Bombs Dropping from the Sky

There was a lull in the atmosphere. I know everyone felt it. All the children became restless. All the children became so tense, that only looking wrong at another would spring forth a fight. I had to break up a number of scrimmages in the corridors. Those did not help my nerves at all. Every dodged fist or hex I felt my back get tighter in anticipation. I was anticipating becoming a victim. And every time that I successfully dodged a blow or a spell I felt my gut twist tighter. I was having trouble sleeping again.

I felt my teeth on edge all day. My sleep deprived mind kept seeing imaginary shadows in darkened halls and I heard pretend footsteps behind me when I was walking alone. I felt cold eyes on my back. When I went to catch anyone gazing, there would be no one. I felt paranoid and it was making me sick.

Neville and Seamus would bring me food up to the Common Room when they would notice me absent from the Great Hall. Often, they would find me sitting and staring at the fire, waiting for the flames to die down and leave me subjected to embers. I pretended not to see their worried glances. I am sure that the dark bruises and slowly showing bones were frightening. I tried to get my clothes to fit, but I sucked at household wand work. It was bothersome to pull my skirts and pants up every five minutes.

I painfully went to class. It was a chore to try and sit still to listen to boring lectures. It felt like I was drowning every time I had to practice a spell that I already knew. The repetitive nature of all this was smothering. I tried to breathe but it was impossible. My mind felt like it was constantly in a fog. The high emotional turmoil made the air thick and sticky. I hated it. I really wanted to leave.

But Draco needed me. He and I could be seen in the library sitting by each other. Most of the time he worked on essays and chapter reading. I sat there and kept him company while reading my muggle fiction. Which was almost like our wizard reality. The muggles just did not have all the correct information. It amused me how they tried though. It was almost cute.

Neville claimed he needed me also. After the Room of Requirement, he let me in on a multitude of plans. Some he had been working on with Minerva and some he had worked out with Dean, Seamus and Ginny. They were normally huddled together in the Room. I kept my distance because they were not shy about asking for my input if they wanted it. I was not shy about voicing my opinions when asked. The sense of trust that we had silently agreed upon had me saying soft words as opposed to harsh realities.

And Denali still had not been returned to me. When I was finally permitted to be reunited with him, I cried. I cried loudly and unabashed. I did not care that Neville shifted uncomfortably at my sobs. I did not care that Hagrid, who had been in the forest when he fell through the thick trees, ran a comforting hand down my hair. I just knew that my baby was in my arms and he was mostly alright. He had broken his wing in the fall, but he was healing very nicely. Hagrid was doing a wonderful job at taking care of my bird.

But owls were still not allowed in the castle, so I had to leave him. I promised Denali that I would visit him when I could. But with all my wallowing and scheming, I did not have very much time to do so. Not to mention that I was spending more time with my grandfather. He was still closed off and loved to curse my existence. I found it comforted me that he was not trying to smother me with fake affection. His gruff voice and harsh language made me feel at home with him.

He started showing me memories of my mother. Most of the memories were taken from people who had known her in school and while she was in the Order. I asked him once how he had managed to obtain memories from people who did not like her. A dark look crossed his face as he smirked coldly at me. But he did not answer me. I assume that my mother and I got our sadistic streak from him. But he never blamed himself for our behavior. He kept telling me with was my grandmother's fault. I would normally roll my eyes at his denial.

Another event that I was not expecting was Luna Lovegood. She was in Ravenclaw and a year below me. I never really got to associate with her. But after the Easter Hols, she became a fixture in the Room of Requirement, much to Neville's happiness. And let me just say; I love that fucking girl.

She had recounted the events of her capture on the Hogwarts Expressed. After the older boys all expressed their rage, she turned to me and studied me with her pale silver eyes. I would have felt unnerved if I had not been practicing staring contests with Draco. After a moment, she smiled serenely at me and softly said that I was a good person. But when she said that the wrackspurts surrounding my head were clouding my ability to absorb my lessons, I did feel unnerved. What the fuck were wrackspurts and why could I not see them?

Luna and I spent some time sitting by each other. I was a social outcast and she just enjoyed being by herself. We chatted about magic. Her range of knowledge astounded me. She was a walking spell encyclopedia. I loved it! She could recite charms and their affects like she had the book in front of her. I always walked away from her knowing a new spell or two. And she seemed to love to talk about her imaginary animals that her father loved to try and study. She admitted that most of the animals had never been seen, but her love and devotion to her father blinded her to the truth. I never tried to correct her. It was a delight to hear about such nonsense when the whole world was fucked up. She really was like a light in all the darkness.

It had been a month since Draco told me about Harry, Hermione and Ron. He seemed to have been sleeping better since he confessed not knowing what to do. I met up with the next day in the library and we had a heart to heart. I told him that when the time came, he would have to decide if he wanted to be a Death Eater or a sympathizer to Uncle Albus' cause. The rest of the time we were in the library, he wrote his thoughts on some parchment. I heard him sigh every ten minutes. By the tenth sigh, I snapped that he needed to vent his frustration in another way before I cursed his mouth shut for eternity. I barely heard the parchment crinkle after that.

Since our heart to heart, we did not discuss his eventual involvement again. I can learn from my mistakes. Even though it was a needed a discussion in the past, I handled it all wrong. I do realize that. But this time was different. I left him to his thoughts. He would have to make this decision by himself for himself. I had a small feeling that the horrors he has witnessed were making him lean towards betraying the life he grew up in for a new one that he could thrive in. I felt a small amount of joy from it.

My feelings toward him were almost uncomplicated. I know that I feel attracted to him. I know that I show concern for him. And I also knew that in some way, I did like him. But I could see myself going out for romantic walks with him. I could see us sitting in a quiet restaurant and chat to ourselves over fine wine and decadent chocolate cake. I could see him putting his arm around my waist and holding me close. I could see him looking into my eyes and telling me that I was the most beautiful witch he had ever seen.

But those were all my thoughts and I could not bring myself to ask him if he saw the same things. If he did not feel the same way, I would not be able to bear it. I was still very fragile since my complete breakdown.

In fact, I was thinking about Draco in the Gryffindor Common Room when I heard the door bang open. With all the tension in my body, I sprang up with my wand drawn. I was prepared to defend the small number of children in the room with me when I saw Neville rushing in wide eyed and breathing heavily. His eyes landed on my face.

"Harry's back!" was all he exclaimed before he was running back out.

I stood in shock. Did I hear that correctly?

"Wait!" I called after him belatedly. I ran after Neville.

I did not catch up to him until he was outside the Room. I came up behind him huffing and puffing. I had not been running in a really long time. Too much on my mind and not enough food. So I get to suffer the consequences. Neville gave me a funny look when I gripped my knees with my hands. I panted my way to more air. Of course, being stubborn, I did not do it the right way.

"Merlin Henria! Don't you run regularly?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. I shot him a glare that was completely ruined by my immediate need for oxygen.

"Shut up and let's see Harry." I growled.

I entered to an excited hum of all the students. They were busy talking enthusiastically with each other. I pushed my way through and stopped short at the sight before me.

Harry, Hermione and Ron were all present. They looked a tad harried and still deathly thin. I guess that is the price we pay for being child soldiers. Hermione had a haunted look behind her smile. If you were not paying attention, you would miss it. I am overly observant so I saw it. And I could tell that Ron could see it. He stood close by her, keeping her at his side in case someone made a sudden move to her. Harry was staring starry eyed at Ginny. And right there, I saw just who they would be leaning on after we get through this. I felt a pinch in my heart.

Harry shook his head and looked around. After he caught my eye, he gave me a slow nod of hello. I returned it and decided that I was not needed. I had seen him with my own eyes. I saw them and the state they were in. I could feel my stomach unfurl a little at the sight of them. I felt comfortable in the knowledge that it was not long now for the fates to decide who they would rain on. It was funny; knowing that the battle I had been feeling coming would be here soon.

So, I walked back to the Common Room alone and in my own thoughts.

At breakfast, you could feel the shift. The air felt lighter. The Slytherins were looking around confused. Children were chatting with smiles on their faces and their mouths moved quickly. Of course, the hum was very quiet. No one wanted to leak the information that Harry Potter and his two loyal friends were back and in the castle. That would most certainly lead to chaos.

Neville and Seamus walked in later than usual. I watched them closely. Their expressions were pinched in anxiety. I began to wonder what the hell was up. They should almost be rejoicing. Their Savior was here and preparing to end it all. It was confusing to me. Then Luna walked in and I started choking on my eggs. Draco gave me an odd look. I diverted my eyes from Luna's figure and started staring at the wood of the table. She had been staying in the Room since her return. She was still a target since her father had still been trying to print anti-Death Eater articles.

I felt my gut clench and decided I was not hungry anymore. I had a free period so I gathered my bag and left for the library. I still had to keep up appearances. The wrong people could not find out the new development until it was the right time. Although, Luna coming down for a meal would do just that.

My classes whizzed by in a blur. I hardly concentrated on anything that was said. I think someone tried to talk to me at some point, but I was so lost in my own thoughts that I do not remember. Faces were fuzzy and voices blended together. Maybe I was not ready for whatever may happen. I think I am panicking. No, I know I am panicking. My gut had not unclenched from the morning.

I walked into the Great Hall for dinner, because I was light headed from lack of food. I needed to get some kind of energy. I had planned on joining Harry in the Room tonight to see what kind of plans we needed to execute before He-Who-Knows-Jack-Shit caught wind that Harry was here. I figured that I would be prepared for anything.

I had just taken a bite from my dinner roll when I realized I was not ready for anything.

I had barely noticed the Hall go quiet. I really thought I was getting better at tuning out the noise level. Then I heard a voice that had my heart thumping my ribcage painfully.

"He trusted you!" Harry shouted. I froze as most of the Slytherin table snapped their attention to the messy haired wizard with rounded glasses. I spat out the piece of roll to prevent myself from choking on my food twice in one day.

I looked to the dais and saw Snape stiffen. Alecto and Amycus both had jumped up with their wands drawn. Snape shot out a hand to still them before they cursed Harry to oblivion.

"He trusted you and you killed him. How does it feel to kill an old man?" Harry looked angry. I understood who was talking about. So did Draco. He looked over at me. I kept my eyes on Harry as I stood up slowly.

"What?" I asked breathlessly.

Headmaster Snape's head swiveled in my direction. Harry started and snapped his head to my general location. His emerald orbs landed on my wide brown eyes. I hugged my middle to try and still the mix of emotions that were bubbling up from there. Anger, betrayal, shock and sadness.

"Congratulations Mister Potter. You just made your best chance at survival disabled." that damn drawl scratched at my eyes.

"Henria...you didn't know?" Harry looked at a loss for words. I squeezed my torso tighter.

"No." I whispered. Harry stepped back in utter shock.

"Oh Gods! This is not supposed to be happening." he rubbed at his scar.

"Now, if we are quite finished with this trivial matter." Snape drawled and looked over at the Carrow Twins.

"No, we are not!" I snapped. I finally picked a Deadly Sin to go with. Wrath.

"Miss Sownbinder, if you would please, sit down and stay out of it." he hissed in annoyance.

"Ha! That was a great joke. Is the punch line something along the lines of me pummeling your stupid face?" I narrowed my eyes and bore into his onyx pools. I saw sadness there. What the hell is going on in this fucking school?!

"Miss Sownbinder, do not make me restrain you. Sit down and stay out of it!" he finally snapped. I flinched at the volume.

"That is enough Severus!" a new voice exclaimed in a whip like tone. Every single eyeball moved to the entryway. Even mine. And there stood Minerva McGonagall in all her rigid glory. Her eyes were narrowed and lips pursed. A whoosh of air escaped my lungs.

"Minerva? How did you get in here?" a break in Snape's mask had him sounding completely confused. I almost laughed at the implication.

"Never you mind, Severus." Minerva replied with a cool voice, "I see we employ Death Eaters now." she was eyeing the Ugly Twins as she said that.

"Stand down, Minerva. I am about to dispense of Potter. Miss Sownbinder will need a shoulder to lean on here after her shock wears off." he was back to speaking with that irritating drawl. I wanted to hit my head until it burst open.

"No, Severus! You stand down! And you will not be laying a hand on Harry!" and suddenly she had her wand in her hand.

I must have moved to my wand because I felt two pairs of hands on my arms, pinning them to my sides. I looked up to Goyle and Zabini holding me in place. My blood was still hot from rage. I did not appreciate the effort of keeping me still.

"Let me go!" I hissed harshly. I could barely struggle. They were just too damn strong.

"Stop fighting it, Henria." Draco tried to quell my anger with a soft tone. I ignored him.

"Get off!" I growled as I threw my body around.

I tried to ram my shoulders into anything on their bodies. I figured that I would have more luck trying to kick as much pain as I could into their legs than hit their chest with weak shoulder checks. I missed the first time because it seemed like they were anticipating my physical outburst. I did, however, land a pretty nice kick on Goyle's shin. The only thing he did was grunt in response.

"Fuckers! Let me go!" I finally shouted in frustration.

"Unhand Miss Sownbinder!" I flinched at her voice. The whip that was her tone was so sharp, it stung my ears.

I looked up to see that Minerva was still standing. I searched the Hall for any sign of Snape because I still wanted to break his nose. But he was not there.

"I am the Headmaster, gentlemen. You will do as I say." her voice sounded closer. I looked back to her face and saw her walking purposefully to our position.

Their hands lifted from my arms. I stumbled away. I wrenched my wand from my bag and whipped it around. I was aiming for their stupid faces when I felt a soft hand on my shoulder.

"Miss Sownbinder, please refrain from hexing other students. We are still an established school and will not act like heathens." she tried to soothe my red hot blood, "Mister Filch, if you would be so kind as to escort the Slytherin students to the dungeons. We must take a hold of this school right now! It will only be a matter of hours before He-Must-Not-Be-Named will know that the Order has taken back the school and will be here."

I glared at the two boys as I lowered my weapon. Mister Filch began gathering the children in green and silver robes. I watched quietly as they went with little fuss. They knew that this would happen. You cannot trust baby snakes to not rear their head around and sink their fangs into your flesh. I had no purchase with them being herded to the dungeons to be dealt with later. I did have a problem with some of the other students taunting them.

"Hey! Shut your fucking mouths, you nitwits! Or I'll bring you down there my own damn self and lock you up too!" I snapped at a couple of seventh year Ravenclaws. I heard Minerva sputter at my language. I chose to ignore her.

"And why aren't you going with them, snake bitch?" one of them sneered. I felt a small smirk play across my lips.

"Because my mouth isn't just for pretty words?" I replied with a question

"Henria! Ach! What I wouldn't do to have your father here to take control of you!" she exclaimed. My smirk just widened.

"My apologies, Minerva. Sometimes they just make it too easy. And I thought your House words were, Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure! You 'Claws make it all too easy for me." I scoffed and head over to Harry. He was looking guilty as hell.

"I'm so sorry, Henria." he mumbled. I nodded my head.

"Well, it is done with. What do we do next?" I brushed off the apology because I did not want to hear it.

"I am sending a patronus call to Kingsley. I need the younger students rounded up and they need to be escorted off the grounds. Those who are staying to fight, well, Merlin help them." Minerva had followed me over, "I can't tell legal aged witches and wizards to go away. They have their own rights now. I already know where the muggleborn students are. See that the younger ones are taken away with the others. We will have more to do when the Order arrives. But getting the students out of here is crucial. We are preparing for a battle!"

A/N: The battle might actually take two chapters to get through. Because I am long winded and I use too many words to describe a color. :D But yup, this is the beginning of the end! And I wouldn't mind hearing any thoughts you might have about who is to live or die. I already have my 'Must not die' list just because of my own beliefs. I didn't like a lot of character deaths from Miss Jo. They bothered the shit out of me because of how unfair they were. So, there are a few that I will not let die. But I still think it will be curious to see who you think will die. :D

I am planning on typing the whole thing out and then separating the battle into two chapters. I will post them in the same day so that no one is left hanging. And there is one epilogue planned. For now...

Thank you for reading!

Henny, that lucky Penny!