A/N: I don't know if you caught in the last chapter that I kind of repeated or contradicted my writing there. My bad.

Chapter 15: The Battle of Caerphilly

An uneventful week had passed and Hogwarts was going to start again the next day. Draco had been resting all week in the Hospital Wing and was the only one there, though it was not an uneventful week for him. Aurors had been coming and going to watch Draco or interrogate him with questions about where he's been or what he was doing the months he was gone. Draco's answer was always the same. He didn't know nor did he remember. It was finally decided that the Aurors were going to bring in the best person who was gifted in memory charms to help Draco remember where he was. Madam Pomfrey, Narcissa, and Sandra were all against this as if something went wrong, that it could damage Draco's mind and break it for the rest of his life. Narcissa stayed with her son for the whole week, sleeping in the bed next to his, bringing him food, and basically being his mother. He missed this and it really made Draco feel at home. It was decided that once Draco was healthy enough to leave the Hospital Wing, Narcissa was going to stay with Sandra to help out around the house and to help out with Alphie.

Draco had many visitors throughout the week, including his main friends Josh, Daphne, and Tracey. He was surprised to see the Golden Trio come and visit him; but what he was most surprised to see was the house elf Dobby who would come visit him and his mother with breakfast. Draco did apologize to Dobby who would cry in honor. It made Draco smile and feel better. Many of the Slytherins also came to visit him and bring him gifts, glad that he was actually alive. It was Pansy, Nott, and Goyle who had caught him up on everything that had happened from the day he went missing to the present. They told him about the explosion at Josh's party, the battle at Edinburough, the mass poisoning at Slughorn's party. Draco was devastated to learn how many of the students he knew and admired had been killed. It was all bad news to him and heartbreaking, especially when Crabbe was gone. He could only look up at Goyle when he learned about it. Goyle couldn't help but cry when he told Draco about his best friend no longer being alive.

It was Josh who informed Draco of the messy attack at his now demolished family home. He left out no detail and even how he nearly beat a death eater to death for wanting to know where his cousin was.

"And how are Daphne and Astoria doing?" Draco genuinely asked. "I mean, they haven't gone off the deep end, have they?"

"Not enough to worry about," Josh answered as he sat next to Draco in the Hospital Wing. It was just them two at the moment. Narcissa had left with Dobby to help pack some things so she could move into Grimmauld Place which was where the Black family was now staying. "Daphne wants to become a Healer now while Astoria is on a mission to get revenge on the woman who murdered her mother."

"Your Aunt?" Draco asked. Josh nodded. "Have you talked to her about it?"

Josh shook his head. "I don't think I'm the best person to talk to Astoria about revenge," he replied. Draco nodded in agreement.

"And Rina," Draco said, looking towards Josh who perked up at his cousin's name. "How are we going to get her back?"

Josh raised a curious brow. "We?"

"Yes, we," Draco assured. "You think I'm gonna let you go out and try to find Rina on your own? I don't think so. It sounds like I missed out on a lot while I was gone and I think I need to make up for lost times."

Josh smiled. He was feeling a lot of different emotions and one of them was relief that Draco was not dead at all. That he was here and alive in front of Josh's eyes, though Josh was also feeling anger and disappointment, mostly in himself. He couldn't help but feel that way for letting Rina getting captured the way he did. He knew he should feel that way as it wasn't his fault, but he couldn't help it. He needed to find her. He didn't want to lose anyone at all. And he was not about to lose Draco to Azkaban.

A couple of hours later, Inigo Elphwick was leaving his common room from the dungeons, heaving a bag over his shoulders. He was walking down the corridor when suddenly, all the torches and braziers went out. Elphwick stopped in his tracks as the corridor was dark. "Hello?" he gulped, trying to look around. He fiddled with his wand, frighteningly pulling it out. "Lumos," he said, lighting his wand. "Who's there?" He waved his wand around but he didn't see anyone.

There was a faint blue hue that suddenly appeared down the corridor. Appearing in front of Elphwick, who's eyes widened in horror. The blue hue began to take shape of a figure of something Elphwick couldn't quite make out, but he didn't care. He was too scared because he knew exactly what it was. It was the one thing he feared the most; a ghost. The seventh year began to take a step back once he noticed the figure getting closer. He shook his head in disbelief. The hue suddenly let out a piercing wail, causing Elphwick to scream himself. That is when the figure flew straight towards him, and all he could do was scream his head off. The figure was ghastly, looking undead with empty dark eyes and torn clothing as it flew close to him. He screamed at the top of his lungs as the ghostly figure flew straight at him and suddenly through him. Once the ghost phased through him, the torches and braziers of the corridor suddenly lit up once more. Elphwick stopped screaming, though he had a frightened look upon his face. He quickly spun around and glanced around, but the ghost was gone.

"That was scary." Elphick spun back around to see Josh casually leaning against the wall with wand in hand. "Elphick. How are you doing?" Josh asked.

"I...I've...b-been...better," Elphick stuttered out.

Josh gave a nod, pushing off the wall. "Well, that's too bad because its about to get a lot worse," he spoke walking up to the older boy.

"W-what are y-you t-t-talking ab-bout," Elphick shuddered.

Josh smiled at Elphwick for a moment. The older boy nervously smiled back but soon turned to surprise when an angry Josh grabbed the Slytherin by the robes and pushed him harshly up against the wall. "You know damn well what I'm talking about, Elphick!" Josh hissed in anger, not noticing the older Slytherin reach into his pocket. "You are framing Draco Malfoy! You kept him locked up somewhere in this castle! And now you are blaming him for the murders that I am sure that you were apart of!"

"I don't know what you're talking about, Black!" Elphick hissed back. "I saw Draco attack Mandy...Brocklehurst! I saw him! I was there!"

Josh raised a curious brow. "Were you also there when Barty delivered the bomb to my birthday party?"

Elphick suddenly went wide-eyed. "N-no," he coughed.

Josh smirked, releasing Elphwick and patting him on the face. "Let me tell you a little story," Josh said. "Once upon a time, a boy, such as myself. Was devastated that he lost another best friend. Heartbroken, even. And he wanted to figure who was stupid enough to attack such a good friend. So, the devastated boy gathered up some of the most intelligent minds he could find to combine new magic with old magic. We wanted to relive the last moments of the person who had died that night." Josh smirked at Elphick's horrified look. "I think you see where I'm going with this."

"You're lying," Elphick said.

Josh reached into his pocket and pulled out a small vial with a strand of white blue magic. "I don't think I am," he said, noting Elphick's eyes moved, "This is the memory of you and Barty taking the bomb, disguised as a present for my party, but Draco overheard you two, and caught you. He held you two and wand point until he was stunned by a third party - " The hairs on the back of Josh's neck stood up. " - who isn't shown but I have a gut feeling about who it is..." Josh quickly ducked out of the way, pulling Elphick with him as a spell struck and exploded the very wall that they had been stand against.

Josh quickly jumped to his feet stunned to see a hooded figure with a darkened, undistinguished face. He thrust his wand toward the unknown cloaked figure, sending a spell their way. The cloaked figure redirected the spell into the wall, cracking it open. The cloaked figure began to send a barrage of spells towards Josh who shielded himself. Out of the corner of his eye, Josh noticed Elphick trying to crawl away. "Protego Murus!" Josh cried, creating a wall sized magical shield. He spun around as spells and jinxes struck his wall. He pointed his wand at Elphick, "Incarcerous!" He incantated, sending ropes out of his wand that wrapped Elphick, leaving him immobile.

As Josh spun back around, his shield shattered, exploding outwards, sending him back into a wall. He growled in pain, glancing up to see the cloaked figure wave their wand, ready to send a curse Josh's way. "Oi!" The cloaked figure and Josh snapped their heads down the corridor to see three Slytherins running their way. Josh smiled at the sight of Nott, Goyle, and a younger Slytherin pull out their wands, sending stunners towards the cloaked figure who easily deflected them. Just as the trio of Slytherins ran closer, the corridor was filled with darkness powder, causing everyone in the are unable to see.

"Oi, what happened?!" Goyle shouted.

"Can anyone see?" Nott asked out. "Where'd he go?" Within a minute, the darkness powder cleared out, leaving Josh, the three Slytherins, and Elphick in the corridor. The dark cloaked figure was no where to be seen. Nott helped Josh up to his feet. "What in the name of Slytherin was going on here?"

"I believe we have all the proof we need to clear Draco's name," Josh said, glancing over to Elphick who was staring lazily at the ceiling. "Let's get him to the Headmaster's office."

Hours later, Josh, Draco, William, and Sirius were standing and waiting outside Dumbledore's office. Other Aurors, McGonagall, Filius, Dumbledore, Snape, and Pius were all inside the office with Inigo Elphick. Josh was leaning against the wall fiddling with the memory he had received from William, waiting to hand it over to the Head Auror. "I've got you now, McGlaggen," Josh muttered to himself.

The door opened to reveal McGonagall who waved them to come in. Sirius and the three boys entered to office. Josh saw Elphick sitting in a chair with two Aurors standing guard on each of his sides. He noticed Elphick's glazed look and the older Slytherin suddenly felt different to him.

"Gentlemen," Pius greeted, "As it turns out, we do not need anymore information from you today."

Josh, Draco, and William all shared confused glances. "What do you mean?" Josh asked, and then held up his hand containing the memory of Barty Filch. "I still think you need to see this."

"There is no need," Pius said with a smile. "Mr. Elphick has confessed to everything. He confessed that he and Bartemius were the ones to deliver the bomb, that he was the one behind the attack at Professor Slughorn's party, and that he was the one responsible for obliviating, torturing, and holding Mister Malfoy prisoner. He has confessed to all of that and with the exception of Bartemius Filch. He acted alone - "

"But - "

"Furthermore," Pius continued, not letting Josh interrupt. "With his confessions and his motive clear. Draco Malfoy will be cleared of any and all charges against him. Consider the matter closed, Mr. Black. Aurors, please take Mister Elphick to Azkaban to await his trial." The Aurors nodded and escorted Elphick out of the office. Josh and William could only look on in shock as they knew there was another person behind this. Elphick could not have acted alone. Not to mention the person that attacked Josh earlier in the dungeons.

"Sirius, I suggest we head back to the Ministry," Pius said and began to leave the office.

"Auror Thicknesse, wait," Josh said, stepping next to Pius. "This can't be over. Elphick didn't act alone. He wasn't smart enough to - "

"Enough Mister Black," Pius sternly cut off. "The case has been closed. You need to accept the outcome." Pius moved past Josh, but stopped at the doorway. "And Mister Black?" Josh turned to the older Auror. "Leave the Investigating to the Aurors." And with that, Pius left. Josh could only look on in confusion as Sirius walked over to the three boys.

"So, it's over?" William said seemingly confused as well. "After all that went down, Elphick is going to take the blame for all of it?"

"Yes," Sirius answered. "That's what's going to happen. With these confessions, his trial will be quick, and the boy will probably be sentenced to life in Azkaban."

Josh shook his head. "No, it's not over," he spoke, "Elphick was a apart of these attacks as well as Barty Filch. We know that, but there was another person involved in these attacks. I didn't just duel some imaginary person."

Sirius apologetically patted his son on the shoulders. "I'm sorry, son," he said, "But we have someone who is going to go down for this. I know you're not happy about it, but he confessed. Maybe there was another person, maybe there wasn't - " Sirius looked around, making sure Pius or any other Auror wasn't around. He looked over to the Heads of Houses and Dumbledore, who were chatting amongst themselves. He then turned back to his son. "Don't stop."

Josh blinked in surprise. "What?"

"You said you were attacked by another person," Sirius repeated. Josh nodded. "Then don't stop investigating. That boy had a look on his face. A look I've seen on many people who've been cursed before." Josh, William, and Draco shared a confused glance. "He was Imperiused." Sirius clarified. "If he confessed to everything, it was because someone cursed him and told him to do it."

"But how - " Then it hit Josh. Back in the corridor when everything went black. Was that enough time for Elphick to be Imperiused?

Sirius patted his son on the shoulder. "You be careful," he said to his son and then taking his leave.

"So, what now?" William asked as he, Josh, and Draco exited Dumbledore's office. "If it's not over. What do we do next?"

"Found out who took my memory, right?" Draco answered, looking at Josh who nodded.

"Exactly," he agreed. "I believe it was the same person who attacked me earlier today. But I also want to know how it was that the person was able to come try to help out Elphick so quickly." Draco and William shrugged with no answer to that question.

However, somewhere else in the castle, a hand was holding onto a small piece of green metal in his hands. He turned it over to reveal Elphick's name upon it, examining it. A door opened and a light turned on to reveal McGlaggen in a black cloak, sitting on top of a desk. He looked over to see who had entered and turned on the lights. "Brocklehurst. Duane." He greeted. "Any information on where Dumbledore went of the Holiday?"

Duane shook his head. "No, nothing," he answered. McGlaggen nodded, though he was visibly annoyed. "Cormac." McGlaggen looked up at Duane. "How much longer?"

McGlaggen sighed. "As long as it takes," he replied. "The cabinet seems harder than I thought, but it's slowly being repaired with my magic. Hopefully soon." Duane nodded.

"Are you sure Malfoy won't remember he met me that day he escaped?" Mandy cautiously asked.

McGlaggen tilted his head and eyed Mandy for a moment. "Are you doubting my magic?" he asked. Mandy quickly shook her head. "Don't worry. I fixed yours and Inigo's blunder. Plus, Inigo will take the fall for everything that has happened, so we are back under the radar." But then the incident from earlier came to mind with his little duel with Josh. It was just a little taste of what he had in store for Josh. When the time came, he was going to make Josh regretted ever getting in his way. "For now," McGlaggen mumbled.

"You won't always be there to save everyone, you know?" Came the voice of Daphne. Josh turned to see his girlfriend walk up to him from down the corridor. It was the next afternoon. He was leaning on alcove window, looking out into the courtyard where a few underclassman were sitting in the grass playing Wizarding chess, while others were chatting and laughing, and others practicing minor magic. Daphne walked over and stood next to Josh. His heart felt so much for her with the loss of her mother. A few days ago, Daphne, her entire family, Tracey, Josh and some of his family would attend a small memorial in Aurora Greengrass's name. Harry would even attend out of respect. Aurora was buried in the home village where she and her husband grew up as children. She was buried near some family members, next to a parents, an open spot next to her for her husband. It was an emotional funeral. Nearly everyone was crying at Victor's heartfelt words towards his wife during his eulogy. Josh even shed a few tears. The only one who didn't shed any tears was Astoria. She was more angry than anything. It was even after that funeral that Josh had tried talk to her but Astoria wouldn't even say one word to him.

"What are you talking about?" Josh asked.

"I've known you for nearly six years now, Josh," Daphne said, intertwining one of her hands with his. "And I know what you're thinking these days."

Josh curiously looked down at his girlfriend. "And what am I thinking about then?"

"Considering what we've been through the last week," She started, "You're thinking about Rina and Draco. We thought we lost Draco but he's still alive and that is a big relief, but we lost Rina, and you want to go out and save her, but not just her. All of us. You've been thinking this way since Draco disappeared."

Josh sighed through his nose. "I've always been this way," he said to Daphne. "Ever since I lost Blaise or I thought I lost you or my mum. And then Draco, but now Rina. Every time I thought I lost someone, I change, Daphne. I change into a different person. I killed Dolohov. I sent him through the veil - "

"That was in defense," Daphne interrupted.

"But still," Josh said, "I nearly attacked McGlaggen after Slughorn's party, and nearly beat that Death Eater to death. Whenever I lose someone, I tend to go overboard. I turn into one of them."

"You think you're the only to go overboard when they lose someone, because you're not," Daphne replied. She placed a hand upon Josh's cheek. "You're just overprotective with the people you care about. That's all it is." Josh nodded though he wasn't entirely convinced. Josh knew that he might actually kill someone with intention through his anger. He hoped it would never have to come to that. "But you and I both know that Rina is safe even if she doesn't want to be where ever she is right now. Her brother is not going to harm her," Daphne informed. Josh nodded, feeling a little better know that Cyrus wasn't going to harm his sister at all even though she didn't belong there.

"Move! Move! Out of My way!" A lone Auror ran through the Auror offices carrying a slip of paper, making his way through the crowd of Aurors and other people, trying to get to the head of the department's office. A minute later, he burst through the office, though it wasn't empty as it was filled with the Head, Pius and many other Aurors including Sirius and Eric Everheart. They were all standing around Pius's desk with a map of the United Kingdom sprawled out on his desk.

"What is it, Barnes?" Pius concernedly asked.

"There's going to be another attack!" Barnes exclaimed.

A couple of the Aurors gasped. "Where?!" Sirius barked.

"At the magical village of Caerphilly," Barnes huffed out, walking up to the map and pointed towards a village in the far left, middle of Britain. "They are planning another attack similar to the attack at Edinburough."

"How did you come by this information?" Another Auror spoke up.

"I've received the information from my informant," Barnes answered, slowly straightening up.

"Who is this Informant?" Everheart curiously asked.

"A lowly criminal who goes by the name of Scabior," Barnes informed and the room went silent as many of the Aurors glanced at one another. "What?" Barnes said, noticing the strange looks from the others.

"Scabior has been known to be untrustworthy," Sirius spoke up, crossing his arms. "He's known to betray those who ally themselves with him. He's sneaky snake. And that's surprising considering he was in Ravenclaw back in his school days."

"He hasn't let me down so far," Barnes replied, "He was the one who informed be about the attack back at the warehouse where that family was murdered, and he was the one who told me about the safe house for the Death Eaters we arrested a few days ago as well." Everyone exchanged a few more uneasy glances and then looked over to Pius.

"Well, Thicknesse?" Sirius said, turning to his superior, "What do you think?"

Pius clasped his hands together, glancing at the map. "Whether this information is true or not," he began, "We shall station some Aurors in the village. Evacuate any of the families that will voluntarily leave; And give all of the remaining families emergency portkeys for when the attack comes." He then looked up at the group of Aurors. "We will not have the same mishap we did back in Edinburough." The Aurors nodded in agreement. "Speaking of Edinburough, do we have any information on the village as of today?"

"Well, it seems the Dark Lord has made it his Death Eater base of operations," An Auror, Bartleby, spoke up. "The remaining families are being controlled and tortured daily by the Death Eaters. Most of them hide in their homes but it is only a matter of time before the Death Eaters break their wards to torture them as well. The Dark Lord, however, isn't there."

"Where is he?" Another Auror, Devlin, asked.

"No one knows," Bartleby replied, "But he hasn't been seen in weeks, though there have been sightings of his known inner circle death eaters around the country. We think they're scouting out the magical villages to attack and claim as theirs. We have assigned a couple of Aurors to each village to call for back up if anything were to happen. So far, we had nothing until Barnes came in with his information."

Pius nodded, turning to Sirius. "Sirius," he said. "I want you and Eric to take the lead on this Caerphilly attack. Choose your teams wisely and Brief your under leads on what we expect. Remember, we want to win this one and have as little casualties as possible. Do your best to persuade families to leave their home. That is all. You are dismissed." The Aurors nodded and began to leave the office of Pius.

Pius walked over to and looked out the window, gazing out towards the enormous lobby of the Ministry. There was movement behind him as a figure magically appeared behind him. Pius could see the reflection of the dark figure in the window, but he didn't react. "There will be an attack," spoke a voice. "But that will not be the only place we attack." Pius turned around to face the dark and blonde figure of a death eater from the Dark Lord's inner circle. His eyes glazed over as he faced the face of Yaxley. "And it will be over in an instant."

It was the next day at Hogwarts and classes were to start that morning. Josh had awoken early that morning and was sitting in the common room, tying his shoes. He heard chuckling. He looked up to see McGlaggen leading his buddies down from the seventh year dorms. Josh eyed them as the walked across the common room and out through the portrait hole.

"You must hate that guy," spoke a voice. Josh turned to see Shaun was suddenly sitting next to him.

"What?" Josh said, looking around wondering where the third year had popped up from.

"You were hate glaring that guy," Shaun said, pointing towards the portrait hole. "Did he do something to you?"

Josh sighed. "Not exactly," he muttered. He knew McGlaggen had to be behind these attacks, but he couldn't be so sure because he had no proof. Not yet. What he did have was the memory William had seen. William had told Josh everything he seen in that memory of Barty Filch; the real person who had died that day of Josh's birthday. Not only was Filch in the memory, so was Elphwick, the Slytherin who was a witness against Draco. William saw Draco but there was also a fourth person he couldn't see. The Person who stunned Draco and took held him hostage somewhere in the castle. But what Josh didn't understand, was why take Draco alive? There was no way of knowing the Filch would have died that day. Why not obliviate Draco that night? Considering how Draco was found beaten and battered as if he was tortured for info. If someone were to do that to Draco, it had to be information on Josh or Harry so they could send that information to their master. It all sound a little convoluted, and there was know way of knowing until someone where to make another mistake or to confess. Josh doubt there wasn't going to be a confession anytime soon.

The snow melted around the school as February arrived, to be replaced by cold, dreary wetness. Purplish-gray clouds hung low over the castle and a constant fall of chilly rain made the lawns slippery and muddy. Draco was back in classes as well as everyone else. Things seemed darker and the students seemed lessened. During the month of January, however, Josh decided to put his magic in the chamber to the test. Ever since the attack at his own home, He decided it was time to practice as well as show any other members of the DA how to protect themselves during this war. Josh, Tracey, Neville, Draco, and other students would spend their free time in the Chamber of Secrets playing and practicing out battles. Choosing teams, and battling out between the two. Harry, Ron, and Hermione would occasionally join, though Harry was too busy with Dumbledore. Daphne and a couple of others would practice their healing if anything were to go too far in these practice battles. It was good practice for anyone who wanted to make sure they were prepared for this war.

There were other things that would help distract some of the students. For example, the upshot of this was that the sixth years' first Apparition lesson, which was scheduled for a Saturday morning so that no normal lessons would be missed, took place in the Great Hall instead of in the grounds.

Josh and Neville arrived in the Hall following the Golden Trio, they found that the tables had disappeared. Rain lashed against the high windows and the enchanted ceiling swirled darkly above them as they assembled in front of Professors McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick, and Sprout — the Heads of Houses — and a small wizard whom Josh took to be the Apparition instructor from the Ministry. He was oddly colorless, with transparent eyelashes, wispy hair, and an insubstantial air, as though a single gust of wind might blow him away. Josh looked around, seeing his Slytherin friends gathered around where the Slytherin table would usually be.

"Good morning," said the Ministry wizard, when all the students had arrived and the Heads of Houses had called for quiet. "My name is Wilkie Twycross and I shall be your Ministry Apparition instructor for the next twelve weeks. I hope to be able to prepare you for your Apparition Tests in this by which time, many of you may be ready to take your tests. As you may know, it is usually impossible to Apparate or Disapparate within Hogwarts. The headmaster has lifted this enchantment, purely within the Great Hall, for one hour, so as to enable you to practice. May I emphasize that you will not be able to Apparate outside the walls of this Hall, and that you would be unwise to try. "I would like each of you to place yourselves now so that you have a clear five feet of space in front of you."

There was a great scrambling and jostling as people separated, banged into each other, and ordered others out of their space. The Heads of Houses moved among the students, marshaling them into position and breaking up arguments.

"Thank you," said Twycross as everyone was finished getting in position. Josh stood near Neville and Ron. "Now then . . ." He waved his wand. Old-fashioned wooden hoops instantly appeared on the floor in front of every student. "The important things to remember when Apparating are the three D's!" said Twycross. "Destination, Determination, Deliberation!"

"Step one: Fix your mind firmly upon the desired destination," said Twycross. "In this case, the interior of your hoop. Kindly concentrate upon that destination now." Everybody looked around furtively to check that everyone else was staring into their hoop, then hastily did as they were told. Josh boringly gazed at the circular patch of dusty floor enclosed by his hoop, thinking of nothing else. "Step two," said Twycross, "focus your determination to occupy the visualized space! Let your yearning to enter it flood from your mind to every particle of your body!" Josh heard Neville shuffle next to him, no doubt the boy was feeling anxious about their assignment.

"Step three," called Twycross, "and only when I give the command . . . Turn on the spot, feeling your way into nothingness, moving with deliberation! On my command, now . . . one —" Josh glanced around again; lots of people were looking positively alarmed at being asked to Apparate so quickly. "— two —" Josh calmly inhaled and exhaled "— THREE!" Josh suddenly spun around and felt a light headed sensation, only for him to hit his knees on the hard marble floor.

The whole Hall was suddenly full of staggering people; Neville was flat on his back; Ernie Macmillan, on the other hand, had done a kind of pirouetting leap into his hoop and looked momentarily thrilled, until he caught sight of Dean Thomas roaring with laughter at him. "Never mind, never mind," said Twycross dryly, who did not seem to have expected anything better. "Adjust your hoops, please, and back to your original positions. . . ." The second attempt was no better than the first. The third was just as bad. Not until the fourth did anything exciting happen. There was a horrible screech of pain and everybody looked around, terrified, to see Susan Bones of Hufflepuff wobbling in her hoop with her left leg still standing five feet away where she had started. Josh ignored this as he was frustrated at his lacking attempts of Apparition.

The Heads of House converged on her; there was a great bang and a puff of purple smoke, which cleared to reveal Susan sobbing, reunited with her leg but looking horrified. "Splinching, or the separation of random body parts," said Wilkie Twycross dispassionately, "occurs when the mind is insufficiently determined. You must concentrate continuously upon your destination, and move, without haste, but with deliberation . . . thus." Twycross stepped forward, turned gracefully on the spot with his arms outstretched, and vanished in a swirl of robes, reappearing at the back of the Hall. "Remember the three D's," he said, "and try again . . . one — two Josh closed his eyes and calmly breathed. Putting his focus on apparating. He needed to do this. It would another advantage he could use. "— three!"

Josh suddenly felt himself spinning and squeezing into a tight hole. It suddenly felt as if he was quickly flying until - SMACK! Josh felt pain throughout his whole body struck the wall in a quick fashion. Josh groaned as he fell to the ground. "Ow," Josh groaned as he rubbed his forward, suddenly hearing some of the other students laughing. If anyone had been watching, they would have seen Josh apparate from where he was standing and suddenly landing into the wall at the other end of the Dining Hall.

"I think we shall call it a day," Trycross spoke as Josh's friends quickly ran over to him as well as Professor McGonagall.

"Mister Black, are you alright?" McGonagall asked as she and Daphne helped him to his feet. Draco, Tracey, Harry, Hermione, and Ron had also gathered around him.

"Yeah," Josh answered, rubbing his forehead where a bruise began to form. "Yeah, I'm alright." Professor nodded and walked off to send of the other students.

"What is it with you and magical transportation?" Draco asked with the shake of his head. "You seem unable to land on your feet whether its with Floo or portkey, and now apparating."

"Well, at least i figured how to do it," Josh commented, "Now is just figuring out the timing and landing, as usual."

"Aw, Josh," Ron said, rubbing Josh's hair. "You can't be good at everything."

After disapparating class was all said and done, Josh began to walk out of the Dining hall still rubbing his head when someone tugged on his sleeve. "Josh, can I talk to you for a sec?" Josh turned to see that it was Harry. Josh nodded. "Let's go somewhere private," Harry suggested, and the two teenage boys found an empty classroom.

"Everything alright?" Josh asked, "Do you need some more advice on Hermione?"

Harry shook his head. "No, or maybe some other time," he answered as Josh leaned against a desk and crossed his arms, "This is about what I've been doing with Dumbledore."

"Yes, you've mentioned this to me before," Josh said.

"Yes well," Harry said, and then went on to explain to Josh about the latest memory Harry had been shown by Dumbledore. A memory from their own Potions Master, Slughorn. Harry told Josh that in the memory, Tom Riddle had approached Slughorn and was asking about some very dark magic, but Harry also mentioned that the memory had been fogged over or had been either an uncompleted memory or an altered memory by Slughorn.

"Are you asking me if there is a way to fix that memory?" Josh asked out of curiosity.

Harry shook his head. "No, I need help with Slughorn," he replied, "Since I've gotten closer to him, and he admires you as well, I thought you could help me getting this memory out of Slughorn."

"Seems a little difficult," Josh said, "Slughorn probably didn't want anyone to show what happened in that particular memory. Maybe because he was ashamed of it. What was it the Riddle asked Slughorn asked about?"

"Horcrux," Harry answered. "Have you ever heard of anything like that? Or Maybe something so dark and evil, that Slughorn would want to forget about?"

Josh shrugged, "I'm not sure. I've never heard the word Horcrux before. I could take a look into Slytherin's journals. See what's in there." Harry nodded as Josh then led him all the way up to Gryffindor Tower. As they were about to enter the common room, McGlaggen, and his two friends, Hornby and Thames, exited the portrait hole.

Hornby and Thames look surprised while McGlaggen looked unfazed, "Black, Potter," he greeted as the trio of Seventh years passed the two boys. Harry noticed as Josh continued to stare at McGlaggen until he turned around the corridor.

Josh turned back to see Harry staring at him. "Is there something you want to tell me about him?" Harry curiously asked. Josh sighed, figuring if someone would understand, it could be Harry. He then went on to explain his suspicions about McGlaggen to Harry as the two boys walked through the Common room and up to the dormitory.

"McGlaggen?" Harry skeptically said, "You think he's behind these attacks?"

Josh rolled his eyes. "I knew you wouldn't believe me," he said, making his way over to his trunk. "I just know in my gut that he is up to something. I have been keeping up with him since we got here, with this - " Josh pulled out his own map of Hogwarts. "I've witnessed him being around the people such as Barty Filch and Elladora Evans, both of who have died in those attacks. Barty was the one who delivered the bomb with Elphwick."

"But wasn't Elphick the one who confessed to everything?" Harry asked.

"Yes he did," Josh said, pulling out the Journals. "But I have a feeling he was Imperiused. Sirius believes he was as well. Which means Barty and Elphick were not working alone. Barty had the potential to be the brains of the operation, but since he died the way he did. He wasn't nor could Elphick be smart enough to pull off these attacks. Someone else was directing them."

"And you think it was McGlaggen?" Harry skeptically spoke.

"Harry, you and I both know that a Gryffindor can easily be persuaded by dark magic," Josh said as he handed Harry a journal. Harry intently looked into Josh's eyes knowing he meant Wormtail and nodded. The two boys then went on to look into the Journals to see if they could find any mention of the word or magic of a Horcrux.

Another week rolled by without any kind of incident of anything. Sirius had be in the magical village of Caerphilly the whole week patrolling the ordinary streets. Nearly half the village had been evacuated as the rest decided to stay, believing that there wasn't going to be any attack at all. Sirius was beginning to believe that as well. The information they had received from Scabior wasn't being taken too seriously. He wasn't much of a trustworthy wizard; at least Sirius thought so. The village was also with many Aurors from the Department. More than half of the force. Sirius seemed it was a bit much for them all to be here and wondered why Pius wanted all of them hear when It would have been easier to call them here when the attack happened. It was good that at least some people evacuated, though some witches and wizards can be stubborn from leaving their homes.

"Sirius, dear, are you listening?" Sirius looked down at the hand sized mirror he had been holding. It was a two way mirror that he had gifted both his sons a while back. His wife's face could be seen looking at him worriedly. At that moment, he was sitting outside a nonchalant tea place at the moment, catching up with his wife, but he accidentally let his mind wonder. "Are you sure you're okay?" Sandra asked.

Sirius cleared his throat. "I'm fine," he answered with a pursed smile. "I'm just wondering how much longer we'll be here till we realize that there isn't going to be any attack. I also don't understand why we have to wait here until something shows up. There are so many of us here. It seems unnecessary."

"Then you have nothing to worry about?" Sandra replied, "As I was saying, Cissy and I were going to go introduce Alphie to your Aunt Andromeda and Uncle Ted. We'll probably stay for a few days. Get out of this dark and dingy house and see a bit of the country."

Sirius nodded. "I think that is a wonderful idea," he said, looking up to see his cousin wave his way. "I have to go. You and Cissy be careful. And tell Alphie that I love him." Sandra nodded and bid her husband goodbye. He pocketed his mirror just as Tonks ran up to him. "Well?"

"The Order has been informed," She replied, sitting across from him. "We have responses from Victor, Remus, Zelda Zabini, Bill, Fleur, and Moody have all volunteered to be on standby."

"Good," Sirius nodded and then sighed. "I need to get out here. Sitting and waiting is not helping. We need to be out there and look for where the Death Eaters are hiding out."

"And where would we even start?" Tonks asked as the sun was setting.

"Maybe we could go back to Edinburough," Sirius suggested with a shrug. "Take it back and interrogate those death eaters we capture."

"That village is filled with death eaters," Tonk said as the two stood up from their seats and began patrolling. "We'd need a very detail plan with a ninety percent success rate." Sirius nodded in agreement. Suddenly -

It happened out of nowhere. Many explosions suddenly rang out all over the village, exploding many buildings outwards. Wood, metal, and all kinds of debris flew throughout the streets of the village, no doubt killing the people who were inside those buildings. Many of the people who were on the streets were blasted off their feet and knocked to the ground. Some that were close to the blasts were instantly killed or impaled with debris. Sirius and Tonks were two of those people who were thrown from the sidewalk, flew through the air, and landed on the other side of the street. Many screams of terror rang throughout the entire village.

Through his blurred vision, Sirius wobbled up to his feet, seeing people run around and screaming. Through his blurred vision, he began to witness black wisps of smoke fly from the sky, landing on the ground turning into Death Eaters. Once they were on the ground, in an instant, killing curses were flying through the streets. People began falling lifeless to the ground. Sirius blinked until his vision cleared only to see a Death Eater standing in front of him with their wand raised, glowing green. Before the killing curse could erupt from the Death Eater's wand, the death eater was suddenly thrown off their feet by a stunner.

Tonks suddenly appeared in front of him. "Come on!" she said holding out a hand. Sirius grabbed it and stood to his feet. The two began running down the street, stunning any death eater they would see. They would also dodge or deflect any curses that were thrown their way.

"Call the Order!" Sirius yelled towards Tonks who nodded and ran into the next street. Sirius ran over to a couple of Aurors who were covered behind large pieces of wood and stone. "We have to get the rest of the villagers out of here!" The two Aurors nodded in agreement. "Get to your safehouse and grab all your portkeys and hand them out. Inform the other Aurors!" The two Aurors nodded and then ran off.

Sirius peaked over his cover. More Aurors were dueling Death Eaters. Some of the villagers were trying to help out as well. Death Eaters began to fall one by one. Sirius couldn't help but smirk. They were going to win this one. That was until he breathed out and saw his breath. Chills began to run up his spine as the temperature began to instantly drop, icing appearing over several things. He slowly turned as his eyes widened in horror. An enormous group of Dementors had appeared from the skies. Some of the people began to cast their Patronus charms, but their charms weren't strong enough as Aurors and Villagers were snagged up by the Dementors who began feeding on their happiness.

A couple of Dementors began to fly Sirius's way. Sirius closed his eyes and quickly opened them, thinking of how he now he finally had his family together. He raised his wand and shouted, "Expecto Patronum!" The patronus erupted from his wand, forming a dog, like his animagus form. The patronus sprinted through the air and forced the Dementors to fly away from him, and to find other targets farther away. Sirius then instructed his dog to run towards the dementors who were about to kiss the aurors and villager. Once the dog reached and barked at the dementors, releasing shields of the charm, the people were released. They hit the ground in an instant, unconscious.

The remaining Death Eaters turned towards Sirius and began sending killing curses his way. Sirius quickly ducked out of the way, jumping into a half exploded building. Sirius peeked out and was shocked at how half of those death eaters turned back to the unconscious aurors and villagers, striking them with killing curses. Sirius was horrified at this and it angered him to the core. He jumped out of his cover and pointed his wand. "Expulso!" he shouted. The spell shot our towards the ground in front of a few death eaters. it exploded the ground, sending those death eaters flying into the air. He ran and stunned the other death eaters while deflecting their jinxes. His area was suddenly cleared though he could hear screams and shouts throughout the entirety of the village. He huffed and turned into another street only to trip over a couple of bodies. He looked down and was shocked to see it was those two Aurors he had sent to help the villagers earlier. They didn't make it to where it was they were going.

He felt a chill again. Sirius turned to see a handful of dementors flying his way. He raised his wand but before he could cast the Patronus charm, a whispery large wolf roared as it ran and chased the Dementors away. Sirius turned to see Tonks standing with her wand drawn. Order members were further down the street dueling other death eaters. "Lets go, old man!" Tonks said. "I heard the death eater that is leading this attack is in the square. If we capture him, maybe we can end this attack!"

Sirius nodded, "Let's go!" The two began to make their way through the village as duels rang out through the streets. The two cousins ran through the streets helping out anyone on the way, but were horrified by many of the dead bodies in the street. Sirius and Tonks stopped in an alley. "What is going on here?" Sirius asked. "This is far worse than the last attack. They're just dropping everyone in sight."

"Even the children," Tonks spoke somberly. Sirius turned to his younger cousin. Her eyes were drawn into the alley. Sirius looked behind her and down the alley. His heart dropped when he saw the dead bodies of young children who couldn't be more than nine or ten years old. Anger began to boil inside Sirius as he once imagine those children were his sons or godson if there was nothing he couldn't do about it.

Sirius gripped it wand tighter and stepped out of the alley. He saw three death eaters turned once they saw him and ran his way. Sirius raised his wand and jabbed his wand three times. Three of the same curses soared out from his wand striking each Death Eater, breaking all their ribs. The death eaters yelled in pain, falling to ground. He turned back to Tonks. "I'm done holding back!" he growled. "Are you with me?"

Tonks looked up at her cousin and nodded. She stepped up with Sirius and began to run with Sirius, using lethal curses or jinxes towards any death eaters that came their way. Sirius was suddenly tackled to the ground by a death eater. Before Tonks could help, she was attacked by two death eaters. Sirius began to wrestle around around with the death eater on the ground, each exchanging punches here and there. Sirius was then able to kick the death eater off of him and reach for his wand. He quickly turned and stunned the death eater that he was fighting with; at the same time as Tonks was able to incapacitate the two death eaters she was dueling. She didn't come out unscathed, nursing a a cut on her upper left arm.

Out of nowhere, there was slow clapping. Sirius stood up to see a death eater he has never seen before. He wasn't wearing a mask or the traditional death eater robes. He was a tall raven haired, handsome man with a strong jawline and black eyes. He was wearing a slick black, three piece suit with a grey wand. "That was very impressive, for the both of you," the man spoke in a strong Romanian accent. "You two are good Aurors."

"You're not any Death Eater we've seen," Tonks said, looking the man down and up.

"Of course not," the Romanian man said. "I was, how you say...professionally recruited." Tonks and Sirius shared a worried glance. Tonks felt everything suddenly go silent as if the battle suddenly stopped. Sirius hadn't noticed as his focus was on this new man. "I am Lucian Donovan of Romania. An old friend of you-know-who." He smirked. Lucian began to pace in front of the two. "And you must be the famous Sirius Black." Sirius's eyebrows furrowed. "Yes, you are very famous among us Death Eaters, as well as your son," Luca said.

Tonks continued to look around and watched as death eaters began to appear out of the streets or buildings, making their way towards the square. Some of them were holding, dragging, or levitating Aurors or villagers that had been captured. Her heart jumped when she saw Zelda and Remus being forcibly tossed into the ground. She took a step towards Remus's way, but was stopped by Sirius's hand. He too had noticed the gathering around them. He was stunned as he thought they were going to win this battle, but it turned out that he was wrong. He continued to look around with his peripheral vision seeing the large group of Death Eaters that seemed neverending. It was an army they had. Sirius had no idea Voldemort's forces was this giant.

"It looks like you two are the last ones standing," Lucian observed, and then spun around with his arms spread outward. "Look at this victory I claim today. It barely lasted one hour and the village is ours now. We have many prisoners I see. It would do know good to just kill everyone. We need the pure to keep the lines going." Lucian turned back to Sirius and Tonks with his hands clasped behind his back. "So, I make offer. Only one time deal." Sirius and Tonks shared a worried glance. "Lower your wands, and you will be spared. Lower your wands, and you will become our prisoners of this village. Simple decision. What say you?"

"It's a interesting deal," Sirius spoke, "But I have a counter offer." Lucian raised a brow in interest. "A duel. Me and You. I win, you and your death eaters withdraw from the village - "

"But if you lose," Lucian said, "You die, and all your little friends here are my prisoners."

"Done."

"Sirius!" Tonks gasped, only for her to be shushed by her cousin. He then looked into her eyes as if trying to tell him something. That's when she felt something warm in her pocket. It was her badge that was charmed that would inform her that the Order was here. But they were already here. Maybe that was what Sirius was trying to tell her as she looked over and saw Remus and Zelda on the ground. Not all of the Order members were captured. Moody, Victor, Bill and Fleur were nowhere in sight. Maybe they were hiding somewhere close by and with her badge heating up, it was Moody telling her to be ready and to stay constantly vigilant. Sirius stepped forward as Tonks took a couple steps back, eyeing the area around for any sign for the rest of the Order Members. She also kept an eye on Remus, thinking of a way to get to him before they could kill him.

Sirius and Lucian stood in front of one another, about ten feet apart, wands in hands. Sirius was going to let Lucian make the first move, so he raised his wand and waited. He was surprised to see the Death Eaters were going to watch this duel as if they had a lot of respect for this man Sirius had never met. But Lucian was calmly standing there, eyeing Sirius with a calm expression. It was silent for the next three minutes and Sirius was starting to wonder if Lucian was going to make the first move. The Death Eater was standing there with no care in the world and Sirius couldn't wait any longer. He had to stall and trying to win this duel to get his friends, coworkers, and the rest of the villagers out of this village.

"Diffindo!" Sirius incantated, sending the cutting curse towards Lucian who sidestepped it. Lucian twirled his wand sending a wave of magic causing Sirius to duck under it. Everyone behind Sirius had to duck and jump out of the way where it struck a building, crashing and tumbling the front wall. Sirius was shocked at how powerful that spell was. He quickly jumped up and began sending spell after spell but it was easily deflected by Lucian. Sirius couldn't let up though this Death Eater was a good dueler. He was suddenly struck in his left arm and leg with a couple of cutting hexes. Sirius felt the stinging pain as he dropped to his knee with a growl. He looked up to see more spells headed his way. "Protego Maxima!" He yelled, creating a shield, but Lucian's spells were too strong, shattering Sirius's shield and throwing Sirius backwards into the air. He landed on the ground with a hard thud.

Tonks grimaced as Lucian magically lifted Sirius up into the air with his hand. "You are not as good as I heard," Lucian said, and then pointed his wand at Sirius. Movement caught Tonks's eye behind Lucian, on the roof of the buildings behind the death eaters. Two heads popped up, one redhead, the other blonde. Her eyes darted around until she found the heads of Moody and Victor on another roof of the building to the left of the duel, opposite of Remus and Zelda. "Do you yield?" Lucian asked Sirius who gritted his teeth and gripped his wand tighter, but he couldn't move as he was being held by magic.

"No, I don't!" Sirius said through his teeth, struggling to point his wand towards Lucian. "Expulso!" The curse soared out and struck the ground in between Lucian and Sirius causing a large explosion. Dirt, stone, and smoke exploded outward. Sirius fell to the ground as Lucian was thrown backwards. Tonks, as well as the Order, took this as their chance. Bill, Fleur, Victor, and Moody began shoot curses and spells down at the death eaters.

"Where is that coming from?!" random death eaters began shouting and shooting curses in random directions to the roofs of the buildings. Tonks took her chance and apparate over to Remus and Zelda, stunning the death eaters around them.

"Dora," Remus groaned as Tonks helped him up to his feet. "I have to tell you something - "

"Shh," Tonks shushed, holding Remus up. "We have to get out of here!" Zelda stood up to her feet after grabbing a couple of wands from the Death Eaters, placing one in Remus's hand. Neither her or Tonks noticed how Remus was clutching his stomach in pain.

"But - "

"Not now, Remus," Tonks said, letting go of Remus and stunned a death eater.

At that point, Moody, Victor, Bill, and Fleur had apparated to ground floor and were now dueling death eater, mostly being defensive as they were in front of Zelda, Remus, and Tonks. Sirius stood up to his feet and looked around. He spotted Lucian getting back to his feet, taking off his jacket that had been torn down the middle. He turned a murderous eye over to Sirius. "Very sneaky, Sirius Black," he spat as a small battle rang around the two. Lucian jabbed his wand, sending a bone-breaking hex, striking Sirius in the left leg. He screamed out in pain, sending a curse at Lucion who deflected it away. Lucian began to send a barrage of hexes and curses towards Sirius who was tiredly defending and deflecting the best he can, looking for an opening. He had to do something, but his leg was on fire and he could barely move. He had to block out the pain, he send a distracting spell towards Lucian who put up a shield, but it was too strong and it shattered Lucian's shield. Sirius, trying to ignore his pain, jumped to his right, sending a cutting hex, striking Lucian in the chest. Lucian yelled out in pain and fell to the ground.

Sirius collapsed to the ground, his leg feeling worse than it was for jumping. "You do live up to your reputation, Mister Black." Sirius clenched his teeth and looked up. Lucian was standing back up with his feet with a smirk upon his face. "Very impressive, but I am sad to say, this is the end!" Lucian pointed his wand at Sirius who finally noticed something big and bright in the night sky.

Horrified screams rang out. Lucian turned his head to see a man bite into one of the death eater's neck. That man was Remus who pulled out a large piece of flesh from the death eater, tossing them to the ground. Remus looked around as the death eaters, Tonks and Zelda moved away from Remus who's eyes had turned black. He growled in anger in pain as he then began to change. His clothes torn as his limbs twisted and transformed as he howled into the sky.

"Kill him!" Lucian ordered, pointing at Remus but it was too late. Remus had fully turned into a werewolf and began slashing his way through the death eaters that surrounded him. The death eaters tried to send spells at Remus, but it was too late since he had transformed into a werewolf and became invulnerable to some spells and hexes.

Sirius saw this as another problem, but also as a distraction. He pointed his wand, conjuring wraps and a stint on his leg. He struggled to his feet just as a spell whizzed by his head. He looked up to see Lucian pointing his wand at him. The Romanian smirked and lifted his wand into the air, "Avada - " His wand suddenly flew out of his hand.

Zelda appeared next to Sirius brandishing a wand. "Stupefy!" The stunner flew towards Lucian who rolled out of the way. Sirius sent his own stunner, but he was stunned when Lucian used wandless magic to summon his wand into his hand and produce a shield to block the stunner. Zelda turned to Sirius. "You need to help Tonks and get Remus out of here before he gets killed. I'll deal with this guy." Sirius turned to see his best friend clawing down death eaters who were using cutting hexes on Remus, furiously slicing the his skin. He was more worried that Zelda wasn't going to be able to handle Lucian since he wasn't enough for this man. "I'll be fine," Zelda assured. Sirius nodded and reluctantly limped away. Zelda then began to duel Lucian.

Sirius watched as Remus howled and growled while Tonks stunned or sent death eaters flying. He turned to the other Aurors and Order members that were helping out and seemed to be doing okay themselves. "Tonks!" Sirius yelled as he limped up to her. Tonks stunned another death eater, turning to Sirius questioningly. "We need to get out of here and take Remus with us!"

"How do you expect we do that?" Tonks asked.

"I'll do it," Sirius said, having some experience in this area. "Just get the Portkeys ready and tell everyone else to go!" Tonks looked shocked. "We're abandoning the village. Take as many villagers as you can!" Tonks nodded and left to do as she told. Sirius glanced at the old watch he was wearing. It was his portkey. He tapped with with his wand to activate the portkey and crooked his neck. He then transformed into Padfoot once again ignoring the pain in his leg and ran up to his werewolf best friend, jumping on Remus's back.

Remus growled, reaching over his back, grabbing Sirius and throwing him on the ground. Sirius yelped, but got back up. He didn't have a lot of time. He needed to grab onto Remus just as the portkey activated. He growled and once again, jumped on top of Remus, digging his teeth into the werewolf's shoulder. It was the werewolf's turn to yelp and Sirius held on tight. A few seconds later, the portkey activated and the two teleported out of there, landing in a clearing where other injured villagers or Aurors were already there, sitting there, or being looked at by Healers. Screams of terror rang out as a werewolf and black shaggy dog appeared, wrestling and rolling around in the grass. Sirius was once again thrown off, but before he hit the ground, he transformed back into human form. He quickly pulled out his wand and waved it at Remus sending three different charms. Those charms turned into metal shackles, wrapping around Remus's wrists and ankles. Remus growled out as he fell to the ground. Sirius waved it two more times, giving Remus a muzzle and wrapping heavy chains around Remus who them whimpered. Sirius huffed out, limping over to his best friend, kneeling next to him and petting Remus. "You know I don't like doing this buddy," he said to his best friend who whimpered.

"Sirius!" Sirius turned to see Tonk, Moody, Bill, Fleur, and Victor run up to him. Tonks quickly jumped to Remus's side as Sirius noticed that Zelda wasn't with them.

"Where's Zelda?" Sirius asked.

"She's not here?" Moody gruffly replied as they all began to glance around for their Order member.

"Black!" Sirius glance around to see a bruised Auror with his arm in a sling run up to him. She was also holding letter. "We have bad news!" She informed with a saddened look.

"What is it?" Sirius asked. The Auror handed Sirius the letter she had.

"I just got word back from headquarters," She said, "Caerphilly wasn't the only village that was attacked."

"What are you talking about?" Tonks spoke up, turning away from Remus.

"Holyhead was attacked as well," The Auror informed, "It was the same time during our attack. Since there were no Aurors there, it was easily taken. A few villagers had managed to escape and get to our offices to report the attack, but it was too later and there were not enough Aurors to send to help Holyhead."

Sirius looked up from the letter in confusion. He didn't know what to say, but before he could speak, there was a flash of light in in the sky above the group. A body appeared, falling onto the ground with a heavy thud. People began to gather around the body. It was Victor who knelt down to examine who this person was. He lit his wand an looked down to reveal the unconscious face of Zelda. She was covered in blood yet had a calm expression on her face. He lifted her face to see he neck was brutally sliced open. Her cause of death. Victor looked up to the other people who were standing around her. "It's Zelda." He informed. "She's dead."

Pius was standing there looking out the window of his office with a stoic expression. Papers were strewn all over his desk including a letter that informed him of not only one, but two villages were lost to the Dark Lord. His office door opened and closed. "I've just been informed of your failures, Pius." Pius didn't turn around. He knew the voice of Scrimgeour. "That is very disappointing," the Minister said as he walked up to the desk and glanced down at the papers. "How many did we lose?"

Pius finally turned around to face the Minister. "Sixty five percent," he calmly replied.

"So more than half of our Aurors were either killed or captured," Scrimgeour said, balling his fist. "The People are going to be more than upset about this when they find out that we don't have the necessary means to protect them."

"Unless," Pius said. The Minister looked up at the Head of the Department. "Unless we fast track your idea for the Aurors."