Author's Note: I'm soooooooooooooooooooooooooo sorry it took me that long to update. To be honest, I really hadn't planned on the story covering a battle, so this has been difficult for me to write. In fact, this chapter is very short because I'm trying to do it justice. So upfront, I'm also apologizing for the length (or lack of) of this chapter. I just really wanted to update before I had to study for more tests. Though, I must say that calculus is a good class for allowing those creative juices to flow. This entire chapter was written in calc. And yes, JDH, I know I have to study. I do my homework in class too. Not at the same time though. That's a whole new level of mulit-tasking that even I am not up to. Anywho, sorry for the ramblings. Thank you for being patient and I hope you enjoy this snippet of a chapter. I will update sooner. I promise. In fact, I've already begun the next chapter. J R/R And thank you for all the reviews! Happy reading.
The electricity was tangible in the air. The storm had lessened, but the war was still on. Emotions were running high; the power of both parties, palpable.
"You cannot win, old man!" Voldemort's voice called out across the yard. Minerva was able to see his shape through the relenting downpour. While Voldemort was dangerous, she knew that he would attack from plain sight. No, the one she needed to keep an eye on was Malfoy. He strongly believed in guerilla warfare. No honorable face-off. He would take you out from behind given the chance. He was the type to hide in the shadows, never even revealing that he was the attacker: Unless he had a point to prove by killing you. Then he would gloat just before death took you.
As if reading her mind, the downpour abruptly halted, returning visibility. The Death Eaters had crept closer than Minerva realized. Fear of Voldemort appeared to have given them a backbone, small though it may be. Their numbers had grown surprisingly large. The Order had been able to summon the majority of its members, so they were fairly well matched against their foe. Minerva estimated around a total of seventy-five wizards stood on that desolate lawn. Half of them stood brave; chins high, wands at the ready. The other half stood almost huddled in their black robes, cowardly faces hidden behind grotesque, white masks. Their wands were up, but Minerva could see a faint tremble in some of their grips. The only person in that group that wore no mask was Voldemort. His ashen skin clung to his skull, and his red eyes glowed even brighter every time the continuing lightening flashed No trace of the person he once was remained. Only the monster was left.
Minerva half expected to see fangs when he sneered: Sharp, pointy blood-soaked fangs and a bifurcated tongue. Maybe even a tail, hoofed feet, and his wand in the shape of a pitchfork. Okay, so now she was getting carried away. Besides, that's what Lucius looked like. No, Voldemort merely mirrored the snakes he so obsessed after. In her opinion, cats were an animal worthy of obsession and adoration, not snakes. The Egyptians definitely knew what they were doing.
Another thunder clap bought her full attention back to the tarrying battle. She wondered if it would be better or worse for them if the Death Eaters had no masks. It is always easier to attack an enemy you can identify as fallible and mortal. Even though she knew there were people under the masks, they still lent towards a certain monstrosity, welling a small form of primal unease deep within her and the other Order members.
However, if the person behind the disguise was once a trusted friend, secretly betraying all who knew him, the emotional struggle could prove fatal for the one betrayed. But every member of the Order knew this was a possibility. Betrayals were expected. They were as prepared as possible and Minerva really needed to find Malfoy. The dread that ate at her stomach would not let her concentrate on anything else. Mustering the energy and concentration that allowed her to be an animagus and a Transfiguration Expert, she focused and clearly projected, "Aspectus invisus!"
Immediately the white masks began to dissolve, revealing their owners. Many of them looked panicked and horrified at being exposed. Without warning, an orange light blasted out of the midst of their group, heading straight for McGonagall. Before she could react, Tonks and Arthur both shot to deflect it, the combined spells so strong the curse was immediately dissolved in a burst of light. The enemy was unmasked and the first shot had been fired. The war was on.
A/N: Okay everybody, I have question. I need your opinions. Do you want me to post short chapters frequently, or post longer ones less frequently? I have another mini-chapter written, so do you want to go ahead and put it up, or wait until I've written more?