August 1st, 1997

Alyna reaches for another pin to pull her hair back, studying her reflection. Four years. Four years she's known Fred Weasley, she thinks. And now she's going to his brother's wedding with him.

And then she wonders when she fell for him. Between which smile or prank or rolling laugh or kind words did she realize that she loves him. Loves him with all her heart, with her entire being. How does someone become such an integral part of your life in such a short amount of time? She doesn't know, which scares her more than anything. But it's a thrill that she won't ever give up.

But there's a problem with looking in the mirror. The longer she looks, the more she doubts. The more she picked out her faults and flaws.

She turns from the mirror, feeling the anxiety creep up on her. Alyna presses her nails to her palm. The pain grounds her but not fast enough- not fast enough as the panic rises to consume her.

She can hear her heart beating. Feel it pulsing. She's breathing too fast. Falling too far, crashing, spinning, free-wheeling. "Oh god," her voice is small. Alyna runs her fingers through her hair, trying to calm her breathing. Calm herself. Trying to-

You're a burden on him, you know. You met when he talked you away from killing yourself. How in Merlin is that-this even considered healthy? He doesn't need you. He has George and Ron and Ginny and Charlie and the rest of his family… You have him and Remus.

"Lyna?" Fred's voice comes from the other side of the door. "Listen, mum's going mental. Can't blame the women honestly, weddings are a bloody nightmare. You almost ready? She wants us downstairs for a picture."

Why does he need a broken girlfriend? He has enough to worry about now. He doesn't need-

"I-" Her voice breaks, giving way halfway through the word. "I'll be- be right there."

He doesn't need you.

He doesn't need you.

"Lyna? You modest?" Concern floods the letters of her name on his tongue now and he pushes the door open cautiously. Carefully. When he sees that she's dressed, he comes in and shuts the door behind him. One glance at her is all he needs to touch her shoulder, speaking gently, "Lyna?"

"Can't bre- breathe," she gasps out, tapping the spot over her heart. "Can't-"

"Alright, there we are. I've got you." Fred doesn't move her unless she initiates the movement. He wraps his arms around her when she turns into him, pressing her face to the crook of his neck. "I've got you beautiful. You're safe."

Alyna grips his vest, closing her eyes. The hot cocoa and burnt sugar scent of him washes over her. She focuses on the beat of his heart, the continuous melody of his breathing. The rise and fall of his chest.

"Waterloo, couldn't escape if I wanted to," Fred sings softly. Off-key, but sings it anyway. "Focus on me. You're safe here. Won't let anything hurt you."

She draws in one breath. Another. Another. Again and again, until the tight feeling in her chest evaporates. Until breathing comes easier again. Until she manages to take her thoughts and lock them away.

"Fred?" Alyna asks, quiet exhaustion rising up. "Thank you."

"Hey," Fred nudges her chin up and brushes his thumb over her cheek, "I'll always be there."

The air stills and Alyna swallows, tilting her head into the touch, "Yeah?"

"Yeah, that a problem?" He grins, oblivious to the way he tears through her natural defenses.

"No." She covers his hand with hers and watches him, memorizing every line and the soft curves of his face. "Not at all."

September 1st, 1997

The Hogwarts Express was quiet. Cold almost. And empty.

It was never empty.

Usually, there would be laughter trailing from the compartments, friends joking about, spells flickering in and out of existence as people practice (on friends and enemies), and talking animatedly about how their summer went.

But now it was quiet.

Students sit, speaking in hushed whispers in their compartments, not doing anything, anything, to draw attention to themselves. Because once you did, the Death Eaters patrolling the corridors came to take you away.

"How different do you think the castle's going to be?" Hannah asks quietly, speaking for the first time since the train left the station. "If this is how the train is…"

"Let's not dwell on it too much," Alyna pulls her jumper around herself in an effort to hold the cold at bay. Not that there was much to do about it anyway. This chill went deeper than the air, or the temperature. It was an iciness that leeches its way into her very bones. Her soul. Hopeless. She swears colorfully. "They've got Dementors following us."

Hannah makes a sound and inches closer to the window. "That's what's causing this cold? Is it even legal?"

"I don't think they're worried about if things are legal or not. They're controlling Hogwarts." Alyna shivers, thinking past the fog, and wonders how the Death Eaters would respond to her casting a Patronus charm. Maybe they'll screw off.

"You're probably right. I hope the castle's warm at least. Do you think Snape'll change a lot?"

Alyna settles back down into her seat, watching as the train rounds a bend and the distant towers of Hogwarts appear in the distance. Her stomach lurches, homesickness spreading and twisting with heavy dread. "I hope not."

The rest of the train ride is silent, the only sound being the clatter of the train on the rails. The two of them climb out with the rest of the Hufflepuffs, two of the four seventh years who came back, following the rest out onto the platform.

Hagrid stands at the edge of the platform, somehow managing to look cheery and welcome despite everything. His lantern swings in his fist as a line forms by his side. A light in the darkness.

Maybe there's hope, Alyna thinks to herself as she helps a second-year into one of the carriages. She catches Ginny's eye across the way and sends her a tentative smile.

"You!" The voice comes from behind her, low and scraping. Gravel come to life. "No dallying. Into the carriage like a good girl."

The second-year Alyna had helped into the carriage gives a little shriek. Hannah wraps an arm around his shoulders, holding out a hand to Alyna urgently, fear coloring her words. "Ali, hurry up."

"Listen to your friend, Hufflepuff," Calder Selwyn sneers, jerking his chin towards the carriage. "Now."

There are eyes on them. Not only Hannah's and the second-year's. Students from all houses watch now, conversations slowly stopping or quieting down as people's attentions are drawn.

Make a stand, the small voice in her ear, which sounds surprisingly like Remus, whispers. Show them what you believe in. Be brave, Alyna.

Be brave.

Alyna looks the Death Eater up and down, unimpressed, as she climbs into the carriage. "You know," she turns her head towards him, words flippantly casual. "I thought you'd be taller. Azkaban make you lose a few inches?"

The innuendo isn't lost to him as he flushes scarlet, anger tangible. His wand rises-

And the carriage lurches forward, moving a little faster than usual. Alyna winks at him as they get out of range in the blink of an eye. She wonders what kind of magic the carriage possesses to keep them safe and Hannah bursts into a fit of terrified laughter. "How- he could've-"

"But he didn't."

"But he could've," Hannah argues. The fear is clear by the tremor in her voice, the whiteness of her knuckles. "He could've done something serious, Ali. Please promise you won't do anything like that again!"

But Alyna doesn't feel scared. Doesn't feel anything really besides exhilaration. Pure, unfiltered exhilaration. The rush of adrenaline crackling in her bloodstream, rushing through her. "I can't promise that Hannah."

"Then- then just promise me you'll be careful. And not do anything reckless."

Alyna frowns, crossing her knees one over the other, and makes her voice light for the second-year who watches them with wide eyes, "but that's half of what I wanted to do this year."

"Alyna."

"Oh alright. Fine, fine. I'll be careful." Alyna throws her hands up in the air in defeat. They ride for a few more minutes in silence and she glances at the second-year, words softening, "what's your name love?"

"Brett," he says quietly, looking up at her. "You were really brave."

"Thank you. I'm Alyna, and this is Hannah." Alyna smiles at him, pulling the sleeves of her jumper down over her hands. "Can I tell you a secret?" When he nods, she leans forward. "Being brave really means doing the things we're scared of, even though they terrify us."

Brett studies her and his eyes widen after a second at the implication of what she says. "So you… You're scared?"

Alyna nods, brushing her hair behind her ear, "I'm scared. And it's okay to be scared."

"I..." Brett trails off, looking up at Hannah as well, and folds his fingers together in his lap, "I'm scared too."

"Me too," Hannah agrees.

"Well," Alyna holds out a hand, "then how about we all be scared together? But if we're scared, we also have to be brave together, okay?"

Hannah copies Alyna and Brett hesitates before setting his hand on top of both of theirs, shaking on it. "Together," he takes a breath, holding his head a little higher as the carriage pulls to a stop at the castle gates.

The three of them walk to the castle together, slowly joined by others from their house and friends from other houses. The Great Hall is as cold as the train was, their breath crystallizing to mist before their eyes.

Where Dumbledore's speeches varied in length, the sorting hat's song loud and merry, the feast this year was silent. Tense. Even at the Head Table, the conversation was muted. Hushed. And sitting in the center, on the golden chair that belonged to Albus Dumbledore, was Severus Snape.

"Bastard," Alyna mutters as the plates are cleared and students start making their way to the respective common rooms. "Professor McGonagall should be sitting there if anyone. Not him. What's he done that's so-"

"Miss Wright?"

Alyna nearly jumps, turning to look up at Professor McGonagall. "Professor, I-"

Professor McGonagall holds a finger to her lips, a twinkle in her eyes. "I do appreciate the sentiment. However, I would refrain from saying them aloud around a certain crowd." She pauses as the Carrows pass the table and continues, "Professor Sprout asked me to let you know that the Headmaster wishes to speak with you in his office since she is accompanying three fourth-years to the Hospital Wing."

"Professor Snape wants to speak with me?"

"Yes," she nods briskly, "I would assume that it has something to do with the stunt you pulled at the platform earlier. Thirty points to Hufflepuff," she adds with a wink, "The password to his office is Wolfsbane."

"Thank you." Alyna looks to Hannah, who shakes her head. "To Professor Snape I go then."

Alyna makes her way through the castle. It's dark. Gloomy. Her home inverted. The tight feeling in her stomach doesn't fade. The wrongness to the air. The uneasiness. Even the portraits don't speak as she passes, staying huddled together and quiet.

Be brave Alyna.

Be brave.

"I can be brave," she says aloud as she steps to the gargoyle that stands guard at the entrance to the Headmaster's Office and moves past with a murmured, "Wolfsbane."

"Miss Wright," Professor Snape studies the portrait of Albus Dumbledore as Alyna walks in. "Professor Carrow has informed me of what happened earlier tonight, between yourself and Mr. Selwyn."

"Mister? Is that what you're calling yourselves now?"

"Quiet." He turns to her suddenly, a dark edge bleeding into his words. "There are things at play that you do not understand. Hogwarts is no longer under the reign of Albus Dumbledore and these people are-"

"They're Death Eaters." Alyna doesn't flinch away from his gaze. "Don't act as if you're not one of them, Professor. I know. I know what you did last year, Harry-"

Professor Snape slams his hand against the desk, seething. "You. Know. Nothing. Miss Wright," he raises his eyes to hers. "Should you act out again, it will be more than detention for you."

Alyna huffs a breath. Her words are firm, the steady current of a river cutting across an icy mountain range. "Some people may be cowed by fear, Headmaster." She spits the title at him, hands tightening into fists at her side. "But me? I am certainly not one of them."

February 17th, 1998

Alyna presses her nails to her palm as she follows the other seventh-years down the stairs to the dungeons. Even though it wasn't said, they all knew why they were going. And if they didn't want to end up as the ones in chains, attendance was mandatory.

"Welcome, welcome," Amycus spreads his arms wide as the group steps into one of the empty classrooms. The desks have vanished, and chains have been attached to the walls. "I see some new faces here tonight. Lovely. Absolutely lovely."

Alyna sucks in a breath. She isn't the only one by the sound of it.

There are first, second, and third-years chained to the wall and ceiling. Students of all houses. But- A wave of dizziness washes over her. "Oh, Merlin."

"He won't be of no help to you here, darling. Now, I'll be explaining how this works," Amycus waves them in, gesturing to the students. "You'll be pairing up, one of yous per each disobedient little rat here, and you'll be practicing my favorite spell."

"Your favorite spell?" Neville raises his hand, eyes darting around the room.

"Oh yes. For extra credit of course, and house points to the best casters! I'm not a monster." Amycus' smile is all teeth, eyes bulging slightly. "For a demonstration. Crucio!"

The first-year screams, writhing under the spell. Neville turns white as a sheet and stumbles back into Seamus.

"Ah, the first-year screams are the most delicious. Pair up, everyone!" Amycus fixes an eye on Neville gleefully. "You too, Mr. Longbottom."

Slowly, slowly, the group of seventh-years spread out amongst the younger students, some starting the spellwork hesitantly. Some jumping right into it, and few, painfully few, don't do anything at all.

"No, no, Miss Wright, we have someone special for you," Amycus tuts and takes Alyna by the arm, dragging her away from the first-year she found herself in front of. "Very special, you see. I hear you're sisters."

Alyna's eyes widen and she tries struggling, tries pulling away from Amycus as more than fear clogs her throat. Tight, tight, tighter- and the spring releases as she's shoved in front of Mary. Mary, who has blood running down her temple and a black eye.

"I don't-" Alyna can't bring herself to do more than stare. Her sister in nothing but blood. The sister that didn't give anything for her, do anything for her. Her sister, who represents everything she lost. Her sister, who was everything she used to want to be. "I'm not cursing her."

"Yes, you will." Amycus' breath comes right in her ear, hot and thick. The tip of his wand prods her back. "Now, girlie."

Alyna tightens her grip on her wand and raises it, hand trembling with- with fear. With guilt at the terror that burns in Mary's eyes as she starts pleading.

Amycus steps back, high on the toxic fumes of fear that rise through the room. "Remember, you gotta mean it."

"I have to mean it," Alyna repeats quietly, the tremors in her hand fading. Her fear fading. Being brave really means doing the things we're scared of, even though they terrify us. She meets Mary's eyes and focuses' on her breathing. She counts silently in her head from one to five.

And whirls around, wand pointed at Amycus. "Crucio!"

She pours more than her anger at the situation into it. Every doubt, every shred of hate that she's ever felt- towards herself, towards her family, she pours it all into the spell. All into the pain.

Her spell never hits. But someone else's hits Alyna.

She crumples, white-hot agony explodes through her.

Alecto Carrow raises her wand again from the doorway and another wave of pain hits her, more intense than the first. "Disrespectful bitch! How dare you?" She raises her wand again, again, and again.

Alyna dimly hears people talking, moving, screaming above her. The pain is nothing, nothing compared to what her own mind puts her through on a daily basis. She takes it, one hit after the other, after the other.

Knives ran over her, stripping back layers of skin, but she doesn't scream. Won't scream. Won't give them the satisfaction of hurting her.

Be brave. Be brave. Be brave. Protect the others. Protect. Protect.

Blood and ashes and white-hot blinding fire burns her to a crisp. There are tears drying on her cheeks, her entire body convulsing and trembling.

Someone, distantly, grabs her and drags her up. Yellow teeth, hot breath, the words swimming in and out of focus as Alyna starts losing consciousness. "…Brother was more fun… Screamed more…"

A wand rises again. She doesn't make a sound, and her vision goes black.

February 20th, 1998

She feels like she's fallen three-hundred feet off a broomstick and cooked on a spit. That's the first thing she realizes, at least. Every bone in her body feels liquified.

It takes too long for her to open her eyes, the darkness singing its siren song of warmth and peace and sweet release. Wake up Alyna. Wake up. Wake up.

The lights blind her as she finally manages to open her eyes, turning her head aside and out of the glare. The sheets under her fingers are white. And soft. Someone hums quietly to themselves in the background somewhere.

Hospital wing, the words connect themselves dimly in her mind.

Alyna coughs and immediately regrets it as a shudder wracks her body. The sound draws Madame Pomfrey (who Alyna later discovers was the source of the humming).

"You're awake, good." She pours out a glass of thick syrup and holds it up to Alyna's lips. "Drink this, it should help with the overall pain."

Alyna obeys, managing a few sips only. The mixture has a sharp cinnamon smell to it but tastes warm. Like a warm pastry in liquid form. Almost immediately her head clears, the smaller aches in her body fading away for now. "What-"

"Alecto Carrow handed out her own variation of punishment instead of taking you to your Head of House," Madame Pomfrey picks the glass up again. "That was three days ago."

"Three-" A wave of cold washes over Alyna, followed by dizziness. "Three days?"

Madame Pomfrey shakes her head and summons over a glass of water. "Three days. You're lucky to still be alive, Miss Wright. Alecto and Amycus Carrow are dangerous people," she says, words softening with genuine concern. "I do not want to see you in here again because of something they've done to you, understood?"

"I understand," the words are quiet. The weight of Madame Pomfrey's words slamming into her like a freight train. There are actual people who care about her here. It's a foreign feeling.

"Your sister is here, also. She's waiting outside," Madame Pomfrey studies Alyna gently. "Should I send her away?"

Alyna shakes her head, "I can speak with her." I want to speak to her.

She busies herself with adjusting the blankets as Mary walks in, taking a seat next to her bed. How different they were. When she was in her third year, she was tempted to jump from the Astronomy Tower. Mary on the other hand… She looks happy. Alive.

"I brought you some chocolate," Mary sets a small box down on the dresser. She folds her hands into her lap, looking down. Away from Alyna. The Gryffindor pin on her vest gleams in the late winter sun. "You didn't have to do that, for me. You don't owe me anything."

"Of course I did," Alyna says. "What they're doing is illegal. It's wrong. No one should be subject to that curse, especially not children."

"Mum always said that Hufflepuffs are weak cowards who run from fights."

The words send up heartache and years-old pain stained with the yellowing of time. Doubt flickers, Alyna's walls rise as solid brick and stone. "And what," Alyna tries to stop her hands from trembling under the blanket. "What do you think Mary?"

Mary thinks over the question. Alyna can see it turning over in her head, and Mary takes a breath. Meets Alyna's gaze head-on. "I think she never met a true Hufflepuff because they- they're not cowards. Or weak. They're braver than a lot of Gryffindors. And kinder than them also."

Tears sting in Alyna's eyes. She presses her face to her hands to try and stop herself from crying. To stop herself from breaking down completely as the words curl and snake past her defenses. Shattering glass windows and setting free some weight that had been keeping her pinned down.

Alyna makes an attempt at conversation, reaching over with a wince to open the box of chocolates. "Do you want one, or do you still only eat white chocolate from Gregory's?"

Mary looks startled but settles into the chair more comfortably. Tension slides away, vanishing into mist. "How did you know that?"

Alyna regards her and holds out the box. "You're my sister." Even when neither of us wanted to be.

And she's willing to learn. To try and heal this rift between them because… because they're children, raised in a family intent to sow seeds of discord and hate. If Mary is willing to change her view… Alyna's willing to learn to forgive her.

They fall into quiet conversation, halting at first, broken up because neither of them knows what to say. How to say anything at all. But gradually, as the seconds tick by into minutes into hours, it flows easier.

"They said something about Andrew," Mary pulls the sleeves of her jumper down over her hands. "The Carrows. I think- I think he's in trouble."

Serves him right, Alyna wants to say, but she can see how much he means to Mary. Hear it in the worry in her voice, the trepid concern that drips down over the words. "I know someone who's an Auror. I could try to find out if something happened to him."

"Thank you," She smiles gratefully and as the bell rings, clanging through the castle, jumps to her feet. "I should get to class, but… It was nice talking with you Alyna."

Alyna shares the tail end of the smile with her. "You too Mary. Good luck."

April 10th, 1998

"What are you doing?" Alyna glances towards Hannah, holding the charmed rag over her eye.

Hannah shushes her, fiddling with the small radio on her bed. Static fills the air. Tapping the top of the radio with her wand, she lets out a small shriek of success as the static ceases and familiar voices fill the space. Hannah claps both hands over her mouth. "Come here, come here."

"… now let's move to news concerning the wizard who is proving just as elusive as Harry Potter. We like to refer to him as the Chief Death Eater, and here to give his views on some of the more insane rumors circulating about him, I'd like to introduce a new correspondent: Rodent."

"Rodent? I'm not being 'Rodent', no way, I told you I wanted to be 'Rapier'!"

"Is that…" Alyna looks up at Hannah, the rag slipping from her hand. Hope and relief explode through her, sizzling through her bloodstream. She closes her eyes tightly and buries her face in her hands. "Fred."

"Oh, all right then. 'Rapier', could you please give us your take on the various stories we've been hearing about the Chief Death Eater?"

Alyna holds in the sound when Fred speaks again, cool and confident. She hugs the Quidditch jersey he'd given her, the warm scent of him washing over her reassuringly. "He's okay."

"Yes, River, I can," says Fred. "As our listeners will know, unless they've taken refuge at the bottom of a garden pond or somewhere similar, You-Know-Who's strategy of remaining in the shadows is creating a nice little climate of panic. Mind you, if all the alleged sightings of him are genuine, we must have a good nineteen You-Know-Who's running around the place."

She grips Hannah's arm as they listen, volume turned down low, nauseous with relief, and dizzy with love. "He's okay," Alyna cries, "Hannah, he's alright."

"I know, I know," Hannah rubs a hand over her back. "Neville told me about the program. Once he said there were a few DA members on it, I had to show you. Listen."

"… lulled into a false sense of security, thinking he's out of the country. Maybe he is, maybe he isn't, but the fact remains he can move faster than Severus Snape confronted with shampoo when he wants to, so don't count on him being a long way away if you're planning on taking any risks. I never thought I'd hear myself say it, but safety first!"

The program goes on for a few minutes longer before the lights fade. Alyna hugs her friend tightly, pressing her face to Hannah's neck. "He's safe Hannah. He's alive."

He's safe. Safe. Safe. Safe.

May 1st, 1998

"Why do you think he's summoned, everyone?" Hannah asks Alyna as she fixes up her robe, glancing around the Great Hall fearfully.

The Great Hall is somber. Silent. Not once in Alyna's seven years at Hogwarts has it felt this empty. A chill is in the air, heavy and hanging. Professor Snape and the Carrows observe them all from the front of the hall, from the platform where the Head Table usually sits.

Alyna feels a hand take hers fearfully. Looking down, she squeezes Brett's hand tightly. Reassuringly. She doesn't speak though, not wanting to draw unwanted attention. Not with the fear and anticipation rising rapidly in the room.

"Many of you are surely wondering why I have summoned you here at this hour. It has come to my attention that earlier this evening..." Professor Snape begins, gaze sweeping over the hall. "Harry Potter was sighted in Hogsmeade."

Alyna looks towards the Gryffindors, catching Ginny's eye as murmurs start in a rippling wave. Hope rears it's head in her chest, bright and burning.

"…. know this. Should anyone - student or staff," he continues, the addition with a look tossed to Professor McGonagall, "attempt to aid Mr. Potter, that person will be punished in a manner consistent with the severity of their transgression." A scar on Alyna's back twinges. "Rest assured: So long as I am Headmaster at Hogwarts, Harry Potter will never again step foot in this castle."

Beside her, Hannah startles a step back as a group of Slytherins break into loud applause, cheers, and whistles ringing to the arching ceiling and back.

"Now then," Professor Snape raises a hand to quiet them, "If anyone here has knowledge of Mr. Potter's movements this evening... I invite them to step forward now."

No one moves. No one breathes. The Hall is quiet enough to hear a pin drop. Students exchange nervous glances. The ancient magic that built the castle centuries ago seems to be holding its breath as well as a minute passes, then another.

A shifting of cloth breaks the heavy blanket of silence. Then footsteps, loud and clear.

"I think I can help you out with that." Harry steps out from amongst the Gryffindors, wand held at the ready. "It would seem that, despite your exhaustive defensive strategies, you have a bit of a security problem, Headmaster."

The doors to the Great Hall open again with a resounding boom. Cries go up from the Hogwarts students as faces are recognized, and like a call home, hope spreads its wings once more. Bright and incandescent.

Alyna raises her hands to her mouth as the Order walks in, faces set and ready. Safe, whole, and unharmed. Remus. Fred. A sob rips itself from her when she sees Fred and tries to meet her eyes from where she's standing, clustered with the Hufflepuffs.

She doesn't hear what Harry says next, or the accusations he throws at Professor Snape. Her eyes don't leave Fred, don't leave Remus. The rush nearly brings her to her knees, and she pushes through students, trying to reach them. Trying to tell them-

Students scream, pushing to the side. Alyna nearly loses her balance as an explosion rocks the hall, the smoky scent of rapid spellwork fills the air. All at once, the torches lining the walls go out, plunging them all into darkness. Some screams nearby.

Glass shatters with a rushing sound and the torches burst back to life, Professor McGonagall holding her wand aloft beside Harry in the center of the hall. No one knows what to do. A few take cautious steps forward.

Alyna pushes through them all and runs for the back of the room. For Remus and Fred and George and- and her family. Cheers rise from behind her, but she doesn't care.

All the worries and fears and doubts she's been feeling since the year started, they all flow and ebb together. She doesn't care that she's crying as she throws her arms around Remus' neck, hugging him tightly.

"Remus." The word is broken with relief and she presses her face to his neck. "Remus."

"Alyna, thank Merlin," Remus hugs her back, tucking her under his chin. Warm and safe. Safe. "I've been so worried. Minerva's been giving me the occasional update; however, it has become-"

"Lyna?"

Alyna breaks away from Remus and she's barely taken a step before Fred pulls her into a kiss. His hands go to her hair, hers, fisting tightly in his shirt, pulling him closer, breathing him in. Hot cocoa and sparks. She rests her forehead against his. "Fred."

"Lyna," Fred exhales against her lips, fingertips tracing the sides of her face gently.

They stand there, together, sharing each other's air.

And then the screaming starts anew.

May 1st, 1998

The castle was in shambles, coming down around them.

Alyna leads a group of students who didn't manage to get out through the passage in the Room of Requirement down to the Hufflepuff Common Room. Spells explode through the air around them, flashes of color and light and screams. She deflects a spell, sending a jet of blue towards a Death Eater. "Come on," she turns back to the group, herding them down a set of stairs and a dusty, secret passageway. "We're nearly there."

She brings the passage down behind them, dust and debris flying as the entrance to the common room swings open. "Maisy," she calls to one of the fifth-years. "I'm going to seal you in. Don't come out for anything. Someone will come to get you when this is all over."

"What if we don't win?' Maisy looks up at her, eyes wide with fear.

"There's a passage behind Cedric's painting." Alyna squeezes her arm. "It goes under the grounds, all the way to the gates. The end is blocked off, but Reducto should take care of it. You get everyone out if we lose."

Alyna pushes Maisy towards the passage and seals the common room behind her as the ceiling trembles. She pushes through a tapestry hanging on the wall and breaks into a run. This is her home. Her place of safety, and she'll be damned if she's going to let You-Know-Who take it from her.

She wipes the tears from her eyes and tightens her grip on her wand. Peeking out from behind the tapestry at the other end of the tunnel, she sends a stunning spell at the Death Eater that comes around the corner. There's screaming coming from down the hall. Alyna runs towards it. A jet of green light flies by her ear, singeing the ends of her hair as she spins a corner.

Three Death Eaters have two Ravenclaws cornered. Alyna sends a neat jinx at one of them from behind, a second to another before they can react. The two collapse one next to the other, and she sends a stunning spell at the third as he turns.

Alyna leaves them behind as she breaks into a run again, fighting with any who cross her path. I have to find Remus, find Fred.

Fred. There's so much she hasn't said, words that rest unspoken in the air and between the light of the stars, waiting for her to reach out and take. Take them and shout them to the world from the rooftops.

If I never get to tell him… The fear grips her heart with an icy fist as she climbs a moving staircase, trading spells with a shadowed figure at the top. Someone blasts him from behind and he rolls down the steps unconscious.

"Thanks," she gives Luna a battered smile. "You okay?"

Luna nods, sending an easy hex at a Death Eater in the crowd below. "I am. And you?"

"Never better." Alyna flexes her wand hand, brushing hair out of her face. "Listen, have you seen Fred Weasley by any chance?"

"Oh sure," Luna beams, gesturing upwards. "Up there. The seventh floor, I think."

Relief sluices its way through her as she starts moving again. "Seventh floor. Thanks, Luna, stay safe."

But the relief she feels is short-lived.

The seventh floor is in ruin. Smoke billows from the far end of the corridor, spells of all kinds flew through the debris. Most missing their mark, some landing. The castle shakes again and Alyna catches a glimpse of red hair through the chaos.

Fred.

She pushes forward, meeting a Death Eater in a duel easily. Finish this and get to Fred. I have to tell him before it's too late.

And then the air explodes. Cold air rushes in and Alyna and the Death Eater she was dueling are thrown through the air. Flung back as the side of the castle is blown apart.

Alyna slams into something hard, a sickening crack ringing in her ears. Something hot drips down the side of her face. Her vision blurs. Darkness presses in as she tries to stand; tries to find her footing.

She has to get to Fred- has to tell him-

The last thing she hears before her eyes close is the clatter of her wand as it falls from her hand.

Take this as compensation for such a long wait between chapters 3 and 4? Two chapters in one week? I'm on fire baby. WOOHOO.

AHHH (I literally wrote this in two days, I was so excited for it) I REALLY HOPE YOU ALL ARE AS EXCITED AS I AM. SORRY NOT SORRY FOR THE CLIFFHANGER. At least I didn't actually throw them off a cliff *looks at Rick Riordan*

Sadly though, this is the second to last chapter *dodges rotten tomatoes* But I do have a special announcement about the final chapter. As a person who hates making decisions, I've decided to write three separate endings to this fanfiction. Woohoo! I'll be posting the canon (series accurate) ending as the sixth chapter here. The other two, I'm going to post as a separate work :)

Thank you all for sticking with me.

- Liz