[A/N: Okay... So I suppose I lied about this coming out super soon. But it was a really difficult chapter to write as was Chapter 30. We're almost done with 30, though. Just a bit more to write and then we have to beta. Anyway, except Chapter 30 in about a week.
Thank you to all my wonderful reviewers! I got more reviews for the last chapter than I've gotten for any other chapter so far, so that made me really happy! So, thank you roughdiamond5, Fun-Sized Kirk, ForeverRose123, too many stars to count, SWAddict1986, crazypotterchick, XDAshleighJadeXD, Jaccalax, paulmcco, RavenclawLupin11, and Sea Serpent for absolutely making my week. Thank you also to everybody who added Kin and Kisses to alerts or favourites.
Disclaimer: We do not own this. We do not make money off of this.]
Chapter 29: Disaster Strikes
Who's the one to decide that it would be alright
To put the music behind the news tonight
Well mama said
You can't believe everything you hear
The diagetic world is so unclear
So baby close your ears
-Jack Johnson; The News
The first week of November brought cold gusts of wind and a strong storm of gossip. Not only had the school's token homosexual couple fallen apart, changing the dynamics of the most popular group of Gryffindors to attend Hogwarts, but the longest lasting un-couple known to Hogwarts had finally become an item. Nobody could fail to notice the goofy grin that James Potter constantly wore or the blush of delight that crept onto Lily Evan's cheeks every time she looked at James.
These rather abrupt changes had resulted in the merging of the female and male groups of Gryffindor's seventh year class. Before, it had been the "Gryffindor Boys" and the "Gryffindor Girls"; now all eight of them could almost always be found together. More often than not, Heather White, Caleb Hannings, Helen Pettigrew, and Emmeline Vance were with them as well. And, as Heather and Helen usually brought along Kristi and Rachel respectively, the previously two small groups had formed somewhat of a party of fourteen. Needless to say, this greatly amused all the other Hogwarts' students and greatly annoyed the Professors.
"Out! All of you!" Madam Pince exclaimed the following Sunday afternoon as she hurried towards the two tables that the fourteen students had pushed together in the library. "This is supposed to be a place of quiet study, not a place to engage in social gatherings."
"But we are studying!" Heather argued, looking up from the Charms essay she was working on with Emmeline and Kristi.
"But you aren't being quiet by any means," Madam Pince countered.
"We're whispering," Remus pointed out from where he was revising Ancient Runes with Allie, Lily, and Maia.
There was a general murmur of agreement which only seemed to anger the old librarian more.
"Well, when a dozen plus students all whisper together," She continued angrily, "it becomes rather more like a loud buzz. Now, all of you, out!"
"Fine, we'll study elsewhere," James sighed exaggeratedly, taking Lily's hand in his and standing up. "Shall we venture to the Gryffindor Common Room?"
"No," Caleb and Emmeline chorused, as though the suggestion was the most absurd thing ever.
"I'm sure there's an empty classroom somewhere," Kate sighed, as she, Peter, Sirius, and Caleb packed up their Care of Magical Creatures project.
"I don't care where you go, just leave," Madam Pince retorted, her voice reaching a high screech, before she turned and stomped away.
The fourteen students quickly packed up the rest of their books and, exchanging amused glances, filed out of the library.
"I think there's a large enough classroom in the Charms' corridor," Rachel said quietly, turning right.
"Sounds good to me," Allie answered and the group of students followed the younger Gryffindor.
Sirius saw Remus walking slowly at the back of the group and slowed down so they could walk together.
"Alright, Moony?" Sirius asked, noticing the slight limp his friend was trying to hide.
"I'm fine," Remus replied wearily. "Just had a rough night Friday."
"Yeah," Sirius agreed, "it seemed to be harder than usual. Any reason why?"
Remus just shook his head, knowing exactly what had caused the wolf to be so agitated.
"What do you want, Sirius?" Remus asked after a moment, his voice sharper than he meant it to be.
"Somebody's snippy," Sirius teased, trying to ignore the sharp pain Remus' words had caused.
"Sorry," Remus sighed, "I'm just tired and I have a lot of work to do."
"That doesn't give you the right to act like a complete git," Sirius mumbled without thinking. "I mean, it's not like I've been having a party these past couple weeks."
"Just," Remus said, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes, "What do you want, Padfoot?"
"I was just wondering what you were doing for Hogsmeade next weekend," Sirius said quietly, running his hand through his hair in a very James-like fashion.
Remus looked at him blankly.
"Because, well, see…" Sirius continued, "I don't have anyone to go with as I don't have a boyfriend anymore and Prongs and Wormtail will be with their birds, Allie is meeting Josh, Kate and Caleb are going together, and I have a suspicion about Maia and Emmeline-"
"Peter isn't going to Hogsmeade," Remus interrupted, "He has a detention with McGonagall for that dung bomb incident last week. Heather is going with Helen."
"Anyway," Sirius continued, "that doesn't change the fact that I have nobody to go with. Who am I supposed to take, Rachel? She's, like, twelve and I think I heard her say something about a boy."
"I can think of plenty of people who would die to go with you, Sirius," Remus countered, ignoring the comment about Rachel (she was 14 years old).
"Well, I want to go with you, not some bloody Ravenclaw Quidditch player," Sirius said adamantly.
"I didn't say anything about Greggor," Remus sighed, "But if he's that close to the front of your mind..."
"The only reason he would be is because somebody… never mind. Just, go with me to Hogsmeade. Please?"
"I'm not sure that's such a good idea," Remus answered, slowing to a stop and turning to face the black haired boy.
"Why not?" Sirius demanded. "We could go to Zonko's and Honeyduke's and maybe even the Three Broomsticks like we used to. You know, back when we were friends."
"We've never stopped being friends," Remus said quietly.
"Exactly why you should come to Hogsmeade with me!" Sirius exclaimed, making a huge conscious effort to not exclaim how much he missed his ex-boyfriend.
"Okay, but only as friends," Remus agreed slowly, remembering the last time they had gone together as "just friends" which had resulted in Remus cheating on and breaking up with Allie.
"Friends works," Sirius lied meekly, "Friends is good."
"Where do you want to go first?" Maia asked the sixth year Hufflepuff girl as they walked casually down the main street of Hogsmeade, arms linked. There was not yet any snow on the ground, but the wind continued to blow in cold gusts and their breath was clearly visible.
"The Shrieking Shack?" Emmeline suggested.
"I don't know," Maia said slowly, "That place is kind of creepy."
"No, really?" Emmeline teased, unlinking their arms and interlacing their fingers. She swung Maia around to face her. "That's kind of the point."
"Why do you like creepy things?" Maia questioned.
"It's not so much that I like creepy things," Emmeline answered, "It's more that I like the situations that creepy things can bring. I know what I want and usually know how to get it. I was almost sorted into Slytherin, you know."
"I thought you were almost sorted into Ravenclaw," Maia quirked her eyebrow, recalling their first conversation by the lake.
"Yeah, that too," Emmeline smirked, "The Sorting Hat had quite the conversation with itself when I sat on the stool. But, I guess, when it comes down to it, I'm a 'Puff."
"The Hat considered Ravenclaw and Slytherin before deciding on Hufflepuff?" Maia asked curiously. "Did the Hat ever consider putting you in Gryf-"
"No," Emmeline cut her off. "I don't look good in red."
"I somehow doubt you look bad in anything," Maia said, more to herself.
Emmeline opened her mouth slightly, as though about to say something, but then closed it, shaking her head and smiling.
"What?" Maia asked.
"Don't worry your pretty little head about it," Emmeline said, ruffling up Maia's short hair.
"My head's not little!" Maia exclaimed, releasing Emmeline's hand and crossing her arms.
"Of course not," Emmeline agreed, her tone serious, "You're a Gryffindor."
With that, Emmeline turned and continued walking down the street.
After a few seconds of looking at the brown-haired girl in mild confusion, comprehension dawned on Maia.
"Hey!" Maia exclaimed, running to catch up with the now laughing Emmeline. "You! You!"
Emmeline shrugged and gave a look which clearly meant "Yeah, I just said that." She lifted her hand up to her lips and blew a kiss at Maia.
Maia sighed heavily, causing Emmeline to break further into fits of giggles.
"So," Emmeline said, once her laughter had subsided slightly, "Did you want to go to the Shrieking Shack?"
"Sure," Maia said, smiling and nodding. "I guess I could handle some creepiness."
"Great, come on!" Emmeline grabbed Maia's hand once again and pulled her down a side street that led to the fabled house.
There he was, standing on the outskirts of Hogsmeade, his dark blue robes billowing in the wind. When they first made eye contact, Allie felt her breath catch in her throat as he smiled his crooked smile at her. Casting aside any semblance of composure or maturity, she ran the remaining ten meters into his arms.
Josh picked her up and twirled her around. After two turns, he set her down and looked at her. Pushing Allie's slightly wind-mussed hair out of her face Josh leaned down to kiss her.
"I've missed you," Allie said quietly, pulling away and looking into her boyfriend's brown eyes.
"I've missed you, too," Josh said, running his hand through her hair.
"I'm really not okay with this you not being at Hogwarts thing," Allie sighed, leaning into him.
"Just eight more months and you'll be graduated and then we won't have to rely on Hogsmeade weekends," Josh whispered into her ear.
"But I don't want to be done at school, either," Allie sighed. "There's so much more I can learn here."
"There's schooling available after Hogwarts, you know that. The Ministry of Magic offers great post-Hogwarts classes."
"I know," Allie agreed, "But I don't want everything to change."
"You like not seeing me?" Josh teased.
"That's not what I mean Josh, and you know it," Allie giggled. "I wish that you were back in school. Don't you wish you could be taking NEWT classes with me?"
"I wouldn't repeat NEWT year if they paid me," Josh chuckled.
"Aren't you supposed to be a Ravenclaw?" Allie asked, stepping back and placing her small hand in her boyfriend's larger one.
"That doesn't mean I'm crazy," Josh countered, leading Allie down the lane and into the village. "There's nothing wrong with loving to learn but hating the amount of work that comes along with standardized exams. I'm sure you understand this."
"I do," Allie admitted. "There's so much work this year, I don't know how I'll make it."
"One day at a time," Josh told her. "Just make it to the Holidays, first."
"I'm trying," Allie said, "But there's drama with my friends and school is going on, and it is so easy to get stressed out!"
"Then let me fix it," Josh said, stopping and pulling her towards him once again. He lifted her chin gently and placed his lips to hers.
Allie responded eagerly, relishing every moment she got to spend with her boyfriend, talking and kissing. All the students who were going to be in Hogsmeade were already there and the side lane was deserted but for the two teens. For the first time in what had been too long, Allie and Josh were together.
"Did that help?" He asked a few moments later.
"Yes," Allie murmured. "But I'm stressed again, now. You may have to help me again."
"My pleasure," Josh laughed before leaning in once more.
Remus stumbled into the loo at the Three Broomsticks. He couldn't breathe; he was lightheaded and dizzy. It was too hard spending the day in Hogsmeade with just Sirius. It took every bit of his self control to not grab the other boy's hand or push him against the wall of a shop and snog him until this entire mess between them was forgotten.
But he couldn't. He couldn't be with Sirius in that way, not anymore. It didn't matter that he regretted what he said. It didn't matter that he didn't care anymore what would happen to him if he admitted to himself that he was a gay werewolf. Because he had told Sirius that he didn't want him.
"You can't keep fucking changing your mind," Remus said to himself as he leaned against the wall and tried to force himself to breathe.
The first part of the afternoon had been tolerable, hard but tolerable. They had, as Sirius had suggested, gone to Zonko's and Honeyduke's. Much to Sirius' dismay (and Remus' mild relief), there were no new products at Zonko's so the two boys and simply purchased enough dung bombs and fireworks to top off their current supply. Honeyduke's, however, had come out with a new kind of chocolate (supposedly smoother and creamier than any other). Sirius had tried to convince Remus to let him buy both of them several blocks of it, but Remus had refused and both boys had ended up buying one bar each.
But then they had run into Lily and James who invited them to join them for lunch at the Three Broomsticks. Sirius had agreed eagerly, all but forcing a more reluctant Remus to follow his three friends into the busy pub.
The pub was packed with Hogwarts students seeking refuge from the cold streets. The four of them just barely managed to squeeze into a small booth in a back corner. Somehow, James and Lily had turned out to be the kind of couple that sits next to each other at restaurants, forcing Sirius and Remus to be pressed against each other on the same bench. To make matters worse, James and Lily also turned out to be the kind of couple that were exceedingly cute.
Maybe it had just been Remus' current mood, it seemed as though every word out of James' mouth was a profession of undying love and every smile Lily gave was a proclamation of her perpetual happiness. Between thoughts of "how can I get out of here" and "could this possibly get any worse," Remus found himself marvelling at the strange compatibility of his two friends.
All of this combined had left Remus dizzy and on the verge of hyperventilation. He couldn't help thinking about how amazing it would be if things between he and Sirius weren't awkward and "friendly." Before their food had even arrived, Remus couldn't take any more of the almost-touches and not-quite-glances. He had excused himself to the loo, barely making it inside before he lost all appearance of equanimity.
Remus pushed himself away from the wall with a bit too much force, causing himself to stumble over to the sink. In an attempt to calm himself down, he turned on the faucet and splashed cool water on his face.
His face dripping, Remus gripped the sink and leaned forward. A scar-covered face and slightly red, desperate eyes stared back at him from the mirror. Even this dishevelled reflection didn't fully represent how incredibly battered and tired he felt. It was as though every day for the past few weeks had been the day of a full moon; he was restless and felt as if he was about to be ripped apart into thousands of pieces. Every day it was harder for him to maintain control over his words and actions. He didn't know what was happening to him, but Remus felt as though he were quickly falling away from everything he strived to be.
Remus froze as he heard the creak of an opening door. Looking behind himself in the mirror, he saw that the door to the loo had opened the slightest bit, but nobody had come inside.
"Sirius, Sirius," Remus heard Greggor's voice sound from the pub, "not with the prefect anymore?"
"Fuck you," Sirius' voice replied from closer to the door.
"You're welcome to," Greggor replied suggestively.
"Really, bugger off," Sirius growled, "I've told you before, I want nothing to do with you, you bloody git. Now shove off before I hex you."
With that, the door continued to open completely and Sirius stepped inside, looking around. Remus wiped off his wet face on his sleeve and turned to face the handsome boy.
"Hey, Moony," Sirius greeted him, a concerned expression on his face. "Are you okay?"
"Not really, no," Remus replied, knowing that lying would've been pointless. He knew he looked like shit and it pained him that Sirius was seeing him in such a state.
"What's wrong?" Sirius asked, stepping closer to the boy who he found so breathtakingly beautiful, even soaking and desperate looking as he was.
"I..." Remus started.
He couldn't explain. He couldn't tell Sirius how wrong he was and how much he hated himself. He couldn't explain that he loved Sirius and that all he could think about was being with him. Doing so would only make things worse; Sirius seemed to be doing fine without him.
"Yes?" Sirius resisted the urge to brush back Remus' damp hair and lean against him. "Do we need to leave?"
"Yes." Remus breathed a breath of relief. "I think maybe I ate something funny."
Sirius looked at Remus in mild confusion. He had specifically noticed that Remus hadn't eaten anything at breakfast or at dinner the previous night. But as dejected as his friend was looking, Sirius decided not to push the matter.
"Alright, I can tell Prongs and Lily if you want to meet me outside."
"Thanks," Remus choked. "You can stay if you want. I mean, it's only noon."
"And be third wheel to that love fest out there?" Sirius joked, attempting to lighten the mood. "No thanks. I'd rather drown in jello. It would probably be less sweet."
Remus gave a weak chuckle and nodded.
Sirius stepped forward towards Remus as though to hug him, but seemed to think better of it and backed up quickly.
"So, I'll meet you outside in five minutes, then," Sirius said with a small nod. He turned and left the bathroom, closing the door behind him.
Remus closed his eyes at the door shut. It was so hard to get over Sirius when he kept doing things that reminded Remus why he loved the boy in the first place.
Helen and Heather walked out of Madam Puddifoot's laughing at the confused looks that had been on all the other patron's faces.
"Well, I don't care if it's traditionally a date cafe," Heather said between breaths, "They have the best hot chocolate in Hogsmeade."
"Is there anywhere else to have hot chocolate?" Helen asked.
"Well, I don't know," Heather answered honestly. "But I went on my first ever date here back in fourth year and their hot chocolate was so good that I never wanted any from anywhere else ever again."
"First date with who?" Helen questioned, her eyes wide.
"Well, he wasn't all that exciting. The best part of the date was definitely the hot chocolate. Especially if you compare it to when he tried to kiss me," Heather explained, sending them both into new fits of laughter.
"Now, Helen," Heather started once her laughter had subsided slightly, "Boys have cooties. They are very contagious."
"What about Peter?"
"Oh, well," Heather said slowly, "when you hit fifth year you become immune to cooties."
"You're ridiculous," Helen stated. "You must have cooties then, from the kiss in Madam Pudifoots your fourth year."
"I said tried to kiss me, Helen love," Heather laughed, putting an arm around the younger girl's shoulders.
"A boy has never tried to kiss me before," Helen lamented.
"I've said it before and I'll say it again," Heather said as they walked down the cobbled streets, "You have plenty of time. I mean, is there anybody you even like right now?"
"Well, no," Helen admitted, "But it's the principle of the thing! Rachel is on a date right now and I'm not."
"You're my date," Heather corrected her.
"It's not the same!" Helen insisted with a smile. "But, don't worry. I'm not actually concerned. Just, at some point, it would be nice."
"It is nice," Heather smiled. "But enjoy your boy free time as long as you can. Because as amazing as they are, boys can be quite difficult."
"Is Peter difficult?"
"No, not really," Heather admitted.
"Do you think you'll marry him?"
"Helen!" Heather exclaimed, blushing furiously. "How can I have any idea if I'm going to marry him? I'm only sixteen! We've only been going out for a bit over a year!"
"Oh, I know," Helen said smugly, "But I have eyes, you know. And it would be nice. I have always wanted a sister. Big brothers are nice, but they are so over protective."
"I see what you mean," Heather nodded, pulling her cloak tighter against the increasingly vicious wind. "But would you have him any other way?"
"No," Helen shook her head adamantly. "I like him how he is now. Besides, I doubt there is much that could change him."
Heather's heart warmed thinking of Peter. He was such a good person and she loved him so much. She loved his slightly pudgy soft, teddy bear body; she loved his crazy, trouble-making friends; she loved his mother and his sister so much, they were like a second family to her; she loved his blonde hair and blue eyes; she loved how he was modest and sweet. Heather squeezed her boyfriend's little sister closer against her side, her heart bursting with love and satisfaction.
Then the wind blew harder than ever and the two girls looked up to the stormy sky. Squinting, they could make out dark hooded figures swooping down on broomsticks, masks hiding their faces.
Allie was tucked under Josh's arm as they exited Honeyduke's. Her coat pockets were laden with candy and her face flushed immediately as they came into contact with the bitter November weather.
"Allie," Josh's voice was harsh and clipped.
She looked up at him in confusion. As she moved her head to look at him, however, she caught glimpse of what must have been dozens of dark hooded figures flying above them, masks hiding their faces.
"Josh!" she exclaimed, fear freezing all her limbs. "Josh, we have to go!"
By the time she had gotten the words out of her mouth, Josh had already pulled out his wand and formed an owl Patronus.
"Tell Kingsley to alert the Aurors. Hogsmeade is under attack."
His voice was scared, but strong. He gripped Allie's hand tight, and pulled her into a run, down the street, away from where the Death Eaters were starting to land.
"Run!" somebody screamed. Maybe it had been Josh, but Allie couldn't tell.
Everything was very quickly transforming from perfect and beautiful to terrifying. People were in a panic all around them; women were screaming at children to come and shop owners were locking their doors, forcing those on the streets to fend for themselves. Students, all third year and up, were confusedly running down the streets, not entirely sure what was going on as flashes of different coloured lights began to fill the air.
"Do you think Kingsley will get your Patronus?" Allie shouted as she attempted not to trip on the cobblestones.
"He always does!" Josh explained, breathing heavily. "Sometimes we use them instead of letters or if we need to meet up somewhere quickly. He came up with it as soon as he saw my owl Patronus last year."
Allie nodded, but had little time to process this bit of information as she had to dodge a curse.
Emmeline barely dodged a curse and gripped Maia's hand tight as four Death Eaters spotted them pushing a handful of third years into the Hogshead. The barkeeper had started pulling students off the street and into his pub the second he'd realized what was going on.
"Get in!" he shouted at Maia and Emmeline, who had pulled out their wands.
"Stupefy!" Maia shouted at one of the Death Eaters, completely ignoring the old man's command.
She and Emmeline had been joking around at the Shrieking Shack when they'd heard screams from the village. They had looked up to see a building on fire on the other side of trees. Immediately, Maia had raced toward the commotion, thinking only of what she could do to help. Emmeline, not about to let Maia run off and fight by herself, had raced after her, straight into the line of fire.
Maia's curse was deflected, but Emmeline sent one a second after, towards the same Death Eater, and it hit its target. The Death Eater fell to the ground. His companions didn't give him a second's glance before firing curse after curse at Maia, Emmeline and the bartender.
A bright yellow stream of light hit Maia, causing her to scream out in pain as her leg caught on fire. Somehow, she managed to ignore the pain long enough to send another stunner at the Death Eaters, this time successfully hitting one.
Emmeline, however, had stopped fighting to shoot water at Maia's leg and put out the flames. She only managed to avoid being hit because the old man had grabbed her with alarming strength and pulled her into the pub.
Maia kept throwing jinxes and anything she could think of at the remaining two Death Eaters.
"You idiot child!" screeched a female Death Eater. "You think you stand a chance against the Dark Lord's own trained fighters?"
Maia had no time to react as both Death Eaters shot curses at her. A shield erupted in front of her and the old bar keeper gripped her arm, pulling her inside.
Once inside, Maia pulled away from the stranger.
"We can't just hide in here and hope they go away!" she cried, tears flowing freely down her face.
"Yes we very well can!" the old man argued. "There are wards up around this place. The strongest kind. We'll be safe here."
"How can you be sure?" Emmeline asked, helping Maia into a chair.
"My brother put them up," the man grumbled, obviously irritated.
"And who would that be?" asked one of the third years who Maia and Emmeline had saved.
"Albus Dumbledore," the man scowled. "Happy?"
The air in the pub became suddenly less tense as its inhabitants realized that they were under the protection of the greatest wizard of the age.
"No," Maia shot back, "I'm not happy. We might be safe, but what about everyone out there? I have friends outside!"
"Calm yourself," the wizard grunted in a not very calming way, "there are Aurors here, along with Order of the Phoenix members."
Emmeline noticed that Maia looked only slightly comforted by this bit of information. She stepped over to her friend and wrapped an arm around her.
"It'll be okay," she said quietly. Although there was no way of proving that statement, it made Maia feel a lot better. Somehow, she could breathe again.
"They'll be okay," Emmeline kissed the top of Maia's head softly.
Maia swallowed dryly, trying to ignore the burning in her leg, and tucked her head against the Hufflepuff's shoulder. Burying her face in Emmeline's yellow and black scarf, she attempted to stem her tears as fear and concern for all her friends consumed her.
Fear and concern gripped Lily as, suddenly, the front window at the Three Broomsticks shattered.
"Everyone, back away from the windows!" Madam Rosmerta cried over the hysterical chaos that had ensued. Flashes filled the street outside like a twisted light show.
"What's going on?" a fourth year girl asked, her light brown eyes wide in terror.
"We're going to die!" screamed a small red head boy.
"Nobody is going to die!" James said fiercely, turning to the screaming boy.
"I want my Mummy!" he cried.
James looked around, surveying the scene. It didn't appear as though any of the attackers were planning on entering the building, at least not yet.
James reached into his pocket and pulled out a small mirror that Remus had given him a couple years previously.
"Sirius!" he shouted into it.
"James?" Sirius said, his face appearing in the mirror.
"Are you and Remus still near Hogsmeade?" James questioned.
"No, we got back to the castle twenty minutes ago," Sirius answered, confused, "Why?"
"No reason," James replied hastily, not wanting to risk Sirius making any rash decisions, "Just, stay there, okay?"
"Um, sure?" Sirius answered. "What's go-"
"Thanks, I have to go," James said, stuffing the mirror back into his pocket.
After he put the mirror away, James turned and his eyes locked on Lily's who had pulled the crying boy into a hug in an attempt to comfort him.
"We have to do something!" she screamed at James. "We have to get these kids back to Hogwarts!"
"We can't go out there," James yelled back. "It looks like a battle field."
"It is a battle field, James," Lily shouted. "And it will be a battle field in here pretty soon if we don't do something!"
"Right," James said, he fought his way across the room to where Madam Rosmerta stood, wand at the ready, by the door.
"Do you have a plan, Rosie?" He asked in a would-be-casual tone.
"Try to hold up my restaurant's defences until the Aurors take care of this," she replied.
"What are your defences?" James asked warily.
"Well, this is a restaurant, not a Ministry office," Rosmerta said, pursing her lips, "I've got some basic defensive charms on the place, but not much more than that."
"Will they hold?"
"Not if any Death Eater really wants to get in," she admitted.
"Then I'll help," James said firmly, "Just tell me the incantation."
"For keeping up the wards?" Rosmerta asked.
"No, the other ones," James shouted. "Yes the wards!"
"I-" But Madam Rosmerta's words were cut off by a loud pop as two wizard in Auror robes appeared.
"Somebody can just Apparate in here?" one of them questioned angrily as he looked around at the broken glass and screaming children.
"I can't very well cast-"
"Never mind," the same Auror cut her off again. "Moody will help you with the wards while I transport the children back to school and everyone of age Apparates out of this village."
"Children," the Auror said, turning to the group of people clustered in the centre of the room as Moody began waving his wand in complicated motions, "form groups of five and I'll distribute portkeys to take you back to school."
James hurried back across the room to where Lily stood with the two small children.
"We'll each get a group together," Lily told him and he nodded in agreement.
Looking around he spotted Helen's friend Rachel standing next to a light haired boy. He hurried over to her and, pulling two more especially terrified looking students to his side, signalled to the Auror that he needed a portkey.
"Why are we hiding again?" Kate said to Caleb as the two of them crouched behind a dumpster in an alley off of Main Street.
"Because we don't want to die," Caleb answered. "We can't fight Death Eaters, Katie."
"Don't talk to me like I'm five," Kate grumbled, "And we could help. We are in NEWT Defence."
"All the same," Caleb insisted, "I'd rather not risk it."
Kate sighed and sat down on the cold ground.
"What are you doing?"
"Well, if I can't fight, I may as well be comfortable," Kate mumbled. "I mean, we have a great view of the Aurors. All the lights, it's practically like a firework display."
"You're not taking this seriously," Caleb whispered, "These are Death Eaters. They are trying to kill people."
"And I could be helping them not kill people," Kate insisted. "But you're too much of a coward to let me."
"At least I don't run into things over my head without thinking about it first," Caleb shot back angrily.
"My friends are out there, Caleb! Yours are too!"
"It's okay to be scared every once in a while, Kate."
"You think I'm not scared? You think that? I'm fucking terrified! But at least I'm willing to do something with it instead of just cowering in the corner," Kate hissed. Caleb just glared at her but he didn't say any more, lest they be heard.
Despite her desire to fight, she knew there was only so much she could do against the wizards and witches who had earned the name 'Death Eaters.' Fuming, but also somewhat frozen with fear, she watched the fight unfold a mere twenty meters from in front of her.
Unforgivable curses were flashing violent and green past Ministry members wearing Auror robes and other well trained adults that Kate had to assume had just joined the fight. There were tons of people fighting from each side and she couldn't tell who was winning or losing. What she did know what that people where falling over, their eyes frozen open or fluttering shut and that she had no way of knowing if they were dying or not.
Heather and Helen were completely surrounded by Death Eaters and Aurors on all sides. Spells were falling like rain and it was all Heather could do to perform Protego every few seconds while holding Helen tightly in her arms.
The older girl was attempting to shield Helen with as much of her body as she could, but Heather was hardly any bigger than Helen herself and could provide very little protection.
Heather knew they couldn't survive much longer this thick in the battle, so she attempted to pull Helen to the side, but it was a futile effort, as bodies cramped the street and running while shielding the younger girl was impossible.
"Help!" She cried to nobody in particular, still holding Helen in her arms. "Please!"
Helen was sobbing, her eyes darting around, watching Aurors and Death Eaters fall to the ground around her.
"Heather," She yelled, over the sounds of war. "You have to let go of me. We have to run away!"
The idea terrified Heather, but she knew she had to go along with it. They were in the worst possible position right now. Quickly, she released Helen and grabbed her hand in a tight death grip. She searched for a way to emerge from the crowd of duelling men and women, but there were no gaps in the crowd. Desperately, she pushed people out of her way, dragging Helen along behind her.
Heather's hand slipped from Helen's grasp as the younger girl tripped and fell.
"Come on!" Heather screamed, turning around to make eye contact with the gasping fourteen year old girl. There was a trickle of blood running down the side of her neck, but she seemed otherwise to be fine.
Helen nodded and scrambled to stand up as a bright flash of green soared through the air.
"Helen!"
[A/N: So... yeah, a bit of a cliffie! Sorry! Also sorry if this seemed a bit... scattered. I'm not sure how sick all of you are with Hogsmeade, but this chapter really is necessary. Thoughts?]