-I own none of this, that right and privilege lies with J.K. Rowling-

-I write because I enjoy it, please no nasty comments. Constructive criticism and random "hi"s are welcome-

Chapter 8: Invading Hogwarts

"I will not stand by and watch this any more we've got to act!" James potter shouted. The Order was meeting to discuss Hogwarts, Lily knew he was right, but once started this fight had to be finished.

"James shut up for one moment!" She snapped "You're acting like a child. We've got to plan this out, with out a plan it's suicide."

"She's right James, we need to be patient." Remus said soothingly.

"We need to kill both Voldemort and his snake for this to be finished." Lily stood, speaking to the room now. "We've got to do it soon, we can't wait leave the children there with the Death Eaters. They're being tortured and brain washed." There was a murmur of agreement from the assembled Order members. "Dumbledore said that Hogwarts was the only place Tom Riddle ever really cared for." Lily continued "It's the only place he'll fight for, the only way we can ensure he come to us. But if he catches wind of us evacuating the children he'll know we're setting him up. So we have to wait until he gets there, I knowhow we can get them out safely, there's a tunnel out of the Room of Requirement into the Hog's Head they can apparate out or leave by side along apparition." No one argued, it was the best plan they had and they needed to act now.

Lily couldn't bear to think about how she'd feel if it was her children in that school that they were about to attack; and she chose not to think that it was her husband in there.

***

As the Order organised themselves Severus Snape talked with the portrait of Albus Dumbledore in his study. "They'll attack tonight Severus" Dumbledore said. "You must keep the children safe and out of the way, it must end."

"Agreed." Severus replied, "Have you seen Lily on your visits to the Order?" He asked the portrait eagerly. Dumbledore paused

"She's unhappy, she looks about as unhappy as you do actually. She yelled at James."

"At Potter?" Severus interrupted.

"Yes, and don't look so pleased, she's genuinely convinced that you don't care for her."

"She's wrong!"

"You and I know that Severus but you were very convincing."

"I've learned from the best Albus." The old headmaster bowed his head smiling.

"Prepare yourself Severus." He said before he walked out the side of his frame. Severus removed the enchantments from around the school; that was as much as he could do for the Order right now. Severus Snape collapsed behind his desk and prayed to every deity he'd ever heard of. He prayed that Lily would survive, that he'd get to tell her that he loved her, one more time and that she'd believe him.

***

The Order was moving out, they had every body. For the first time ever the Order was all on one mission, but even so their chances weren't good. But they couldn't help that, it was time, they'd done everything they could to prepare still they wouldn't all survive, but they all hoped.

Somehow the castle wasn't protected by enchantments, if seemed the Death Eaters were over confident. The Order flew in and split into six groups one entered through the kitchens one through the front doors the other four landed on the towers. They met no one, and that only unnerved them. They swept through the castle going through each class room and store cupboard. McGonagall joined them, as did Flitwick, Sprout and several other teachers.

The Carrows were no where to be found and no one could get into the headmasters study to check there. The Order posted guards at the entrances, and the Headmasters study. They enchanted the walls and gates to repel Death Eaters. The statues, suits of armour and gargoyles sprang to life ready to defend their school. He was coming, and the all knew it.

Severus Snape sat closeted in his study. The Carrows had been with him but he'd sent them away, to tell the Death Eaters as soon as the Order had arrived and now he waited. He'd be the first to die if he went down now, but if he waited just a little longer he could be of some use.

***

-Thank you all for reading this chapter of my story-

-Love Always-

-Lily-