body of Professor Trelawny, he found the Headmaster. The older wizard appeared dazed, and had a large gash on his face. "Albus," Severus pushed his spell to envelope them both. "Albus."
The Headmaster blinked rapidly, a modicum of sense returning to his eyes. "Severus." He tried to stand and finally made it to his feet on the third attempt. "The children?"
"We have to get you out of here." Severus pulled on the man's arm.
"No. We have to protect the children." Albus pulled away and drew his wand. Blue eyes studied the ceiling. There were creatures perched in the frames of the shattered windows. Filthy rags fluttered around their bodies and deep hoods hid their faces, save for the glowing yellow eyes that peered from the dark.
"Abnego ingressus!" The refusal of entry rolled off the older wizard's tongue and echoed through the hall.
Hissing laughter rained down on them. "By blood and by bone we come. Your spell has no hold on us."
Albus bit back a curse and looked down the long aisles. Bodies of dead and wounded children littered the ground – as well as several rag-covered bodies.
"The hags must have killed their weakest and thrown them through the windows." Severus stepped up next to him.
"Yes." Albus' grip on his wand was tight. "Get the rest of the teachers. Get the children out. Now."
Severus nodded and hurried away. Albus rested one hand on the frizzy hair of his Astrology professor, and then moved her out of the way with a quiet apology. Her body tumbled to the ground, her glasses sliding from her face.
"Headmaster." Albus grunted as he climbed up onto his chair and then stepped up onto the long table. He looked down at his Defense professor. Her hair was hanging about her shoulders, and a cut ran nearly the length of her face, but her eyes were sharp and clear. "You will need help."
Albus nodded, but did not watch her climb onto the table. Instead he turned his eyes to the ceiling, and took a dueling stance. His eyes gleamed as other adults swarmed into the room, some of them helping the students out from the tables or away from the aisles while others ran towards them and taking a fighting stances.
"I will not have your kind in this place," Albus' voice rang out through the night. "Your master will never take Hogwarts. And neither will you enter it. Glacias curis!" The spear of ice flew towards the flock of death hanging over their heads. The wretches screamed, and the battle began.
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Draco cursed as a thin branch slapped him across the face. He swerved out of the way, skirting the edge of the forest, his eyes narrowed for any sign of movement. Sweat ran down his cheeks, tickling the skin under his ears, and making him itch. He rubbed the back of his hand across his forehead and wiped the moisture off on his trousers.
He didn't know how long he had been flying, but twilight was swiftly fading to rich shadows. The Forest creaked and whispered at him, sending intermittent chills down his spine. He had to find Harry. He just had to.
A dark shape swooped out of the darkness, the wind from its wings buffeting Draco's hair. He swore and ducked, his left arm coming up to shield his face – but he needn't have worried.
The raven angled itself in front of him, then dove down and to the right, arching away from the lake and back towards the Pitch. Draco's eyes narrowed and he bit his lower lip. He jerked his broom around and followed the bird, swinging low to the ground and keeping his head low.
The creature began to glow. Softly at first, the corvine was edged in a silver light that grew as darkness fell. Soon Draco had to shield his eyes from the sight, following the sound of rushing wings against the silence of the Forest.
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Gwyn ap Nudd let out a grunt as his energy was suddenly sucked from his body. He went to his knees in the Dark, his right hand pressed against his heart. He shuddered, his breath hitching in his throat as more energy was ripped away from his soul. Tendrils of the Dark reached for him, its greedy hands ready to rip and rend.
"Mother," he bowed his head and tried to push himself to his feet. His lips drew back into a snarl as he batted away the clinging fog. "Please…" He took a few stumbling steps and fell again.
Long waves of pain broke over his body. Images from his hounds swept through his mind. They Hunted, and without his consent. Their tender paws had been made flesh, turned mortal by the words of the Book, and they ripped and bled against the rough ground of the forest where they ran.
He pushed himself up with his hands, managing to get to his knees.
"What have we here?" The scuttling sounds of many legs echoed in the Dark. Gwyn fumbled for his sword. "A dying god. How quaint."
The Spider shuffled forward, its many eyes all trained on him. "How sad to see one so lofty be brought so low." A rusty chuckle followed the deft sidestep of Gwynn's sword. "Creiddylad would laugh to see you so."
Gwynn planted his sword into the ground, his breath coming in short pants. Foggy memories of his flower-maiden, her golden hair trailing in the winter wind, flickered past his mind's eye. His eyes narrowed. "Creiddylad is gone these last millennia. She cannot see me now." He took a deep breath and tried to stand. His knees buckled.
"Yes, she is with her Gwythr, her Summer King, safe in the Summerlands, where you shall never go." The Spider crept forward, striking out with one hairy leg and sending him tumbling.
Gwyn coughed, turning his head to one side and spitting out a mouthful of blood. "I would rather her be there than to share this fate." His blood boiled and his rage gave him the energy to turn over onto his stomach. He managed to push himself to his feet. "I would rather share her for all eternity with Gwythr than to have her brightness dimmed by something such as you." He raised his sword and shifted his grip on the worn handle. "I will not go silently into this Dark, creature. I shall smite you down and take me with you, so that it may feast on both of our bones."
The Spider's legs drummed against the sand, the first two rearing up into a striking pose. "Then we shall rot together," it said and lunged.
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Sasha clung to Seamus' arm, dragging him along under the table. Ignoring the small cuts and bruises that were forming on his palms and forearms, Seamus struggled to keep up with her.
Violent screeches rang out from above them. The younger years were huddled together under the tables – Seamus peeked to one side in time to see a few Order members dragging out children from the other tables. That made him stop.
"Seamus, we have to go!"
He shook his head. "We can't." He met her gaze evenly. "What about the others? The adults aren't helping the Slytherins."
Sasha opened her mouth and then shut it with a snap. She looked right and then left, peering over his shoulder down the long shadowy aisle of the table. "You're right." Her mouth thinned down into a grim line. "Damn them all."
Seamus nodded shortly, but said nothing. He pointed over her shoulder. "You take that end. Third years and under need to get cleared out of here."
"Ginny won't go." Sasha pointed out.
"Ginny's old for her age," Seamus grunted. "Go. I'll take this end. Start herding them towards the ends of the table. Then we'll get the older years and fight our way out."
She nodded and began to move away. She stopped and turned back. "Seamus," she said, her eyes too shadowed to see clearly.
He smiled at her, the expression tight and strained. "Don't," he said with a shrug. "Just get them out. I'll see you after."
She let out a shaky breath and nodded. "Right. After." She hesitated, and then dodged forward. The warm press of her mouth against his was surprising and short – gone before he could react. "If you're not there afterwards, I'll resurrect you myself and then kill you." She fisted a hand into his collar. "Do you understand me?"
"Got it." He couldn't help the silly smile that spread across his face. She let him go with a snort and was away, hollering at the children nearest to her, snapping them into action.
Seamus shook his head as he watched her go. He touched a hand to his lips and smiled. Something large and heavy landed on the table above his head, making him jump. His smile disappeared as the sounds of battle swept over him. Steeling his resolve, he turned from Sasha's fading form and began to gather up the younger years nearest to him.
He looked over his shoulder, but could not see any sign of the Slytherin girl. Be safe, Sasha. He closed his eyes and sent up a prayer to any god listening. Please let her stay safe.
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Remus dashed after his lover, ducking low to avoid a shrouded body flying over their heads. "Sirius!"
The animagus nodded and veered right, hopping onto the Gryffindor table with his wand drawn. "Grando ab sagitto!" A storm of arrows erupted from Sirius' wand, flying towards the diving hags.
Remus jumped up onto the Ravenclaw table next to Moody. "Where are the children?" He had to shout over the din.
The Auror grunted and ducked a wicked looking curse. "Under the tables. The others are trying to get them out."
Remus looked around, picking out the adults herding the children from the Hall. "We need to get out of here."
"I know." Moody let fly a lightning bolt, the arc of energy missing its intended target and searing the wall black. "We can't until the children are all out."
The hags paused in midair, their rags flaring out around their bodies like giant wings. Remus caught his breath, his heart tripping over a beat. As one, they turned and flew up to the ceiling, their hissing voices making the werewolf's ears ache.
"What are they doing?" Remus clapped his hands over his ears.
"I don't know." Moody aimed for a group and cast a netting spell. They avoided it easily.
A fierce wind swept through the hall, nearly sweeping the adults from the table. Remus caught Moody before he could fall, lowering him to the tabletop while covering the other man's body with his own. Silence fell. Remus lifted his head.
The rising howls sent shivers down his spine. The rising chorus included the deep screams of giants and other Dark beasts. The barking coughs of a pack of werewolves added their voices to the mix. Remus growled low in his throat, his own wolf rising through the layers of his consciousness.
"Moony!" Sirius' yell was barely audible over the din.
The werewolf raised his eyes to meet the animagus'. He could feel his bones and muscles move under his skin. He looked down at Moody. "This isn't good," his voice came out as a low growl.
The Auror stared up at him, his expression grave. "He's calling all the Dark beasts to fight."
Remus nodded and forced himself to let go of the other man. He stood up and forced his hands into fists at his side. Dark magic whipped through the room, doubling him over.
Sirius appeared at his side, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. "Stay with me, Moony." The animagus' voice was rough. "Don't give in."
"I won't." The werewolf tried to stand up straight. The Dark magic roared through the room once more, driving him to his knees. He pressed his knuckles into the grainy wood of the table and bowed his head. "Sirius…"
"No." Sirius rested his hand on his shoulder and stood up straight. The animagus lifted his face to the ruined ceiling. "No. I won't let this happen." He had his wand in a white knuckled grip. "Damn you Voldemort! Come out and fight fair!" His challenge was lost amid the rising screams of both the children and the adults.
"Sirius! Remus!" Albus' voice made them both turn. Remus stared at the Headmaster through the arch of his arms. The older wizard's robes were torn and bloody, and a long gash decorated his face from temple to jaw. "We need to…"
The doors to the Great Hall shuddered, silencing him. All heads whipped around in time to see the wood shudder and shift, accumulated dust and dirt of centuries shaking loose from its frame.
"They're here," Albus said grimly. He glanced up at the hags still clustered near the ceiling. "There is no time."
"We have to do something," Sirius snarled.
"We protect the castle. Hold them off." Albus drew himself up to his full height and squared his shoulders. "Hogwarts will not fall to Voldemort's minions. If he wants the castle he'll have to come to us."
"Fat lot that'll do us when the giants and the other Dark creatures break through first!" Spittle flew from Sirius' mouth. "We have to do something, Albus."
The Headmaster turned pale eyes to him. "What little can be done is already outside." There was no light in Albus' eyes now. "The fight is now in their hands."
Sirius paled, his hand tightening on Remus' shoulder. He shook his head silently, but Albus merely turned away, taking up a fighting stance before the door. "Get the children out," the Headmaster ordered, never taking his eyes off the entrance. "Then get everyone back here. We will fight to the end."
Remus panted, his breath scorching his throat. "Go," he croaked to Sirius. He met his lover's eyes. "Get them out. Then come back to me."
The animagus snarled, but let go of his shoulder. He jumped off the table and strode to the Slytherin table, helping Sasha out from under the table. Together, along with the older years, they turned their attention to getting the children out of the Hall.
Remus turned his gaze away from his lover and back towards the door. He could feel his nails digging into the wood of the table. He didn't want to know what he looked like; the wolf raged just below the surface of his thoughts, hungry only for the taste of blood and the feel of meat between his jaws. He clung tight to the tiger's tail, not about to let go of his control. He gathered his feet under his body, ready to spring when the doors failed. He wasn't going down without a fight.
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Harry's vision was going dark. His heartbeat thundered in his ears. Magic, both Wild and Dark whipped past him, making his head ache and his chest contract. He stumbled forward, nearly blind, trusting only some inner sense that was telling him he was going the right direction.
A wave of Dark magic slammed into his back, pushing him forward like a wave, hurling him off his feet, only to drop him some distance later. He crumpled, pressing his forehead to the ground. Liquid trickled from his mouth, and there was a wet rattle to his lungs making it hard to breathe.
"Please." He closed his eyes and tried to take in a deep breath. "It can't end his way."
"It won't end this way." The familiar voice opened Harry's eyes and raised his head. He stared up at the Morrigan, the silver light outlining her form nearly blinding him.
"Get up, Harry." She held out a hand to him. Her eyes gleamed. "Get up now."
He shook, but forced himself to his knees. With his bones aching, he used the tree next to him to stand. He took a step, then another, and then another. He was almost to the goddess. He could see her smile, and the light in her eyes was the light of a thousand stars all gathered together. He reached for her.
A rough hand gripped his wrist. The vision disappeared and the silver light flashed out. He stared up into Draco's pale eyes, his mind gone completely blank.
"Harry!" Draco pulled on his wrist, dragging him forward. Harry nearly fell, but caught himself against the blonde's leg. "Get up onto the broom!"
Harry shook his head, but the fog refused to abate. He clung to Draco's side, his breath coming in short pants. "What…why are you out here?"
"Harry, get up on the bloody broom!" Draco yanked on his arm, causing the dark haired boy to yelp.
He looked up into the panicked eyes. "I can't. It won't carry us both."
"Like hell it won't." Draco guided the broom lower and all but pulled Harry onto it. "Hang onto the handle and I'll hang onto the broom and you. We have to go."
"Quick," Harry coughed, bending low over the warm wood. Dark liquid stained his lips. "We've got to hurry."
"I know." Draco pushed off, but the broom did not gain much height. He turned them towards the castle.
A wild snarl was all the warning they had. Sharp teeth latched themselves into Draco's leg, pulling him from the broom. His wand fell into the palm of his hand and his arms came up to shield his face.
Harry whipped his head around and nearly screamed. "No!" He turned the broom back. One of the hounds stood pale and glimmering over Draco's body, its lips pulled back and ready to rend. It had stopped, though, when Harry had turned the broom and faced the creature squarely.
Red eyes glittered in the dark. Harry stared back, the fog that had been wrapped around his mind suddenly tearing away. He could feel the pain and hate emanating from the hound. The lean body all but crackled with energy. The red ears were standing straight up on its head, pointed to where Harry was hovering.
A low snarl started deep in the creature's chest. Harry shivered, and spared a glance down at the blond. "Get to the castle," he whispered, flicking his eyes back to the hound. "Get the others."
"I'm not leaving you out here alone, Potter."
"Just do it, Draco."
"No."
He flicked his eyes to the other boy once more. "Please." He could see the blonde's shoulders sag briefly. "Just go. I'll be fine. Trust me."
"I do." Draco rolled away from the hound. He stood, arms loose at his sides. "Go, Harry. But I'm coming back for you."
Harry nodded and backed the broom up, never taking his eyes off the predator in front of him. "I will see you soon," he whispered and then he was off, swooping past the hound and staying low to the ground. The Cwn Annwn howled, its lips peeling back to expose sharp teeth, and was after Harry before Draco could blink.
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The blond stared after them for a long moment. His attention turned back to the swaying branches of the Forbidden Forest. He gulped and turned around, eyeing the distance between himself and the castle. He took off his robe and started to run. Something large crashed through the brush behind him, but Draco didn't stop to look. He widened his stride, an ache already forming under his ribs as he ran.
Something lunged at his legs and he swerved left. He managed a glimpse of the creature out of the corner of his eye, but he wasn't sure what it exactly was. It was large, though, and gaining on him. Or else I'm slowing down. He forced the dark whisper into the back of his mind.
The sound of hooves on the grass pricked his ears. There was a roar, and the beast that had been at his heels disappeared. Strong arms suddenly lifted Draco and deposited him across a broad back.
The centaurs had arrived.
Firenze peered over his shoulder at Draco. A long lance was held in one of his hands, while a bow and quiver were strapped across his shoulders. "Mr. Malfoy," the gravelly voice brought a smile to the Slytherin's face. "We have come."
The blonde's eyes gleamed. "Just in time." He pointed back towards the forest. "Harry's over there somewhere. He has a hell hound after him."
"He will soon have two." The centaur did not change his course. "The siege of Hogwarts has already begun. We must get to the castle. Young Mr. Potter must forge his own fate."
"But –," Draco gripped the powerful shoulders as Firenze leapt over a tangle of bodies. His voice caught in his throat as they topped a hill. A dark swarm had swept up the path leading to the entrance of the school. Draco could make out the pale forms of giants towering above the writhing mass of darkness below them. Four of them held an uprooted tree and were pounding it against the doors.
"We must go around!" Firenze cut right, his stride never faltering. Draco craned his neck around, scanning the edge of the Forest. He thought he saw a pale flash near the Pitch, but then Firenze was over the rise and heading towards Hagrid's hut, stealing any sight of the Pitch from Draco's gaze.
The blond turned around and held on to the strap that held the centaur's quiver in place. His lips thinned down into a white line and he glanced one last time over his shoulder. I'll find you, Harry. He ducked his head as Firenze cut by the Whomping Willow. I swear I will.
End Chapter 44