Chapter 9: Back On The Offensive
Sirius's eyes snapped open as he quickly sat up, groaning and wincing in pain. "Easy there," someone soothingly said, placing their hand on his chest to ease him back down. His vision slowly cleared at a blurry figure who turned out to be his wife. "What are you doing here?" Sirius asked, visible confusion on his face. "You should be home."
Sandra looked at him sternly, pursing her lip. "What do you think?" she replied, "My husband was nearly killed and I had to come see him so I could take care of him!" Sandra walked over to a table to grab a shirt for Sirius who noticed that he had bandages all over his body and hands. His wife handed him his shirt and he pulled it on slowly as his body was sore and still in pain.
"Where is Victor?" Sirius asked, wondering where his savior was. He looked around to see that he was in an unfamiliar room inside a tent.
"He has left to see his wife," Sandra replied, sitting down in a chair. "Unharmed, by the way."
"Sweetheart, I'm an Auror and we're in a war," Sirius began, "I'm bound to get hurt every now and then." Just then, a few men entered the room. Sirius was surprised to see one of the men was the Minister, Rufus Scrimgeour who walked briskly up to Sirius, looking like a stoic general and looking down at Sirius as if he did something wrong. "Minister, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Sirius asked as he stood up from his make-shift bed.
The Minister walked farther into the room. "Sirius Black," he said with a nod. "As you know, our Head Auror has been captured. Not only that, but her next in command was murdered a couple of nights ago." Sirius glanced over to his wife mouthing 'a couple of nights ago?' Sandra sheepishly nodded. "That leaves you next in line to - "
"No!" Sirius blurted, shaking his head. "I'm no leader. I can't be the Head Auror. I don't know If I'm fit or even ready for that big of a job - "
"Black!" Scrimgeour shouted causing Sirius to stop rambling on. "I am not promoting you to Head Auror!" Sirius suddenly looked embarrassed as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I need you to debrief me and the new Head Auror of the last battle as well as our new tactics Auror." Scrimgeour waved over to the two men next to him. One of them had long black, straight hair with a long face, grey eyes, and a small goatee on his chin. The other was a bit taller with short dark brown hair and brown eyes. He was had a thick mustache and a squared jaw, dark tan akin, and wearing a muggle suit. Sirius wondered if this man was a muggle. "Our new Head Auror, Pius Thicknesse." the Minister introduced.
The man named Pius nodded towards Sirius. "Auror Black," he said. Sirius gave a nod.
"And our tactics Auror," The Minister continued, pointing towards the other wizard. "From MACUSA, Auror Eric Everheart." The man named Eric stepped forward and held out his hand. Sirius shook it. "He's here to help out with our future oncoming battles, maybe give us an edge. And of course, Pius will lead us."
"Of course I will," Pius agreed with a nod. "I have many insights on the oncoming war. Hopefully we can stop this before it gets any worse."
"Good," Scrimgeour said, then turned to Sirius. "Debrief them on everything Mister Black, leave out no detail for Mister Everheart and Pius as so they can assess the situation and see where have failed, to reduce casualties and damage." Sirius glared at the Minister. If they had evacuated the village before the attack, no one would have had to die. No civilians, no Aurors, no one. "I'll leave you to it, Pius." And with that, the Minister left the tent.
Pius looked over to Sandra. "Mrs. Black," he said, "If you would please excuse us, this is Auror business only. No need for an Obliviator at the moment."
"But - " Sandra tried to protest. "My Husband needs rest. Surely you could do this another time."
"I'm afraid, Mrs. Black, that time is of the essence," Pius replied, standing firm with his hands folded together. "Now, If you please excuse us." Sandra glared at the new Head Auror.
"It's alright, Honey," Sirius assured. "This won't take long." Sandra nodded and left the tent, not letting up her glare towards Pius. Sirius turned to Pius and Everheart and then began to tell them everything from the beginning to when he left, explaining every detail he could remember. How the Death Eaters were just killing just left and right, but they almost had the upper hand until Voldemort and his strongest warriors appeared and began pushing them back. "We saved as many villagers as we could," Sirius told. "But there is something i don't understand. Why was that the first attack? What was so special about Edinburough?" Pius shuffled a bit but didn't say anything. Sirius furrowed his brow towards his new boss. Did Pius know something Sirius didn't?
"Thank you, Black, that will be all," Pius said with a bow. "Get some rest. We hope to see up and ready to fight in the next couple of days." Sirius nodded as Pius took his leave.
Sirius turned to Everheart. "Er...Everheart, was it?" He asked. Eric nodded. "From MACUSA. Why are you really here?"
"Like the Minister said," Everheart said, straight-faced. "To be your Tactics Auror." Sirius eyed the man suspiciously as this new guy felt a bit off.
"Alright then," Sirius said, taking a step towards Everheart. "Then enlighten me. What are you tactical plans for this upcoming war?"
"I'm afraid that I don't need to share that information with you, Black," Everheart spoke, standing his ground. "At least not until our next battle. Whatever I discuss, it will be with the Minister and the Head Auror himself. You will be notified afterwards." Sirius sized up this American man. Everheart did the same. Both were standing tall with their chests out, standing their ground.
"Whatever you're really here for," Sirius started, "I will find out."
Everheart gave the tiniest smirk. "I'm afraid, Mr. Black, that I don't know what you're talking about," he replied. "Get some rest. I'll need you in the next battle. Good day." Everheart turned and left Sirius's tent.
Sirius glared as the man left. "Americans," he mumbled in annoyance.
First Strike! Battle At Village!
The War Has finally arrive as the Dark Lord has led his first attack at Edinburough Village on Halloween Night. Aurors were notified of the attack and were already in place when the attack had begun. A vicious battle rang out between the two sides which lasted for thirty minutes to an hour. It was a fast attack. Many villagers, Aurors, and some of the Dark Lord's followers were brutally killed, as well as many injured fighters and villagers. Those among the dead include a revered Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt and prominent witch, Emmeline Vance, as well as the Kingdom Family and the retired Unspeakable, Gordian Knight. Many villagers and a few Aurors have been taken hostage as well as Head of the MLE, Amelia Bones; last seen taken down by the Dark Lord himself. There are no theories as of yet as to why these people were taken by the Death Eaters. It is surmised that the reason Madam Bones was taken, was to be tortured for information.
It is also unknown as to why the Dark Lord had chose his first attack at this magical village which he now claims as his own and is now preoccupied by the Death Eaters. It is unknown what has happened to the villagers that were hiding in their home though it is speculated that they were either captured, killed, or allowed to stay alive if they follow the Dark Lord. So far, none of our sources have gotten close to get the information to provide to our public. As far as we know, Edinburough Village has now been declared a Dark Zone.
On a sub-par lighter not, more than half of the unharmed villagers were taken out to a safe place by way of portkey. It is a safe haven for those who have lost their homes and were set up in an undisclosed location as to not have it leaked to the dark wizards who follow the Dark Lord. As for the taken, it is unknown as to where they are being taken or held as of now.
On a dark note, it has been revealed that many powerful dark witches and wizards have come out of hiding to finish what they started many years ago during the first war with the Dark Lord. Rumored to be dead, Madam Xerina Ekrizdis was seen by the Dark Lord's side. For those who remember, Madam Xerina was the most vicious and deadly dark witch of the last war, killing any and all who stood in her path. She was the one who had executed the powerful witch, Emmeline Vance, last night. Cont. Page 4
Rina folded the Daily Prophet and slammed it down on the table, frightening a couple of second year Ravenclaws. She sighed heavily and glared down, looking at the picture of Edinburough that was smoking and on fire. It had just been revealed to her that Cyrus's mother was alive. Nor her father or brother told her this, if they had known. Had they? Cyrus had to have known. Rina didn't know much about her except from what she read about her in the old Prophet entries. She was a ferocious evil witch, and it does explain a lot about her brother being a psychopath. She did ask Cyrus about his mother, but he would just change the subject to something else and she dare not ask her father else she get another random beating. She received one from asking about her own mother and when she asked Cyrus about her, he just told Rina that she was dead and not why or how. She had to figure it out on her own, but she still hasn't to this day. It is another thing that has plagued her all her life.
Rina clenched her fists and looked up, looking for Josh who seemed to not be at the Gryffindor stood up, grabbing the prophet and began walking out of the Great Hall, looking for her cousin to tell him the bad news. As she walked through the Great Hall doors, someone was rushing and bumped into her, causing Rina to be thrown to the floor. She yelped and fell onto her bottom, glaring up to the blond boy who knocked her down. Her glaring eyes softened when she saw who it was.
"Oh, so sorry, Emrys," Shawn Spencer blushed, bending over and grabbing Rina's hand to help her to her feet.
"No, it's okay," Rina replied, brushing herself off. "Er..have you seen Josh?" she asked the younger Gryffindor.
"Er...Last I saw him was back in the common room," Shawn answered. "Do you want me to take you to him?" he asked, looking hopeful.
Rina shook her head. "That's okay. I'll find him," she said, and continued on her way, walking as fast as she could all the way up to the seventh floor. She stopped at the portrait of the Pink Lady who looked down at her, glancing at the crest on her cloak. "You're not a Gryffindor student," the Pink Lady said.
"No, but I need to get in there," Rina said, crossing her arms.
"Fine," The Pink Lady said, waving her arm. "What's the password?"
Rina opened her mouth to speak. She was hoping it was similar to her House door and had to answer a riddle or question. Turns out she had to give a password. "I... have no idea," she trailed off. The portrait smirked and shook her head when it opened up. Josh appeared, walking out of his common room, rubbing the tiredness out of his eyes. "Josh!" Rina shouted.
Josh slightly jumped, wide eyed, seeing his younger cousin. "Rina?" he said. "What's up?" Rina shoved the paper into Josh's hands. He looked at the front page and began reading. His expression changed from confusion to shock and anger. "Kingsley." He whispered to himself, slowly lowering the paper. That feeling he had last night; that bad feeling. This was it, wasn't it. There was a battle last night. Josh quickly turned to the continued page to continue reading. His eyes widened. "Sirius!" He hissed, dropping the paper and took off in a sprint down the corridor.
"Where are you going?" Rina shouted after him.
"Home!" Josh shouted back, running as fast as he could. He lost one family member. He couldn't lose another.
For the first time since she could remember, Daphne woke up a little later than usual, a little too late. She woke up to find that her dorm was empty, though not only that, the common room was empty was well. It was eerily quiet, more than usual. She left her common room, walking through the corridor, not seeing anyone around. Daphne thought this was strange and wondered why the halls weren't bustling with students. She didn't even hear voices as she made her way into the Great Hall, which is where everyone but the professors. She noticed how everyone had their own copy of the Daily Prophet, reading and whispering to one another. She wondered what was going on. She walked over to the Slytherin table, towards Tracey who noticed her best friend and ran over to her, Prophet in her hand.
"Daphne, where've you been?" She hastily asked. Before Daphne could answer, Tracey continued. "Whatever, look something happened last night!" Tracey thrust the newspaper into Daphne's hands. "Here! Read it!" Confused, yet worried, Daphne and Tracey walked over to the table. Daphne sat and began to read the paper. Her expression went from confusion to shock and worry. "Oh my god," she breathed out. "But why?"
"No one knows why," Tracey replied, "It just happened. A lot of people died, Daphne," she then continued in a whisper. "And the Order was there as well."
"How do you know?" Daphne asked.
"Your father was sighted, grabbing Sirius and escaping," Tracey answered as she turned the paper's pages to where the story continued and pointed to where the paper referenced Victor and Sirius. Daphne gasped and instantly looked up for her boyfriend. "He's not here, Daph."
"Where is he?" Daphne asked, desperately looking around the Great Hall for Josh.
Tracey shrugged. "I assumed you and him were going to come together," she answered.
Daphne breathed and looked worried. She saw Hermione at the table discussing with one of her classmates, Sophie Roper about what was going on. Harry and Ron were a couple of seats down talking and whispering with the other Gryffindor boys, some of them asking Harry what they should do. Daphne quickly walked over to her when suddenly, there was a flash and swirl of purple fire in the magical sky of the Great Hall, there were many screams and shouts of horror and surprise. The purple fire spiraled upwards and was absorbed into a certain colorful bird; a black and purple phoenix. The phoenix let out beautiful notes of song as it soared through the Great Hall as the students watched in awe and curiosity. The phoenix swirled around, flying above the students heads where it flew straight towards Daphne and Tracey as they quickly ducked down. A small piece of paper slowly floated downwards in front of Daphne, as just as the the phoenix arrived, it flew back upwards and disappeared in a flash of purple fire.
For a moment, the kids began to whisper about the mysterious phoenix instead of what the prophet was telling them about the war. It sort of livened up the students a bit to have something surprise them in awe. Tracey stood up as Daphne reached down and picked up the note that lay in front of her. She picked it up and opened it up.
Had to see my Father. Don't worry. I'll be okay. Tell the others. Get back as soon as I can, Josh.
Daphne sighed in relief. She had figured something else bade had happened to Josh but he had only left to go see his injured father. Maybe she should go after him, though she didn't want to miss class without a valid reason. Josh had one. "They say this is going to be even more worse than the last war," Tracey commented. "I wonder - " She trailed off when a certain couple entered the Great Hall. It was Ron and Lavender who had entered, giggling with one another. Daphne looked up from the Prophet when she noticed that her best friend had gone quiet. She too then noticed Ron and Lavender. Ron walked closer and noticed his friend Tracey.
"Hey, Tracey!" Ron greeted with a goofy smile and a wave.
"Oh, sod off, Weasley!" Tracey bellowed and began stomping out of the Great Hall, passing a stunned Ron and a triumph looking Lavender. Daphne gave Ron a sad smile and chased after her best friend. She found Tracey in a classroom where a desk was already destroyed. Trace was sitting at another desk, twiddling her wand and looking solemn.
Daphne sighed and walked over to sit next to her best friend. "I'm sorry, Tracey," she said. "I know how you feel."
"No, you don't," Tracey snapped in annoyance. "You've already got the boy you love and you had him for the past two years. You had no trouble at all and no other girls to worry about getting to him first."
"Oh yes I did!" Daphne snapped back. "I had Granger to worry about and the other House girls in Josh's year! Granger was his best friend and they had all these adventures together! And then there was the time he broke up with me and part of me thought that he had done so to get with Granger!"
"Yeah, but that wasn't true!" Tracey replied.
"And I know that now," Daphne said. "Look, Trace, if it's meant to be. Just be patient. It'll happen." Tracey shrugged and put her head on the table. Daphne put her arm around Tracey and hugged her close.
Josh ran out of the Hogwarts Gate and off of the grounds and continued to run down the path towards Hogsmeade. He was going to apparate home when he felt magic close to him causing him to stop in his tracks. It felt off to a trailing off pathway he had never noticed before. Curious, Josh followed the pathway when he felt magic pass through him and suddenly a camp appeared right before his eyes. Josh stared wide eyed at the enormous camp. People were bustling around many tents and campfires, Wizards and Witches comforting one another, tending to injured. Most of them were disheveled and stressed. Josh no doubt figured they were from Edinburough village having lost their village to the Death Eaters and were now refugees here. Children were running around having no understanding what was going on in the real world. There were also Aurors walking around, patrolling or checking up on the injured.
Josh took one step forward when he felt the tip of the wand digging into his back. "Don't move," someone said in a low tone. Josh's arm instinctively twitched, his wand slowly falling into his hand, unknowing to his captor. "What are you doing here?" The person behind him asked.
"I'm here to see my father," Josh simply answered.
"For what reason? You don't need to be," The person said as Josh clenched his teeth.
"I heard he was hurt," Josh replied. "I just want to make sure he is okay."
"Fine, but first, drop your pants."
Josh furrowed his brow and turned his head to look behind him. He could see the familiar bright pink hair which meant that the person behind him was Tonks. "Merlin, Tonks, you creeped me out with that," Josh commented, turning to fully face a grinning Tonks. Her pink hair was disheveled, and her left arm was in a sling, to which Josh noticed. "Are you okay?" He quickly asked.
Tonks waved him off. "I'm fine," she answered. "I just broke my forearm in half when I fell into a collapsing building. How are you?"
"I'm worried, Tonks," Josh heatedly spoke. "The news of the war has finally reached out school, and my family is out there getting hurt. And I'm stuck at school unable to do anything. I'm worried about my father and what this war is going to do to my mother. She's pregnant you know!? She doesn't need all this stress!" Josh took an inhale of breath and began breathing a little heavily.
"Whoa, Josh, calm down!" Tonks said, trying to calm down her cousin, placing a hand on her shoulder. "It's alright. We're alright. Everything is okay now." Josh nodded and rubbed the back of his neck. Did he almost have a panic attack? "Here, come on. I'll take you to your parents." Josh nodded and began to follow Tonks farther into the campsite.
Josh kept glancing at the witches and wizards around them. Most of them were sullen and crying. They had lost their homes and all they've known. All their possession were now gone, owned by the Death Eaters. Parents were comforting children. Friends were trying to comfort each other. Strangers were comforting strangers. All of them looked like they were put through hell. They were, there's no denying that. Josh's heart could help but sink and he couldn't help but feel sorry for them. Was this what war was about? Something was definitely stirring inside of Josh. He was wrong in the summer about what he said about staying out of this war.
Suddenly a crying child run into Josh. "Sir," the small blonde girl cried. "Please help me find my mummy and daddy. Please! No one will help me! Please help me find them!" Josh looked down at the girl as his heart broke.
An elderly woman ran up to her. "Emily," she gasped, pulling her away from Josh. Josh opened his mouth to ask her something, but nothing was coming out. The elderly woman seemed to know what he was going to ask. "Her parents were lost last night," she spoke, getting teary eyed. "My grand niece witnessed it. I told her they were lost. I couldn't bear telling her the truth."
Josh stared at the elderly woman as she took her grand niece by the hand and led her away. "Here we are," Tonks said, leading Josh to a small brown tent. "Who is that?" she asked. Josh looked past her as they watched a man in a suit exit the tent. He straightened his jacket, glancing back at the tent with a shake of his head, and then walked away. "Come on." Tonks waved towards the entrance. Josh gave a nod and entered the tent.
Josh let out a breath of relief he had no idea he was holding. His father was standing with his arms crossed, dressing in loose clothes, and staring at the ground looking pensive. Josh ran up and hugged his father. Sirius was suddenly stunned when his son appeared and hugged him out of nowhere. "Josh!?" he said and hugged his son. "What are you doing here? How did you know I was here?"
"I didn't," Josh replied. He released his father and gave him a once over. "Are you okay? You didn't get hurt too badly?"
Sirius chuckled. "Just like your mother," he commented. "I'm fine. I was on fire that night, not literally. Just some minor scrapes and bruises."
Josh nodded, glad to see that his father was alright. "What happened?" he asked. Josh and Sirius took a seat on the bed as Sirius began to relay to Josh what had happened that Halloween night at the battle of Edinburough village. Everything Sirius had witnessed, from the screams and the death eaters killing the innocent villagers to the death of people that were close to him.
"Seeing Kingsley die was the last thing I witnessed," Sirius spoke, looking sullen. "It's the last thing that I remember. Kingsley was a great friend and mentor. A powerful wizard, but Voidemort killed him in an instant. The whole night happened so fast. I lost not only him, but Emmeline Vance. And Merlin knows what he did to Ameila Bones."
"What do you mean?" Josh asked, "Her body wasn't found?"
Sirius shook his head. "She was taken by the Dark Lord," he answered. "But that isn't the only thing that bothers me about that night."
"Are you talking about Cyrus's wife?" Josh asked.
Sirius nodded. "She mentioned my brother," he spoke softly.
"Regulus," Josh whispered. Sirius's younger brother. Sirius didn't mention him much. He didn't like talking about it. All Josh knew was that his brother had went missing in the first war. Did his Aunt have anything to do with his Uncle's disappearance. "That threw you off guard?"
Sirius nodded. "My sister in law and cousin almost took me out if it hadn't been for your father in law - "
"What!" Josh blurted. His father in law? "What is that supposed to mean!?"
Sirius laughed causing Josh to give a little chuckle. "I mean Victor Greengrass saved my life," Sirius told his son. "If it hadn't been for him. I may not have been here." Josh replied with another hug to his father. Sirius smiled when his son hugged him, though these times were just getting darker. He had finally had his family back together and it was bigger than he expected. Though he did lose one son and one brother, he was going to make sure that he wasn't going to lose another member of his family. He was going to protect them all. Whatever it took. Sirius thought it was time to visit the Black Family Library and brush up on some spells and curses. Not only for himself, but next summer or as soon as possible, he was going to teach his sons and his niece all the magic they needed to learn to fight in this war. They might even need to know a bit of Dark Magic as well. They all were going to need to learn some dark magic if they were going to win this war.
After a short talk with his father, Josh bid him goodbye, checked on his mother, and returned to Hogwarts. He had missed a couple of classes and instead of going to lunch, Josh headed to a familiar room that was blocked by magic. He stood at the door, pulling out his wand. His jabbed his wand at the door where it burst open, and entered the classroom that was still a mess from the explosion. Josh walked over to the scorched mark of the person that had died that night. He knelt next to the shadow, lightly touching it with the tip of his fingers. Anger burned inside him. He was sure to make those who were responsible for this pay and pay dearly. How was he going to solve this first was the question. Josh stood to his feet. It looked like he had a little research to do. He could also do with a bit of help. He also had to make some preparations as well. It seems things were going to get a bit busy for him over the next month.
Snow was swirling against the icy windows once more; Christmas was approaching fast. The Great Hall had already been decorated beautifully and exquisite, though the whole school was only half abuzz about the holidays coming up. Students were ready for their break but they were also worried about what was going on in the outside world with the war and everything. Since the Battle on Halloween, there were two other battles in two separate villages near Edinburough. The second was as brutal as the first, though the third battle wasn't that long as the whole village had already been evacuated and the Aurors and the Order had won, though half the village was burned down to the ground. It was the important parts of the village so that village became a wasteland and a ghost village.
Most students were trying to find anything to help them distract themselves from the war and all the bad things that were happening at Hogwarts. The Professors were trying to do the same and keep the students in uplifting spirits for now. One thing that was soon to be happening was one of the biggest parties of the year hosted by the great Professor Slughorn. It was his Christmas Party and many of the students who were invited were allowed to bring a date. It was no doubt that everyone was going to bring a date, maybe except for one person.
Tracey slouched down at the Slytherin table, chin in hand, looking and feeling a bit miserable. Everyone was talking about who they were going to bring to Slughorn's party. Tracey couldn't help but feel annoyed about people choosing their dates. She wasn't going to bring a date because there was no one she wanted to take. Well, there was one person, but He was taken and she was angry at him. She decided that she was going to go Stag and just try to have some fun. Show everyone she was doing great and that she didn't need him to have a good life.
Tracey noticed Harry Potter enter the Great Hall with the man she hated at the moment. Another thing that happened in the last month was that Harry Potter was single again. He and Cho had broken up, mutually of course, though she knew it was because Harry was starting to have feelings for a certain bushy haired witch. Or at least that's her theory.
Tracey began to lazily eat her lunch when a few minutes later, Daphne appeared and sat next to her. "Where's Josh?" she asked her best friend.
"He said he had something to do, again," Daphne huffed in annoyance, piling her plate with food. "He has supposedly been busy this last month and I don't know why? Ever since he came back from checking on his father. He seemed different. And he won't tell me at least not just yet." Daphne sighed. Ever since Josh had come back, every minute free he had, he would disappear somewhere and didn't tell anyone what he was up to. "He's being so secretive. I don't like it."
"Maybe he has a good reason," Tracey suggested, moving her food around with her fork. "I'm sure he does." Daphne shrugged, and went on to eat her lunch. After lunch, the two sixth year Slytherins and grabbed their things and headed for their potions class. The two entered the classroom to see that Josh was already there.
Daphne walked straight to her boyfriend. "So, where were you?" She asked briskly. Tracey walked up from behind her.
"Hey!" Josh greeted with a charming smile and a peck on the cheek. "How was lunch?"
"Don't try to change the subject, Black," Daphne hissed. "I want to know what you're up to! What are you hiding from me?"
Josh raised an amused eyebrow towards his girlfriend. "I was playing with magic," he answered truthfully. "Doing a bit of research and working on preparations."
"Preparations on what?" Daphne asked, crossing her arms in a huff.
Josh smiled. "You'll find out pretty soon," he answered, kissing her on the cheek again. Daphne glowered towards her boyfriend. "Daphne, I promise. Nothing is ready right now, and when it is. I will show you, okay? Be patient with me and trust me, please?" he pleaded. Daphne softened her look. She couldn't be stay mad at her handsome boyfriend. She nodded. Tracey, however, was a bit suspicious though more curious as to what Josh was up to. Potions class went on as normal and ended with them brewing an pepper up potion. "I'll catch up with you later," Josh told Daphne, kissing her on the lips. Daphne nodded and left. Tracey followed after her, but before she left the classroom, she turned to look at Josh and was surprised to see him talking to Nott who was nodding to what he was saying and conversing back. Now that was very curious to Tracey. Last time she known the two of them to talk was when Nott had approached him to apologize for attacking him that day in Hogsmeade. She really wanted to find out was he was doing now.
Tracey decided to hang back a bit. She new Josh had a free period right now and she thought she'd skip class just so she could find out what Josh was up to. She hid inside an alcove and waited for Josh to leave the classroom. He did a few seconds later, walking next to Nott who was talking animatedly and Josh was nodding along. She couldn't hear what they were saying but waited a few seconds and followed after them. She quickly enchanted her feet to be silent as she snuck around and followed Josh and Nott. She followed them down a corridor, passed the upward stairs. Where were they going? Tracey witnessed as they entered an old classroom. Tracey peeked inside and here eyes widened when she noticed the two boys vanish through the wall. Was this the place she never been too? The place where Josh use to visit all the time, Slytherin's chamber. Tracey followed after and phased through the wall and down a winding staircase. She slowed down at a door and peeked inside, hearing voices.
"I'm not sure its ready. Maybe we should wait a little longer?" spoke a familiar voice.
"We don't, but we won't know unless we try," said another familiar second voice. Tracey strained her hearing to listen closely.
"He has a point. This is new magic," spoke a third familiar voice. "New magic is very risky and the results never really come out to what you expect."
"You created this spell, William," spoke the voice of Josh. "You're a smart guy and I have faith in your magic. Just have faith in yourself. All of you. We have to do this, for Draco." Tracey's ears perked up. For Draco? Was that what Josh was up to? Investigating Draco's death and trying to find out who killed him. "Would you like to help, Tracey?" Trace stiffened. What did she just hear? "I know you're there, Tracey. You've been following me since Potions class. You might as well come on in." Tracey's cheeks went pink as she slowly entered the room. She looked up to see not on Josh who was leaning against a desk, but he was with Nott, William Nielsen, and Neville. Everyone waved at her except Nott who was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. William and Neville were sitting on a couple of chairs, next to a brewing cauldron.
"Is this what you've been up to?" Tracey asked, looking around the room. She had never really been there before though she had hear a few things from Daphne before. "You're investigating Draco's death?"
Josh nodded. "We are," he answered.
She looked at each of the other boys in turn, getting a bit annoyed as to why Josh didn't ask for her help in finding Draco's killer. "Why were they pulled into this?" she asked. "Why not ask me, or Daphne or Harry? Last time I remembered, You and Nott aren't exactly best friends."
"Nott has a lot of knowledge about the Dark Arts," Josh answered, pointing to William. "I needed Will to help create a spell and potion. Nott helped with some of the ingredients, and Neville helped with the plants and herbs. Neville is also very observant and invisible, and we have been looking into my enemies and rivals."
"Any ideas on who it could have been?" Tracey curiously asked, crossing her arms.
"No, not particularly," Neville answered, looking pensive. "We've been keeping an eye on some of the seventh year Slytherins who doesn't like Josh, or some Gryffindors who don't like him and believed all those rumors that were made about him, like McGlaggen. We have been keeping a close eye on him, though he keeps disappearing in the Room of Requirement - "
"That's who I think it is," Nott spoke up. "I keep telling them as if it was obvious. He keeps being all secretive and he loathes Josh. Everyone knows that. We can't gain access to the Room whenever he goes inside. Also that dumb Evans keeps following him around."
"Could be his girlfriend," William suggested.
"That can't be," Neville spoke up. "She's always coming up to flirt with Josh and trying to get him to do stuff with her." That was true. Over the past month, Josh had been approached by Elladora every other day to try and get him to go somewhere private with him or to study or whatever she could come up with. Josh wasn't interested, plus he was busy doing this investigation for Draco. Neville turned to Tracey. "So far, McGlaggen is one of our top Suspects."
Tracey nodded. "So, what's been taking so long if all you've been doing is eyeing suspects," she said, looking over at Josh. "Your girlfriend is getting a little annoyed that you haven't been spending time with her." Nott scoffed with a shake of his head.
"I know," Josh replied, rubbing his forehead. "I'm going to make it up to her, I promise. But I wasn't lying when I said I was making preparations." Tracey looked at him with a mix of curiosity and confusion. "Come on, I'll show you." Josh pushed off the table and walked through another door. Neville, William, and Nott followed after him. Glancing around the room once more, Tracey followed after the boys. She entered what seemed to be a large dark atrium though she could barely see anything but the four boys in front of her. They boys stopped as Tracey stepped up next to Josh, wondering what it was the Josh wanted to show her. Josh took out his wand and waved it were fire lamps lit up the whole area all the way down towards the end of the way.
Tracey looked up in awe. It was an actual street filled with small buildings and things you'd normally find on the street like benches, street lamps, mailboxes, and phone booths. The buildings were ordinary places that consisted of homes, a pub or a cafe, and an open courtyard. The place was enormous. This would definitely have taken ages to conjure out of magic. She took it all end and looked behind her going wide-eyed when she saw the large stone face of Salazar Slytherin and the bones of a basilisk. "This it the Chamber of Secrets," Tracey muttered.
"It was," Josh spoke, crossing his arms. "Now it's our training grounds. Took us ages to build this up. William was a huge help, so was Hermione. She gave me the notes on expanding a place with magic. It's very complex magic but we somehow managed to do this. I am very pleased by the outcome. I mean, a regular room would have been alright, but I wanted it to be more realistic, that way the others will know what its like being out there in the real fight."
"The others?" Tracey repeated, turning to Josh.
Josh nodded. "We're going to train more students," he told her. "Similar to last year, but this time it will not be for some exam or one on one duel. War is here, Tracey. The adults are out there fighting everyday for us but it's our time to get out there and help them out. We can't just standby and watch while this war is happening. We have to help and we can start by training what we know to all who want to fight and fight for the good side."
"When do we start?" Tracey asked in an instant. She had been in this war since the night her parents were taken away from her, since Blaise was taken away from her. She learned a lot of spells and curses that she only barely used back at the Ministry. This was her chance to see what she learned in action and what it was like to be in battle. She was curious about something. "But who will we be dueling? Each other? There's no way Death Eaters are going to come down and help with out training."
"Well, yeah, each other," Josh spoke, "But I'm sure I can have some creatures lined up to help us train as well. I know where I can find a few boggarts, some pixies and acromantulas, among other things. I have a couple of tiny friends who could help me out as well." Tracey nodded. "As for starting, I think after Christmas. War is getting worse and it'd be nice for everyone to have a nice and joyous time before things take a wrong turn."
Tracey nodded again as they group turned back and entered the office once more where Tracey noticed the cauldron once more. "What's in there?" she asked.
"A potion I created," Josh answered, "I'm going to use it to pick up Draco's essence from the classroom it happened in. Hopefully use the spell Will and I created to see Draco's last moments and witness what happened up to his death. The Spell we created will hopefully take us to his last few minutes, and we are hoping it's going to work."
"If not?" Tracey asked.
"Then we're back to square one," Nott said, "To which I say let's do this thing."
William sighed. "I'm not ready," he spoke. "I'm the one who has to say the spell. If it backfires, I could lose my memory. This is new magic so it has to be precise!" Nott rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"Alright, William," Josh said. "We'll give you some more time then. In the meantime, we will start telling our friends that we are going to start training again. Any who want to fight and learn are welcome, that includes any of the Slytherins." William, Neville, and Nott nodded towards Josh and all three of them left the room and back up to the castle.
Tracey watched as Josh turned towards the desk where he bang his fist on it and a secret compartment opened up. She watched as Josh pulled a small journal out from his robes and placed it into the compartment, closing and locking it up with magic. "Was that?"
"Yeah, Slytherin's journal," Josh answered, "It helped me with the idea of the potion and spell. He had an idea of a spell to see the last memories of the person who died, but we don't have a body just this essence. So I figured if we combine some old magic with new, I could get what I need and figure this out. Find who killed Draco and who is out to get me or Harry."
"But what if it doesn't work?" Tracey asked.
"It has to," Josh said, and then looked at Tracey. His eyes were dark and filled with silent rage. "Because I don't know what I'm going to do if it doesn't."
A/N: We are really getting into AU territory here. I love it! This is a different story. Don't worry. Harry is still having those secret meetings with Dumbledore. It just doesn't pertain to Josh. Not until Harry get's that memory to which he reveals it all to Josh. What do you think happens next? Who do you think is going to die next? EH?!