I've tried to write what I want to say for ten minutes now. I can't put my feelings into words. I am a Virginia Tech alumnus. Things like this just don't happen there. Tech is so beautiful and perfect and idyllic. Things like this just don't happen there. Pray for the victims, pray for the families, pray for everyone there. Please.

This is the next to the last chapter of this story, and the next story is up to the Ravenclaw/Gryffindor game, so I should have it finished soon. Encouragements are greatly accepted since I still have the most difficult battle scene ever to write.

In this chapter, we find out that payback is a bitch.

My thanks as always to those of you who have read, and even more thanks to those of you who have taken the time to review:

To the ever faithful Snood – The reason why I figured that Neville would take Katie's side (aside from needing him to) is that Neville is a very honorable fellow. Naturally, he would side with Katie in a situation like that. And I think it's funny how you say Katie's jealousy is in character considering that in the books, she really doesn't have any character development at all. I take that as a high compliment. Thank you. And you just know Esdras and Dumbledore are the types who sit with their backs to the wall in case a fight breaks out. They're ready for anything. As for how the password is set, I figure Dumbledore just tells the gargoyle what it is and the gargoyle does the rest.

Buffalo1fromSalem – Sadly, there is no toad bashing in this chapter, but just wait until next chapter. And she definitely wouldn't be pleased to know that Katie is in command of a few hundred Dementors…especially not after that incident with the quill…

To the ever faithful KRP – I hope you will be posting two reviews today; I always enjoy hearing from you. I don't know why people don't listen to Esdras; he brings centuries of experience to the table. (Actually, the reason why no one listens is because if they did, the story would be shot to hell and we can't have that.) Besides, you know Harry. He does have that thing about rushing in where angels fear to tread. Esdras has his reasons for giving Katie command, mainly that she needs the experience because, let's face it, things are going to get worse before they get better. Remember also that he didn't leave her alone; he left Captain Redoubt with her to help with command decisions. This is good training for her, and she'll need every bit of it. As for what happens at the Ministry, keep reading…

All the rest of y'all should review. It's good and good for you. Besides, as I mentioned earlier, this is the next to the last chapter. There's only one more chapter after this, so let me know what you think. I enjoy hearing from reviewers, no matter what they have to say.

And as usual, all the standard notes apply. Text in italics is in Azkabaaner, and I don't own HP.

Chapter 20 – Storming the Ministry

Esdras had already dispatched the rest of the teachers to patrol the hallways. In the event that a student left their common room, the military commander of Hogwarts didn't want a Dementor to be the one to take them back. Snape had remained, since he was the last remaining member of the Order of the Phoenix on staff. And the potions master was furious. "What is the meaning of this, Mister Demnin? On whose authority did you declare martial law? You weren't exactly very forthcoming with the rest of the staff, but you will answer to me."

The Dementor remained calm. "I declared martial law on my own authority, Headmaster." At Snape's shocked expression, the Dementor continued. "That's right. With Umbridge missing, you are now, by default, the Headmaster of the school until either McGonagall or Dumbledore returns. I have reason to believe that Harry is proceeding to the Ministry of Magic in search of Sirius. It is necessary that we get in contact with Order Headquarters and find Sirius. Will you do that for me?"

Snape nodded and moved to the fireplace and Esdras turned to the three Dementor captains in the room. Aaron faced his friend and commander. "The 13th Infantry is ready for transit and battle. I assume you will be leading the sortie?"

The admiral nodded and turned to face the commander of the 8th Infantry. Veras Maul saluted sharply. "We've set up a security perimeter with the 91st and 8th Infantries. And I've alerted my men guarding the Bells to be ready for anything. In the event of an emergency, they'll be evacuated to a secure location. We'll be a little thin here until the 212th and 1102nd scramble, but we'll make it work until they get here."

Esdras nodded quickly. "Once we've determined the location of Black and if he's in any danger, we're going to mobilize to intercept Potter. I'm going to leave Katie in charge of Dementor forces here at the school. She's already been provisionally promoted to captain and placed in command of the fleet."

The three captains again saluted, this time the mortal. Katie reluctantly returned the gesture. "I have no idea what I'm doing."

Micah Redoubt laughed. "Don't worry, Captain Bell, we'll all get through this together."

Katie smiled proudly. "Captain Bell…I like the sound of that."

By this time, Snape had rejoined the group, and from the sneer on his face, Esdras already knew the answer. "Sirius is there at headquarters. He believes that Kreacher may have given Harry some reason to believe that there might be trouble."

The admiral narrowed his eyes. "Then we're dealing with a possible Death Eater trap. Contact the rest of the Order and find Dumbledore. Deploy them to the Ministry of Magic. I'm going after Harry." He turned to Katie and gave her a quick kiss. "Don't let him boss you around. You're in command of the Dementors and they are the protection for Hogwarts."

Katie nodded and looked sternly at the Dementor. "You be safe. If you can't get to Harry before he gets to the Ministry, you'll be facing Voldemort." She poked him in the chest. "I do not want to lose you. Do you understand me?"

Esdras nodded. "Yes, captain."

The Thirteenth Infantry floated over Hogwarts, battle ready. Esdras himself was in command and called out to his troops. "Once we've cleared the Hogwarts Anti-Apparition wards, we'll Apparate to five thousand feet over Westminster and regroup there. We don't know what we're getting into or where our targets are located. They may already be inside the Ministry for all we know. Chances are likely that this is a trap laid by the Dark Lord. If it is, this will just be the start of our battles. Let's move out!"

The Dementors moved quickly over the lake, heading towards Hogsmeade. As they crossed the body of water, they picked up medics from the 1102nd Hospital Division, en route to being deployed around Hogwarts with the 212th Reasearch. Once clear of the Anti-Apparition wards, the Dementors made the jump to Westminster, appearing one mile over the abbey, high above the cloudbank. The Infantry regrouped and Esdras gave his orders. "We'll descend to the top of the cloudbank. Ensign Corinth, once we're there, I want you to lead a team below the clouds and check for anything unusual. We'll go from there."

The young ensign snapped to attention. "Sir, what would you define as something unusual?"

Esdras began to lead the descent towards the fluffy, white cumulus clouds. "You'll know unusual if you see it, ensign."

The majority of the infantry unit remained above the cloud cover while Ensign Corinth led a small team below the surface. It was only a few minutes before she returned, nervousness written all over her hood. "There are Dementors down there, Lord Admiral. I can't be sure, but I think it's the 45th Marines, or at least the Dementors who used to be the 45th."

The admiral tensed. "Did they see you?"

Corinth shook her hood. "No, my Lord. The mortals from Hogwarts have arrived. They were making their way to the Ministry visitor's entrance. The Marines were all too busy watching that to pay us any heed."

Esdras nodded. "Excellent work, ensign." He huffed softly and turned to Aaron, narrowing his hood. "Suddenly, I think we're not the only ones providing air support to a mortal group below. I doubt the vaunted 45th Marines will let us pass by them to get to Harry."

Aaron looked down to the clouds at his feet and nodded. "I think we'll have to fight our way through."

The admiral nodded grimly and addressed the troops. "Break out the assault cloaks and put them into riot mode. We have the element of surprise. Let's make sure we're better armed and armored, as well." He turned to face the young ensign again. "Corinth, I need you to go back to the command bunker and get something for me."

One hundred feet over the London skyline, Marine Lieutenant Adam Polomyr reported to his commanding officer. "Captain Bradley, the mortal Harry Potter has entered the Ministry of magic, just like the Dark Lord said. He also has five other mortals accompanying him."

Captain Zeruel Bradley nodded calmly. "Did they see you?"

The lieutenant shook his hood quickly. "No sir, they were so intent on entering the Ministry that we could have been standing right in front of them and they would have never seen us."

The captain laughed. "Ignorant children." He sighed and looked to the city beneath him. "We are to hold position here and await further instructions from Lucius Malfoy. Secure a perimeter and make sure no other mortals approach. If they do, kill them."

Polomyr saluted. "Yes, sir."

Captain Bradley watched in shock as, while the young lieutenant turned to float away, Polomyr's head and upper torso was ripped apart by a bright red curse. He looked up and barely had time to register the fact that Dementors were attacking his position before the bright platinum blade of the Glaive of Silence sliced through the remains of the lieutenant's body, reducing him to a cloak in a flash.

Esdras cried out as the rest of his troops surged down from the sky. "Thirteenth Infantry, attack!"

The rest of the Thirteenth swooped down, waging a fierce battle against the surprised marines and scattering them. The renegade Dementors quickly regrouped and formed an attack front against the encroaching infantry. They fired a volley of curses at the infantry and watched in shock as the spells rippled against their cloaks but did nothing. Aaron called out to Esdras, laughter in his voice. "Kira will be happy to know the Castcloth cloaks work!"

The admiral nodded happily and raised his wand. "Fire!" Curses flew forth from the infantry, striking the marines, leaving them dismembered, stunned, or vomiting contaminated ichor. Esdras lowered his Glaive and flew forward. "Charge!"

The remaining marines fired curses again and, seeing they were no use, turned to their captain for instruction. Captain Bradley merely growled in anger. "Retreat into the city, lead them away from the Ministry."

Aaron looked to Esdras, concern written on his cloak. "Go after them, or go after Harry?"

Esdras was torn, looking from the retreating marines to the Ministry below. But it was the heavy weight in his right hand that pulled on him. The Glaive of Silence gleamed in the night, and it was Esdras' reminder of his duty. The Dementor sighed. "Our first duty is to Azkaban. Eliminate the renegade marines. Follow them!"

Captain Zeruel Bradley never considered himself to be a coward. Retreat was a tactical option that allowed for the consolidation of forces. However, what had started as an organized retreat had quickly turned into a rout. In the Corinthian top of Nelson's Column, the captain had tucked himself in and lain hidden in the shadows. Again, he didn't consider himself to be a coward, merely a survivor.

It had been fifteen minutes since the last sounds of fighting had been heard. The captain had watched as his men were slaughtered on the streets and in the air, reduced only to their cloaks by the wands of the 13th Infantry and the Glaive of their leader. However, Captain Bradley's position had remained secure. The great Lord Admiral Demnin himself had passed by but did not see him. The mortals below certainly didn't see him. Slowly, the Dementor emerged from the shadows of the column and floated down the column and across Trafalgar Square. As he crossed the mortal populated square, he was shocked to see a cloaked figure rise from the mortals, then another and another, surrounding him. A voice addressed him from behind. "Captain Zeruel Bradley, you and your men have betrayed your people. They have all paid for their crimes, now you will answer for yours."

Zeruel turned to face the Dementor behind him. He was not surprised, though, when he merely saw a mortal. Esdras Demnin had hidden himself in plain sight with his animagus form. The animagus Dementor stared calmly up at the marine captain with pure, glowing white eyes, the effect of Castcloth cloak he wore. The marine spoke calmly, quietly to him. "Your way is not the future for our people, Esdras. If we continue to follow the Treaty of Edinburgh, we will end up marginalized, a broken people. Voldemort will give us our freedom back; he will let us fill the skies again!"

Esdras sighed sadly and made the transition from mortal to Dementor. He leaned gently against the Glaive of Silence as he spoke. "But at what cost? We will never get to show the mortals who we truly are. They will always regard us as cloaked terrors."

The marine narrowed his hood angrily. "Let them! After what they've done to us for a millennium, let them fear us! They deserve to live with the fear they've created."

The admiral looked sadly at the marine and sighed. "Fear and ignorance can be easily forgiven. You are guilty of treason and desertion, and that cannot. The penalty is death. Turn to face your executioner."

Captain Bradley gave a curious expression and turned around again to face a slender, young Dementress. He laughed. "You? You're the one from Azkaban…that pathetic cadet that ran."

Ensign Aurora Corinth raised her wand and poked it square against the captain's abdomen, directly over the supersolenoid. "That pathetic cadet has grown up and become an officer of the Azkaban Guard." Her voice filled with hate. "And this is for my friends, the ones whom you took that honor away from! Reducto!"

Esdras floated slowly over the empty cloak of the imploded captain and put a hand on the ensign's shoulders. It started slowly, but soon a torrent of icy tears was falling from the Dementress' hood. Esdras pulled her into an embrace as the rest of the Thirteenth Infantry gathered around. "Justice has been done, Aurora. Your friends can rest knowing they have been avenged."

Harry was in a bad place. Pinned behind the headless statue from the Fountain of Magical Brethren that Dumbledore had set to guard him, he watched helplessly as Voldemort continued to duel with Dumbledore. Harry's mind had been invaded by the Dark Lord, Fawkes was down, and he was consciously aware of the fact that this was the first time he'd ever seen the wizened wizard afraid. The attention of all three was drawn to a deep rumbling sound that came from the ceiling. Action between the two powerful wizards stopped for a second as they both regarded the ceiling of the Ministry Atrium. The two backed away slowly and Harry hid a little deeper behind his statue just seconds before the ceiling collapsed, filling the chamber with a cloud of dust. From the cloud, a pair of pure white eyes glowed defiantly. The voice that spoke was confident and echoed heavily with the thick whispers of an Azkabaaner accent. "Stop in the name of the law."

The dust settled, revealing the mortal form of Esdras Demnin standing confidently in the middle of the Atrium, behind him were no less than forty Dementors with wands drawn. The Dark Lord arose from his position behind the remains of the fountain and leveled his wand at Esdras. "Avada Kedavra!"

The bright green light of the Unforgivable Curse rocketed towards the Dementor and impacted. Instead of crumpling to the ground and vomiting, Esdras was merely pushed back a few feet by the force of the curse. He straightened himself and smoothed out his cloak. Turning his glowing, pure white eyes to the Dark Lord, he raised his arm and held out his Azkaban Guard badge. "Tom Marvolo Riddle, alias Lord Voldemort, under mortal law you are under arrest for multiple counts of murder, accessory to murder, torture, use of Unforgivable Curses, disturbing the peace, foreign and domestic terrorism, and whatever other charges we can throw at you that will stick. You are surrounded. Surrender or die."

Another explosion sounded from the ceiling behind Voldemort. Through the dust cloud, another forty Dementors could be seen, all with wands drawn. The proud form of Aaron Reaping appeared through the dust, his Azkaban Guard badge in his outstretched hand. "Prisoner Gamma Beta 769, Bellatrix Lestrange, under Azkaban law you are under arrest for the murder of twenty three Dementors, cadets of the Azkaban Guard. Under mortal law you are now also under arrest for escaping from Azkaban prison. You are surrounded. Surrender or die."

Knowing a losing position when he saw one, Voldemort snarled to the calmly somber wizard. "We are not yet done, Dumbledore. Come, Bella…"

Many things then at once happened. Behind Dumbledore, the fireplaces of the Atrium sprang to life, disgorging their travelers. To the sides of the fountain, the Dementors advanced, rushing forward with wands drawn to seize their prey. The Dark Lord and Bellatrix Disapparated quickly, leaving the room with loud cracks. At last, there was an angry hiss from the eighty Dementors at the escape of their quarry. Esdras turned to face Dumbledore and sighed. "Damn it all."

The wizened wizard sighed. "I fear it will take more than Azkaban's finest to bring down the Dark Lord."

The pair was interrupted as the blustering form of Cornelius Fudge approached. "Albus, what is the meaning of this. The Ministry is in shambles! I hope you're ready to see reason and come quietly."

Esdras locked eyes with Dumbledore for a second and the ancient wizard gave an angry nod. In a flurry of cloaks, Esdras took his Dementor form and grabbed Fudge by the head, lifting his screaming body into the air as he clawed at the hand gripping his face. Dumbledore roared at the bound Minister. "I am ready to fight and win again, and this time with the Dementors of Azkaban at my side. But you have seen proof positive that I have been telling you the truth, that Voldemort is alive. For a year now you have been chasing the wrong man. And now you will listen to reason!"

The Dementor dropped the Minister and hissed angrily. "I even brought you proof, myself, with my own hands. And you had the nerve to call it a forgery. The evidence has been before you for months, Minister. You have only proven that you are incompetent."

As the Minister backed away from the Dementor in fear, Dumbledore turned to face Esdras. "Your men will find a number of Death Eaters subdued in the Department of Mysteries, under the guard of the Order. I believe that they should be seen back to Azkaban. There are also casualties which will need to be taken seen to. And someone will need to take Harry back to Hogwarts."

Esdras nodded and turned to face Aaron. "Captain Reaping, oversee the transfer of the prisoners to Azkaban." He turned to Malachi. "Commander DeCay, take the medics and twenty Dementors to triage the casualties, St. Mungo's or Hogwarts Hospital depending on who and how serious. I will take Harry back to Hogwarts and relieve Katie of command." The pair saluted and Esdras returned the gesture. "Dismissed."