Voldemort had come to a decision. But even as he had decided his plan of action, even as he had decided he no longer feared Albus Dumbledore, many things were happening all over Britain.
Off in Hogwarts, for example, Madam Pomfrey was examining Remus Lupin and Albus Dumbledore. Thankfully, they were recovered with a simple 'Rennervate' Spell, but she ordered bedrest... especially for Lupin, who had sunk to his knees and shouted his grief after he learned of his wife's fate. He was thankful Harry had survived, naturally, but the loss of his Life Partner was not taken easily.
Minerva McGonagall was discussing what to do with James and Sirius, as well as Horace Slughorn, Pomona Sprout, Filius Flitwick and various Aurors who had been called to Hogwarts, for it was learned that the school would be Voldemort's next target, now that their mole had informed them he no longer feared Albus Dumbledore.
"We cannot let the students remain. Or at the least, none of those who are underage. Perhaps it would be best to close the school entirely..." McGonagall trailed off, lost in thought as she evaluated their options.
James shook his head, a grimace on his face, "Really, Minerva? Come on, You-Know-Who," - he didn't use Voldemort's name, as it had been 'Marked', and it wasn't safe to use openly - "would laugh if he saw us like this. I say we put on a brave face. Keep the school open, show them what for. Take on You-Know-Who directly when he comes here. Kick his arse a bit, too, if we can help it."
Professor Flitwick squeaked a bit in protest, "Mr. Potter!" He exclaimed, "Minerva is right! We cannot let the school remain open while He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is at his peak! It would cause a great deal of trouble for us in the future, assuming we make it out of this mess alive!"
Sirius ran a hand through his hair, before he began wagging a finger, as if he had a thought, "What if--" He began, before being interrupted by Professor Slughorn.
"Oh no you don't, Mr. Black! Huff, I'm not about to listen to any more crackpot plans you Marauders come up with! It would be a nightmare for us to follow, if they could even work." Horace grumbled, adjusting his collar to accomodate for his growing worries.
"Now now, Horace. Don't be so quick to shoot him down. Go for it, Sirius. Your plans always were better than mine." James encouraged his friend, beaming as he waited for Sirius to continue.
"Thank you, James. Now, Professors, what if we - instead of closing the school or using students as soldiers - we weaponize whatever we have at our disposal. House Elves, Centaurs - Hagrid can convince them to our side, I'm sure of it - and more. I recall Hagrid had a giant spider friend in the woods - Aragog, was it? If he could convince Aragog to bring his family to battle, if we cast every crackpot spell we've ever dreamed of, we might be able to win this thing in one fell swoop!" Sirius became more and more excited as he continued with his plan, before looking up, hopefully, into the eyes of his former Professors, into the eyes of his friend. But none of them spoke first. Instead--
"I think," began a soft, deep voice from behind them all, "That Mr. Black's plan is ingenious." Dumbledore smiled, a twinkle in his eyes. "I suggest he go aid Hagrid in rallying the Forbidden Forest's troops. Pomona, if you and Horace could rally the Elves? And lastly, Minerva and Filius, if the two of you would be so kind as to find Professor Burbage, I'd like her and Poppy to watch over Remus and Harry. The three of us shall take on... the enemy's leader," he amended, as Minerva had shot him a look before he could say 'Voldemort', "Together. He may have bested me under those conditions, but with you two at my side, he doesn't stand a chance. Remus," he added, before Lupin could interject, "You may wish to join in the battle, but I must refuse you. Harry needs his Father. That aside, you are not the only father and son pair in the castle. You will find, I think, that Professor Eaton - you may remember that he teaches Ancient Runes, beat Miss Babbling to the punch - is also here, with his son Lancelius. I am relying on you and him to protect your boys, for they are the future. Our last hope, should all else fail."
Remus hesitated. But after a deal of thought, he bowed his head. "As you wish, Headma--... Albus." He amended, after a stern look from his old Professor.
Dumbledore smiled, "We are equals now, Remus. Never think yourself unworthy of using my name. Why, I should think you are of a higher position than myself. I was never blessed with children of my own unlike my brother Aberforth, and here you are, the spitting image of a wonderful father, to be sure."
Remus paused. Dumbledore rarely mentioned his brother. But he couldn't dwell on that-- "Albus, then. I'll do as you wish, but remember that I'm counting on you all to stay safe." He smiled back, "After all, I want my son to learn from the best when he comes to Hogwarts a decade from now."
Dumbledore bowed humbly, "As you wish," he answered coolly, but Remus didn't miss the kind twinkle in his eyes, or the soft blush on his old cheeks.
But the time for heartwarming chatter is over. Let us follow young Sirius Black as he endeavors to enlist the help of Centaurs and Spiders...
=
Sirius hurried to Hagrid's Hut, and banged against the door fervently. It was only seconds before Hagrid opened the door, bellowing, "OI, WHO WAS THA' BANGIN' AGAINST MY-- Sirius Black?!" He exclaimed out of surprise, frowning as he looked down at the haggard young man. "What's happened, Sirius? You look a fright!"
"No time, Hagrid!" He cried, "Lily is dead!" He ignored Hagrid's shocked cry of outrage, and bulldozed through, "You-Know-Who's coming here! To Hogwarts! I know about Aragog and your friendship - if you can call it that - with the Centaurs! If we can get their help, it would mean a chance at beating him! Come on, let's go!" He grabbed Hagrid's hand and pulled - a futile attempt, as the half-giant was, well, half-giant. But Hagrid, taking in the words, followed.
"All righ'." He consented, taking the lead as he ambled through the forest. "But don't coun' on them listenin'. Aragog'll let me in, and the Centaurs'll hear me out, but I doubt either of them will actually help. Neither like humans that much, and we don't have much to offer 'em, now do we?" He asked of Sirius, who hung his head. Hagrid winced, he didn't like telling someone this, but, well, they could still try...
Meanwhile, somewhere far away, Voldemort was rallying his troops as they began their march on Hogwarts. Giants, Death Eaters, and Dementors... it was a horrific sight.