Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters.

Updated 1/20/2021

Chapter Seven

At Hogwarts

Ari woke up in the morning with a good feeling. It was weird; he didn't know where this feeling was coming from or what it meant (though it did seem to warm his heart more than anything else that happened recently and that was saying something). It wasn't the feeling you get when you know that it was going to be a good day (or that something was going to happen today). No, simple to say, Ari was happy, like suddenly everything in his life seemed to fit together and he had an overwhelming sense of happiness.

By the time that he walked down into the common room, so that he could wait for his friends to meet him there, the happy feeling was already starting to wan and he was feeling almost normal again.

"Hey, Ari … you're up early, aren't you?" came a voice from the direction of the girls dorm.

"Hey Ryn," Ari smiled, the happy feeling was rising in him again at the sight of her. "What are you doing up at this time?"

"I'm always up at this time," Ryn said smiling and coming to sit next to him on the couch. "I find it rather quiet this early in the morning and I can read without distractions."

"You read all the time anyways," he smiled at her. "What makes now any different? I mean, I can …"

"Arthur," she said sternly but was smiling too. "I don't read 'all' the time. Besides, I said without having loud annoying people bothering me."

"Oh I see," he said, trying to look sadden. "I understand, I'll just leave you to it then, I don't want to bother you …"

"Sit down," she said smiling and pulling him back down to the couch. "I think I can put the book down long enough to talk to you … I've missed this lately."

"I know," he said smiling sadly. "I really hate fighting with you … not speaking with you. But we're okay now right …"

"Yeah," she smiled sweetly. "We're okay now. And Ari … I hate fighting with you too. I mean really fighting like we have been the last few months … I don't mean our … 'discussions.'"

He smiled, "good, because I like our 'discussions', too."

"Arthur," she said not looking at him. "I understand now why you were so upset at the beginning, with your grandma being sick and all, but why … why didn't we speak for months? Why … why couldn't' you look at me … why …"

He would usually sit there uncomfortably and try to change the subject when something like this was mention, but he wasn't going to do that today. No today, with this happy (odd) feeling he had, he was going to look at her and tell her the truth. "Er …" he said nervously (evidently this odd feeling didn't stop him from being nervous). "Because it was …"

"There you are," Tori said as she walked over to them (both looked rather annoyed at the interruption). "What's up with you two?"

"We were talking here," Ari said, ears turning red. "Do you mind?"

"Sorry," Tori said and really looked like she meant that. "But I really have something important to talk with you about Ryn … please."

"Fine," Ari said getting up in a huff, but then turned to look at Tori and noticed the sad, worried expression on her face and gave her a weak smile. "Have fun," he said in a nicer tone. "I'll head down to the kitchen and get something to eat."

"Breakfast is in half an hour Ari," Ryn said exasperated. "Can't you wait?"

"You know me," he turned and gave his trademark smirk (which caused both girls to smile back at him). "I can always use the extra eating time … maybe I'll actually be full by the time class start."

"I wouldn't count on it," Tori said smirking. "But if you want to try …"

"Hey, be nice," Ari said in a fake hurt voice. "I'm giving up my valuable time with Ryn, the least you could do is be nice to me."

"Are you kidding?" Tori said still smirking. "You know any sign of weakness just causes me to jumped all over you … it's my way."

"Oh, I know," he said walking out of the portrait hole. "So I'll just have to get back at you some other time."

As he walked to the kitchen, he was wishing that Tori hadn't come down when she did. It was not often that he was confident enough to tell his best friend his true feelings and he didn't like being interrupted. However, he could tell that his cousin had an important reason to talk to Ryn about too, so he reluctantly left the room. After all he had more time in the future to tell Ryn how he felt, right?

So, for an hour Ari was in the kitchen eating and talking to some of the house elves there, he found them quite interesting and enjoyed talking to them (and they seemed to like him too). I'll tell her soon, hethought, but right now I'll just have to be happy being friends … for now.

It was a few hours later; Ari was daydreaming during his Herbology lesson (which he didn't usually do, he rather like Herbology but today he was tired and he was starting to fall asleep).

"Will you pay attention, Arthur, this information might be on our O.W.L's you know," Ryn hissed after poking him in the ribs.

"You can just give me your notes then," he smiled cheekily at her. "And let me go back to sleep."

"Oh really Arthur, sometimes you're just so …" she started but stopped when contrary to his words Ari seemed to straighten up and was now paying attention. "That's better …"

He stuck out his tongue at her but then returned his concentration on the lecture. However, it was only a few minutes later that something interesting happened. "Okay, now that all that boring materiel is done with," Neville Longbottom (Professor Longbottom) said. "It's time to split …" he said but paused with a small fearful look (that only Ari was able to notice) and he reached into his pocket and pulled something out. He swallowed hard then put a mask of confidence on and said, "I'm sure all of you will be disappointed, but I'm going to have to end class early." Everyone started to get up (happy about having a shorten class) but Ari just stood there looking at his Professor.

"Arthur, come on," Ryn said trying to pull him along, but he wouldn't move.

"Something is really wrong," Ari said. "What was he looking … no …" he gasped understanding what was happening.

"Ari and Victoire, could you stay behind for a moment please," Professor Longbottom said. "Oh … okay, Cathryn you can stay too," he added after she had hesitated and Ari had grabbed her hand.

"What's going on Professor?" Tori asked nervously.

"What did the coin say?" Ari asked, shocking Neville and confusing Tori and Ryn.

"How did you know …?" Neville said. "I supposed you Mum told you."

"No it was Uncle Harry," Ari smiled but got serious again. "But that's not important, what did the coin say?"

"It said, 'Death Eaters attacked, let me know when kids are safe'. I'm sure your Mum sent the message (probably on Harry's orders) since I know my coin is the only that got this message and only she could do something like that fast enough. Anyways, I need you two … alright three … to go to the Headmistress's office and wait there … I'll get the others and meet …"

"Professor …" Ari interrupted. "Shouldn't we help get some of them … wouldn't it be better if it was done quickly?"

"No," Neville said sternly, he was generally nice and gently guy but when he was stern and serious he gave off a sense of command that Ari couldn't help but respect.

However, that wouldn't stop him from trying one last time. "But Professor, if we picked someone up along the way to the office …"

"Yeah, Teddy's in a class near there," Tori said in a voice that showed more of her fears than she realized. "Can't we stop …?"

"Look, I'm sure they don't really think there will be an attack so soon … Harry tends to be overprotective, but he is never completely wrong about these things. I need to make sure that you're all okay … so no stopping and head straight there."

"Uncle Neville," Ari said causing Neville to look warily at him calling him so familiar at school, that didn't usually happen and he knew that Ari was going to try something. "Obvious you trust the three of us to be able to protect ourselves enough to walk by ourselves to the office … You want to save time … it would only take us an extra minute to get Teddy and bring him with us …"

"You had to be as smart as your Mum and as stubborn as your da … well actually both you patents, didn't you?" Neville said smiling annoyed. "Fine, get Teddy … no one else and do it quickly."

Ari give a small smile and hurried off with Ryn and Tori back to the castle. "Ari … what's the coin thingy that you mention? I've never heard of anything like that," Tori said.

"There's no reason you should know anything about them, I noticed they're not in the history books, oh well," Ari said. "They are coin's the DA (which was in the history books and everyone knew about them) used to tell people when the next meeting was. In the later battle they played more of a role I'm told but I don't really know too much about that."

"So Dad never had one of these coins?" Tori asked.

"No," Ari answered. "Uncle Bill never was part of the DA, though I'm sure he has at least heard these coins." Ari stopped and got a chilling feeling as they reached the main gates to the entrance hall. He didn't know how, but he could tell that he was being watched and he didn't like it. He turned around and could tell that whoever was looking at him was staring from that direction, though he couldn't see anyone there; he continued looking in other direction, making sure that whoever it was looking at him didn't know that he knew where they were. After Ari entered the hall, he thought that perhaps he was overreacting, it was impossible that he could feel someone watching form some faraway distance.

"What's wrong Ari?" Ryn asked as she noticed his worried expression.

"I'll tell you when we get there," Ari said still worried.

"Okay," Ryn said not dropping her worried glances, but moving quickly. In another twenty minutes the Headmistress's office was full with a lot of Weasleys, one Lupin and one Mills. Everyone looked worried and mostly everyone was confused as to why they were here.

"Okay," Neville said. "I guess you're all wondering what's going on here. Well, I just got a message from your uncle Harry, and there seems to be a bit of danger going on outside and he wanted to make sure that you're all okay."

"Professor Longbottom, do you think it's wise to be so forefront with the students?" Headmistress McGonagall asked.

"Sorry Professor," Neville said. "But sometimes it's better to be straight forward. This situation is serious and they need to know how bad things are, or they might misbehave," he said looking directly at Fred. "Anyways, your uncle was attacked again today and he was worried that you lot might become a target. Don't worry, he's okay, and I'm sure everyone is okay. Hogwarts is one of the safest places in the world, but it's not impregnable and you are the only ones that the location is known."

"So you think that Uncle Harry has gone underground to get ready to fight again?" Ari asked raising his eyebrows.

"Yes," Neville said without hesitation. "It's what he would do."

"So, what are we going to do?" Tori asked after a moment of silence which all of her cousin looked worriedly at her, being the oldest cousin (at least that they knew about until a week and a half ago, Arthur was actually born a few weeks before her), in a crisis situation like this everyone always seemed to turn to her (or Teddy) and she had to be strong. Ari smiled at her, she did handle it well; he wondered if they would ever look at him like that.

"Well, that's the difficult part," Neville said rubbing the back of his head and looking more like the person Ari knew than the Professor that he was at school, which caused his cousin to stare at him uncomfortably. Truth be told, it did make him look weaker, but Ari knew the truth, Neville might look and act scared and worried, but he would also be strong and do the right thing no matter what. "Since you are staying at school that means that your parents still want you to learn, which means you will still need to go to classes."

"Do we have to?" Fred asked whining.

"Yes you do Mr. Weasley," McGonagall said sharply. "There is no point in staying in school if you don't go to your classes."

"Yeah, but our lives are in danger," Fred said trying to look serious, he looked at Ari excepting him to chip in and help him out, but he didn't. "Come on Ari."

"Sorry, but I think this is serious," Ari said with an apologetic nod.

"I know," Fred huffed. "That's why I'm lighting the mood."

"Anyways," Neville said loudly, ending the argument between the two boys (who still haven't made up after the time that Ari told them they were cousin). "None of you should be on your own for a while and I'll let the other teachers know to keep an eye on you lot. So I want you guys to go about your business, but to be careful. And please Fred, for a little while at least … behave."

"Yes, sir," everyone said, though Fred said it a little less enthusiastically than the others.

As everyone else made to leave Ari stayed behind, he needed to tell Neville something, but he didn't want to worry the others more than they already were. However, noticing Ari staying behind, Ryn also stopped and so did Tori and Teddy. Tori turned to Teddy and said, "I need to go with them," she pointed at her cousins (and brother and sister). "But I want you to stay and see what Ari has to say."

Teddy just nodded and Tori left without another word. Neville turned to face him looking really grave. "Professor, I need …"

"Arthur," Neville said exasperated, it was obvious he had many things to do and didn't want to be stalled. "You need to get back …"

"No wait this is important," Ari said as Neville tried to push him out of the office.

"You know, I've only heard that once from a student before," McGonagall said. "And I wish I had listened to him then, they might not have had to go after the stone then." Neville's eyes got rounder and he stopped pushing them.

Ari smiled at McGonagall for helping him before saying, "Uncle Neville, I don't know if this was real, but I thought I felt someone watching us … er … Tori, Ryn and I … when we walked from your class to the great hall."

Neville looked nervous about this, "how sure are you about this?"

"I don't know," Ari said looking down. "I feel it's true, though I don't know how it can be. However, that's not important. If it is true, then they know that Uncle Harry has some kind of commutation to Hogwarts and likely that it comes to you, Uncle Neville."

"That's not good," Neville said as he stroked his beard thinking. "I'll make sure they know about your theory Ari, and I think you should keep an even closer eye on your cousins, okay. If they were watching, then they are more likely going to attack here."

"Okay," Ari said and turned to leave with Ryn and Teddy following him.

"Damn," Teddy said once they were outside the office. "This isn't good; do you really think they'll come here?"

"If they can," Ari said. "And truth be told Teddy, I think that you would be their main target. I think your capture would hurt Harry most, not to mention everyone else."

"Oh get off it," Teddy said a little shocked. "I'm not even really family … surely the others are more prime targets … not to mention you …"

"They don't know about me," Ari said emotionlessly. "Look Teddy, we have to be careful … keep your eyes open."

Ari was looking intently at Teddy hoping his friend would listen to his warning when it happened. Teddy and Ryn had both passed the threshold that let them out to the main hall without harm but when Ari crossed it he was doused by a very wet and sticky substance.

"FRED!" Ari yelled and the other boy came out for the secret passageway laughing (Teddy and Ryn were laughing hard too).

"That was perfect," Fred laughed. "Your face was priceless."

"Damnit Fred," Ari said (ignoring Ryn admonishing him for cursing). "We are in a serious predicament … can't you behave yourself for one minute."

"Of course I can, Ari," Fred smirked impishly. "I figured today would be the last safe day to do this for a while …"

"He does have a point," Teddy laughed (he could be almost as mischievous as Fred when he wanted to be).

"Shut up, Ted," Ari pouted putting a hand in his hair to push it out of his eyes and noticed how sticky it was (it will take forever to get his out, he thought bitterly).

"The best part is you can't even retaliate," Fred laughed and Ari glared at him but this made him feel better; they were pranking each other again.

"That just means that I'll have more time to plan it out," Ari smirked. "I must say that this was a little lame … I mean full marks for the surprise factor and all … but the trick …"

"I know," Fred sighed. "But I only had a minute to come up with something … give me a little credit there …"

"Okay, I guess you do have a point," Ari smiled (at this time Teddy and Ryn silently left them to talk). "I'm glad you've forgiven me."

"What?" Fred exclaimed with a disgusted look. "I haven't forgiven you."

"And the prank," Aril smiled.

"I prank everyone," Fred said indifferently. "You're not special."

"Whatever," Ari laughed; neither one believed what Fred just said.

"I see your point now," Fred sighed after a moment silence. "You were a git … it wouldn't have changed the way that we thought of you … but I get it. You've always been a good friend …" he said softly, and then added smirking at Ari again, "and that last prank you pulled on the Slytherins was bloody brilliant."

"I thought you might like that," Ari laughed. He had asked the House elves if he could send up piece of food that he charmed so that whoever ate them hands would get stuck to whatever the next body part that they touched for the rest of the day. It was quite funny to see some people walking down the hall with their hand stuck on their head, chest, face or any other weird place. The rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin was still going on but it was nowhere near as bad as it was in the past.

"Why didn't you ask me to join in?" Fred pouted.

"You weren't talking to me Rick," Ari said.

"Rick?" Fred said.

"Yeah, I have to give all my friends nicknames don't I," Ari said.

"I guess," Fred smiled in spite of himself. "You just like to use the end of people's names don't you? –Tori, -Ryn, -Rick … why don't you call Teddy, Dor?"

"I tried once," Ari said. "A couple of years ago, but he thought it was too close to Dora … I thought it was better to keep calling him Teddy."

"I guess you have a point there," Fred sighed. "And you didn't really come up with Tori … that's what Teddy has always called her."

"Think again Rick," Ari smirked. "I came up with Tori."

"No way! Teddy's called her that as long as I can remember," Fred said shaking his head, "long before she even started school."

"But you're assuming that's the first time I met her," Ari smiled.

"It's not?" Fred asked eyes going wide.

"Nope," Ari laughed at Fred's expression. "I met her one other time at Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginny's wedding."

"You were there?" Fred asked incredulously. "Wait a second … it was you!"

"Er … what?" Ari said, this time he the one that was confused.

"You were the one that taught me how to tie shoelaces," Fred laughed.

"I don't know about that," Ari laughed too. "But I was certainly the one that helped you practiced on Teddy's shoes …"

"I knew it," Fred laughed. "My first partnered prank … they are much better … it's harder to get blamed that way."

"As I recalled that didn't stop Teddy from pouring his pumpkin juice on our heads while we were eating cake …" Ari laughed.

"I don't remember that bit as much," Fred admitted. "I was just pleased Mum didn't catch me."

They spent the rest of their walk to the common room talking adamantly about pranks they caused and other things. Ari couldn't help but be happy that Fred was talking to him again.

O

It was a day after this and Ari was walking with Ryn, heading to the Great Hall for lunch. Ari was very on edge and he knew that something was going to happen soon … and it did. Not a minute later he heard shouts and screams and other sounds signifying a fight had broken out. Ari immediately headed towards the fight, but Ryn grabbed his arm. "You can't!"

"They're after me and my family … I have to help them," he said.

"I know," she sighed then raised her wand. "I'm with you."

He looked at her for a minute, he wanted her to be safe and away from all this … after all she wasn't a target, but he couldn't and wouldn't ask her to stay behind.

O

Meanwhile, Teddy had been walking with Louis, who was a second year along with Molly, and Fred, who was a fourth year, when the attack came. The Death Eaters were right at the end of the corridor too, like they knew exactly where this group was going to be. Teddy immediately sent a curse at the Death Eaters as he tried to back them away, but there were more of them coming from behind.

Teddy sent a blinding curse to delay his mask opponents. He knew he only had seconds; he shoved Fred down a little known passageway, he prayed the Death Eaters didn't know about (he was after all the proud owner of the marauders map and knew the castle better than anyone else there). "Get them out of here … head to the safe point … go."

"What about you?" Fred hesitated.

"I'll cover you," Teddy turned; he knew he was no match for the attackers but he was skilled enough to slow them down (he wasn't Head Boy for nothing).

"I won't leave you," Fred shouted, his cousin behind him looking determined too (though also petrified; they really didn't know enough to help).

Teddy cast another spell, looked directly at Fred (hoping he Death Eaters wouldn't attack). "You need to protect them." Fred stared back at him not wanting to go but knowing he must. "GO!"

Fred turned from him and practically shoved Louis and Molly down the hall to the third floor corridor where they were supposed to go if something like this happened.

O

Neville was walking toward the castle from the green house when the attack came. He reached into his pocket (looking for his coin) but before he could even withdraw his hand a spell came whizzing by his face.

He dodged it expertly, he may not look it anymore, and none of his students would have believed it, but he had become an excellent dueler over the years. The fight was fierce but after about ten minutes Neville had won. Again he reached for the coin in his pocket; however before he could do anything he was attacked once again. It was obvious they knew that he would try and contact Harry and the others and they were going to prevent that at all cost. Well, Neville thought grimly, he will have to fight them as best he could and take any opening he could to contact the others.

O

It was pandemonium all around, students where running all over the place (in all directions) in a blind panic. Tori had barely enough time to grab her sister Domique's hand and drag her to the nearest corridor (out of the corner of her eye she saw a masked figure enter the corridor they had just left).

"Come on," Tori said still dragging her sister. "We've got to get out of here."

"What about the others, Vicky?" Domique asked, fear evident in her voice.

"We have to get to safety first," Tori said, fear for her cousins, brother and best friends invaded her but she had to protect her sister first and foremost.

O

Ari and Ryn had reached the corridor first, it seemed like most of the action was elsewhere in the castle, the Death Eater didn't bother going to the Great Hall. However, there were a few masked people causing a lot of noise at the other end of the corridor, apparently trying to cause as much panic and discord as they possible could (these weren't the Death Eaters assign to capturing hostages, Ari noted). Knowing that this was likely somewhere his cousin could show up, Ari was force to go over there.

"Stupefy," he yelled, the spell just missing one of the Death Eater's head. Cursing his poor aim Ari found himself in battle with the two Death Eaters.

"Crucio," one of the Death Eaters yelled and Ari had to dive to the side to avoid the curse, however, that left him wide open for the other Death Eater to hit him with his own curse.

"Expelliarmus," Ryn yelled (as Ari knew she would) and both of the Death Eaters' wands flew out of their hands.

"Stupefy," Ari yelled again this time hitting his opponent. He wasn't the only one to yell it either; a very white looking Tori had her wand out as she dragged her even whiter looking sister behind her.

"Are you okay?" Tori said.

"Yeah, you?" Ari asked, however, before she could answer, Fred, Louis and Molly showed up looking terrified and there was something in Fred's eyes that Ari didn't like at all.

"I couldn't …" Fred began but Ari stopped him.

"Not here," Ari said; they weren't safe out in the open. He opened the door that was concealed behind a tapestry and most people didn't even know it was there. After everyone was inside, Ari performed a complicated locking charm then turned to Fred. "What is it?"

"He made me go …" Fred said looking pale and almost disgusted with himself. "I didn't … I wanted to help …"

At this everyone looked around the room and noticed the one person missing.

"NO!" Tori yelled getting up in total panic walking to the door.

"Stop," Ari grabbed her and pulled her to him. She was shaking and trying to fight against him but it was no use, he was a lot stronger than her.

"Let me go," she screamed in a hysterical voice. "I've got to help him!"

"You can't," Ari said shaking her. "Not in the state you're in."

"I've got to go," she repeated more panicked than before, she wasn't listening at all.

"Fred … Louis … hold her," Ari said.

"I should have …" Fred said; he had dropped to the floor and was shaking too.

"FRED!" Ari yelled but didn't get a responds. "DAMNIT RICK WILL YOU LOOK AT ME?"

Fred turned his head to Ari looking lost and terrified.

"It's not your fault," Ari said staring determinedly into Fred's eyes. "He told you to leave …"

"How …" Fred started to say, no doubt to berate himself again.

"It's what we do, isn't it?" Ari said. "Protect our family, even at the risk of our own lives. You did your job, protecting Louis and Molly."

"But …"

"You did your job," Ari shouted (dimply reminded of a few weeks ago when his Dad had a similar talk with him). "How would you expect them to make it … they're second years for Merlin sake, they haven't learn enough and don't know the castle enough to have escaped."

While the shouting match was going on Tori was fiercely trying to get out of Ari grasped so she could save Teddy. Ryn had walked over and put her arms around the hysterical girl, holding her still.

Fred looked up into Ari's eyes; some color returning to his face and a determine look started to from.

"Are you with me?" Ari asked.

"Yes," Fred said.

"Good," Ari said as he let go of Tori; Ryn was still holding her in place and Louis had grabbed her other hand. "You need to be strong and look after them … keep them safe …"

"Arthur!" Ryn exclaimed, her eyes suddenly going wide. She immediately let go of Tori and rushed towards him, but it was too late, he was already out the door; the door that by the time she had gotten to it had disappeared.

Standing on the other side of the door, well no, now it was a solid wall; Ari rested his head for a second. He had used one of his Mum's experimental spells that would conceal the door and room, making it impossible to get to (or out of) for two hours.

He knew Ryn wanted to come with him, that she had expected to go with him, but he couldn't let that happen anymore than he could let Teddy be taken without at least trying to help him. He knew this was a suicidal move and it wasn't likely to work, but he also knew that he was the only one that had any chance of saving his friend.

He turned to run to the first floor corridor that he knew that Teddy should have been at. Fear was coursing wildly through his veins now, but he pushed that aside … at least as much as was humanly possible in a situation like this.

He pulled out a small silver coin from his pocket; it was an emergence key/portkey to his and his Mum's flat. All he would have to do is tap it with his wand and he (they) would be transported to his flat within ten seconds; at least that's what would happen this time; he really could set the time limit to any length of time he wanted. Part of him knew that he was taking a risk in not setting the time in advance, thinking that he might not be able to get his wand out in time to cast the spell. However, he didn't know how long it would take to get to Teddy (if he could even get to him at all) and the coin can only be set once and then it was gone.

With the silver coin in one hand and his wand in his other, Ari ran down the corridor as fast as he could (while still looking in every direction for Death Eaters that might be lurking in the dark corners of the castle). When he got to the right corridor his heart stunk … no one was there … he was too late. Not giving in to that horrible thought Ari rushed along the corridor to the next … and the next …

There was evidence of a fight (or at least there were cracks and scoured marks along the walls). As he ran pass one of the windows he saw something that made him both hopeful and terrified at the same time. Teddy was standing at the other end of the courtyard occasionally firing of a spell to keep the ten Death Eaters from advancing on him. It was obvious from his lanky sandy hair that Teddy was being overwhelmed and that he wouldn't last much longer.

Ari rushed to where his friend was as fast and silently as he could … he knew the longer he went unnoticed (the closer he could get) the better. However, he only got halfway there before a Death Eater had noticed him (Damn his red hair that stood out too much and marked him as a Weasley).

"Look, another one," the Death Eater screamed pointing at him. Ari had stunned him for his trouble, but the damage was done.

"Try and get him too, but don't let the other one get away," the lead Death Eater said. "He's our primary target."

Ari dimly noted that he was right about Teddy being the target before he was force to duck and roll behind a bush. He took a breath, shot a spell at the Death Eaters horde and a second later made a break for Teddy, running as fast as he could.

Teddy, of course noticed the suicidal attempt Ari was making to get over to him, was firing curses at the Death Eaters trying to make them target him instead of his foolish friend.

It was there … it was in his grasped. He could save his friend and everyone would be okay. He pointed his wand at the coin, slowing down a fraction to do so. A fraction was enough for him to get hit by a spell. A spell that made his wand fly into the air and land in the bushes ten feet away.

"Damnit," Ari cursed, frustration raging all over him. It was over, he lost and now they had two hostages … a spare … one they could make an example of. No, he shouted in his head and he was behind the bushes again (not the ones that hid his wand … not that he would even attempt to find it now, there was no time for that). If he got to Teddy … Yes Teddy still had his wand! It could still work!

But as he made up his mind he saw a Death Eater three feet away from him. It must have been that Death Eater that had cursed him but the Death Eater was no longer looking at him. No, all of his attention was on the unconscious Neville; and he was standing over him smugly (Ari could tell even though he couldn't see the Death Eater's face). "You really are quite useless Longbottom," the Death Eater said in a voice that was filled with loathing. But that wasn't all … Ari recognized that voice … it was one of his Professor! Ari mind was wheeling, this was likely the person that was reasonable for the attack … but he couldn't pin point the voice. His brain wasn't working right in that moment. "You don't deserve to live."

And as the Death Eater raised his arm to curse Neville, Ari knew what was coming and that he couldn't let it happen. He launched himself at the Death Eater and punched him in the face so hard it knocked him off his feet. Though, Ari was only sixteen, he was in excellent shape (thanks to his many hours playing Quidditch) and tall for his age. He reached for the Death Eater's wand (knowing that it would work perfectly for him thanks to Harry's stories) but just as he was about to pick it up he was hit with a spell and found himself bond by ropes.

"Got you," the lead Death Eater said smugly (at the same time Teddy yelled "NO!"). And Ari knew that he didn't only fail but he had proven to be a weakness to his friend. "Now, Theodore, you have to make a choice … you can either come out here and give yourself up … or you can watch your friend die."

"Teddy don't," Ari yelled and the Death Eater smacked him, causing Ari to fall to the floor.

"I have to Ari," Teddy yelled back, he knew he couldn't fight anymore; he was going to get caught anyways. He dropped his wand and raised his arms and walked toward the Death Eaters as bravely as he could.

"Thank you very much," the lead Death Eater taunted Ari before he stunned him. The last thing that Ari saw before everything went black was the other teachers running toward them …

A/N: Okay so I left you with a cliffhanger for this one, but I will be posting the next chapter on Wednesday because I will be out of town for the rest of the week. However, seeing as the next chapter will be about how everyone reacts to Teddy and Arthur being taken, things will still be unresolved. On the brighter side, I am done with my other stories now and can spend more time on this one so I might be able to post chapters more often, thought that will likely be after I get back.