Here we go with another chapter! How well can the resistance defend themselves without their guardian to protect them?

Enjoy!

Chapter 3 – The War Rages On

Rachele soared through the musky air, high above the castle structure. All around she could see her friends and allies working to the bone to prepare for the battle that was to come. She saw McGonagall summon giant stone guardians, commanding them to protect the school no matter what. Hogwarts was in safe hands for now which gave Rachele some time to complete the task that was ahead of her. She could see the endless masses of Death Eaters gathered on a nearby hill, Voldemort himself leading the army. It was only a matter of time before they began their assaults.

Rachele smiled deviously. "No reason I can't stall them a little." She flew over and hovered just above where the dark wizards were. She then lifted her wings up and pumped them downwards as hard as they would allow. She repeated this action many times, creating strong winds strong enough to knock you clear off a mountain. The Death Eaters caught on quickly to the intruder and began rapidly firing killing curses towards her. Rachele merely dodged them and glided around them, having her fun by blowing winds and throwing rocks and other such debris down on their heads. The distraction was definitely working; their focus on killing her was distracting them from attacking Hogwarts, that is until Voldemort's voice boomed loudly.

"Ignore her you idiots! She's only a diversion! That school is our main target!" He glared up at the girl who was grinning tauntingly at him. "Damn you to hell Rachele Sullivan! I WILL DESTROY YOU!"

Rachele rolled her eyes. "Gee where have I heard that before?" She shrugged. "Oh well it was fun while it lasted." Her blazing eyes lingered on the castle, and all her loved ones.

"Be safe."

And then she was gone.

Hogwarts School was in utter chaos. Students of all ages, from all houses were running amok, compelled by the fear that the worlds most feared wizard was on their doorstep. Two particular figures were also running. But they were not afraid. They had made a promise to someone they loved and they were determined to keep it.

The younger of the two grabbed her friends arm and brought him to a halt. "Robert wait."

Robert stopped and looked at her. "What's wrong Claudia?"

She stared at him. "Where's Tiger? I haven't seen him in several days."

Robert frowned. "Why are you bringing him up now?"

"Rachele is protective of him. We should make sure he's okay. We don't want a innocent cat like him caught up in all this chaos."

Robert sighed. "You're right. We should find him. Let's go to your common room. Last time I saw him was right before Rachele moved us into that big hiding space."

Claudia nodded. "Same here. Let's go."

They made a one eighty and backtracked through the sea of people and down a side corridor. They kept to the shadows and crept quietly, the echoes of the war rumbling all around them. Once they reached the entrance, they had to wrench the portrait open since the person inside the painting had abandoned their post long ago. Once it was open, they climbed inside the forgotten common room. The usual bright yellow theme had dimmed, seemingly matching the dark aura that had been cursed upon the castle. Claudia's eyes glimmered sadly as she gazed upon the place she once considered home. But she couldn't look for long, so regathering her senses she followed Robert up the stairs. They split up at the top of the staircase and headed towards their gender-respecting dorms. As luck would have it, Claudia found the very feline they were searching for was sitting upright on one of the many mattresses strewn across the floor. His yellow eyes were wide with attention, his body stiff and unmoving like a statue. Upon seeing Claudia, his golden orbs seemed to sparkle with relief.

"Miss Clarken! You finally made it!"

Claudia bent down to pet him. "What happened? We've been looking for you."

The tabby gave a long stretch. "My mistress gave me strict instructions not to move until either you or Mister Kordellus came to fetch me. I've been sitting here for the majority of the day. It has been quite a bore."

"Why did she want you to stay here?" Claudia asked just as Robert walked in and found them talking. He hurried over and knelt down with them.

"She placed some unknown, yet powerful spell on my collar. She instructed for you to remove it in the heart of battle."

Robert scratched his head. "That's a rather odd demand isn't it?"

Tiger puffed out his chest. "Nevertheless, I will not fail my Mistress."

Claudia stood up. "And neither will we. Let's head back, we have a battle to get to."

They hurried back out through the portrait hole, this time with a tabby cat trotting close beside them. They turned down a few hallways and could hear the chaos of all the conflict gradually becoming louder the closer they went. But as they approached the door to the outside, a dark voice sneered behind them.

"Hello little sister."

Claudia stopped cold in her tracks, a look of pure terror on her face. That voice was one she hoped to never hear again. She knew this person was only here since the one friend that could protect her was nowhere to be found. Swallowing the lump in her throat and mustering up as much courage as she could muster, she turned around to slowly meet the murderous gaze of two sharp, icy dark green eyes.

"Gertrude."

Her long lost sister glared at her. "Silence fool. You aren't worthy to address me by my given name."

Claudia frowned. "Why have you come?"

Gertrude laughed haughtily. "After all this time! You still haven't figured it out?" When there was no answer she grinned evilly. "Because of YOU! It's time you are wiped from existence once and for all!"

In the past, Claudia would cower in fear from such hateful words. But now she could only gaze at her only sibling in sadness. "Why sister? Why do you hate me so much?" Her words came out soft and pleading which only angered Gertrude further.

"YOU WEREN'T MEANT TO BORN!" She screamed. "I am everything! I am their treasured child! They're ONLY child! I am the prodigy that will carry on their name! I was meant to graduate this school with honour and dignity! And I was meant to do it alone!" She pointed an accusing finger at her sister. "But YOU! You and that stupid piece of Mudblood dirt ruined everything! Hogwarts was my beginning! My fortress! And then you had to go and get me expelled!"

"Actually that was your own fault." Robert cut in. "Attempting to murder someone is against the rules."

Gertrude's angry eyes flashed to him. "Shut up blood traitor, I'm not finished." Robert merely shrugged nonchalantly but fell silent anyway. She turned her attention back to Claudia. "So I sought out The Dark Lord, only he could give me the redemption I was looking for. Once I found him and pledged my loyalty to him, he welcomed me in with open arms!" She cackled loudly, her eyes wide with excitement. "I have not stopped training ever since! And I WILL not stop until your disgraceful existence is wiped from this world!"

Claudia said nothing. She simply kept gazing at her only blood sister. She was once terrified of her. The mere mention of her name would send her crumbling to her knees. And yet now...all she felt was pity. The girl in front of her was nothing but a lost soul that would forever wander in darkness. Her vanity, pride and love of her self-reputation had taken over her heart and it was a vicious cycle she would never escape from.

Gertrude noticed the expression on her face and her rage exploded. "You dare regard me in such a lowly manner!" She whipped out her wand and raised it above her head. "I will make your death so excruciatingly slow you will be begging for mercy!"

Thanks to Rachele's training (and also the DA), Claudia was able to pull out her own wand as a defensive reflex. She still wasn't that great with spells, but there was one she never failed to cast. With a swift flick, she pointed the tip at the floor just near her. Several rows of dozens of potions materialized in front of her. This quick action caused Gertrude to hesitate slightly.

"What the hell is this?" She laughed. "You think you'll be able to beat me with those? You're such a naïve child." Without another moments notice, she thrust her wand forward and a jet of black writhing energy erupted from the tip. Claudia pointed her own wand at one of the vials and flung it upwards. The potion was thrown forward as it met the dark spell in the centre with a crackling explosion. Everyone ducked for cover as the walls shook and crumbled from the afterblow.

Gertrude looked up from her crouched position and chuckled. "I see that good for nothing Gryffindor has helped you grow a backbone. Well then..." She stood up again, green sparks spitting dangerously from her wand. "...We'll have to fix that wont we?"

Claudia took her stance again, wand at the ready. She saw the predatory grin on her opponents face and felt every guard in her body tense up.

This battle was only just beginning.

The rush of the wind blows past me, the scent of the trees and soil fills up my being. Everything is in a colourful blur all around me, yet my sight is fixed on the path ahead of me. I am in a race against time, and if I am even a minute too late it could be the cost of the entire world I have come to call home.

It's coming faster now...stronger, brighter and suddenly I'm there. Staring into what others would call the face of death. But I am not afraid. They will hear my word. They will feel my will.

They will follow me.

A fustrated scream echoed through the hall. Ominous power was being thrust desperately at it's opponent only to be vaporised by a mere vial thrown into it's path. The patience of the caster was beginning to wear thin.

"WHY WON'T YOU JUST DIE!" Gertrude yelled angrily as she threw another string of spells.

Claudia blocked all of them again with her formidable potions. She kept herself on the defensive for good reason. She didn't know any decent spells that could match the powerful dark magic her sister was shooting at her. The least she could do was distract her to prevent other innocent lives around her from being hurt. Robert had attempted several times to offer his aid but was always shot down but his female friend. The same applied for a certain tabby who was hissing and growling at their enemy.

"Claudia please! She's going to kill you! Let me help!' Robert pleaded for what felt like the hundreth time."

Without breaking her gaze, Claudia shook her head. "You mustn't. This is between us as sisters. Our lives have led us to this moment...it was inevitable." She glanced at him quickly. "Please do not interfere."

Robert frowned. "Then why don't you fight back?"

She smiled knowingly. "I'm just stalling until Rachele returns. I'm certain once she returns, Gertrude will most likely run."

Robert flinched as she blocked another curse. "What should I do then?"

"Go find someone who needs your help. Protect the other students. They need it more than I do right now." She smiled. "And take Tiger with you. Don't forget to remove his collar."

Robert really didn't want to leave her alone, especially not with that pscyhopath. But he couldn't solve anything just standing around and watching. He knew Rachele would want him doing his part protecting Hogwarts and everyone in it. So with a heavy heart, he gave a reluctant nod.

"Be careful Claudia. Don't let her kill you." He beckoned Tiger to follow him and the pair rushed out of sight.

Gertrude grinned. "Finally alone. Now no one can save your pathetic little hide."

Claudia stood tall and squared her shoulders. "I don't need any help."

Gertrude's smirk turned upside. "You think you're so brave don't you? Let's see how long you last!"

Robert sprinted down the staircase, making a beeline straight for the raging war taking place on the castle grounds.

"You must remove my collar young master." Tiger spoke from next to him.

Robert looked down at him. "What do you mean?"

"It's imperative. Do it now!"

Robert pulled out his wand and pointed it towards the cat's neck. A white light shot out and connected to his collar. It unlatched from his neck and fell to the ground. He watched the tabby sprint towards a Death Eater who was torturing some poor teenager. The bugger had somehow snuck into the area before his comrades. He turned startled when he heard a hissing sound. Upon seeing the small cat, he laughed cockily.

"Aaaww is the little puddy tat gonna nibble my nose off? Ohh I'm soo scaarr—AAAHHH!" His mocking transformed into a scream when the harmless looking cat pounced and suddenly grew into an overly large tiger. The massive beast knocked him to the ground and proceeded to rip his throat out with his powerful jaws.

Nearby, Robert stared gobsmacked at the familiars unexpected change. Gone was Rachele's lazy, stripy furball. In his place stood a magnificent wild animal, triple the size of a normal tiger. His feral yellow eyes flashed in the dead of night, the blood of his first victim dripping from his snarling fangs. Robert took a step back when the creature stared in his direction, thinking it was coming after him as well. But it merely sat down and tilted it's head at him.

"Are you alright young master?"

Robert blinked. "I...uh...Tiger?"

The large animal nodded. "I apologize if I frightened you. I promise I'm in my original mind. It is only my form that has changed."

Robert walked forward slowly. "Is this a permanent thing?"

Tiger shook his head. "The spell will disappate when the battle is over."

Robert nodded. "Fair enough. So she had this planned out then?"

"I'm not sure. I think it was more a spontaneous idea because she's not here. She needed someone to fight in her place."

Robert smiled. "Well I'm glad you're on our side. I mean dude you're huge!"

The tiger flashed his big teeth. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"Robert!"

Robert turned to his name being called. His eyes widened slightly. "Ginny?"

The red-head rushed up to him. "I've been looking everywhere for you guys! Where's Rachele? No one can find her."

Robert turned away. "She's not here."

Ginny frowned. "Not here? Where is she?"

He shrugged. "I'm not sure exactly. She said she had somewhere she needed to be."

Ginny was furious. "NOW? At a time like this? What could she be thinking?"

Robert smiled. "You know Rachele. She has her own agenda."

Ginny sighed. "Well she better damn well hurry up...wherever she is."

Robert looked at her. "Where's Harry?"

She pointed up the stairs. "Gone to find some tiara thing. I dunno."

Robert found it intriguing that Harry had yet to tell Ginny about his quest to hunt down the Horcruxes. There wasn't really any point hiding it from her now that the war was upon them.

Their attention was then turned above them where several jets of light beams were rocketing towards the castle, only to be resisted by a giant invisible shield. They met together in a bright flash with long cracks spiralling down the dome surrounding the castle.

Robert gazed up at this scene in awe. "Since when did Hogwarts have a shield?"

"Earlier tonight. The teachers and adults placed it there." Ginny answered.

He whistled. "That's pretty impressive."

Ginny shook her head. "It won't last long though. Look." She pointed to where the shield was cracking. It seemed only moments away from shattering like glass.

Robert watched on helplessly. "Damn it Rachele. Get the hell back here."

Claudia breathed heavily, flattening her back against the wall. This duel with Gertrude was escalating out of control. She had deflected majority of her spells for the most part, but a few had snuck through and knicked her limbs. She had gashes on her arms and legs, cuts and bruises down the side of her face. She was pale and out of breath, not sure how much longer she could hold on.

"Little buuuuug. Where are you?" Came Gertrude's taunting voice. Her footsteps grew closer. "I must say little sister. I'm impressed! I thought for sure you'd be a corpse by now, but you're quite the stubborn one aren't you?"

Claudia forced her breathing to slow down. She needed to remain calm if she was to survive through this. She was momentarily distracted by a shattering noise outside and the sound of people yelling and screaming.

"Do you hear that?" Gertrude continued. "The Dark Lord has broken your defenses! His army has now infiltrated Hogwarts!" She grinned gleefully. "Now all you Mudbloods and blood traitors will get what's coming to you!"

Claudia turned her head to the side. "Try your hardest. But light is stronger than darkness. There's no denying that." A curse hit the wall near her head so she was forced to make a run for it. She conjured and threw vial after vial to each spell coming her way. She flinched as one connected with her ankle, but she ignored it and kept running.

"Give it up! I can see you're injured. Be a good girl and roll over dead!" Gertrude's satanic grin only grew with each spell.

"Why can't you just leave me alone? Let me live my life with my friends?" Claudia pleaded.

"You are an embarrassment to me and my family! There is no place in the world for such shame! You will die! And I will be the one and only true Clarken! You deserve nothing than to be the worthless garbage you have always been!"

Her words had none of the desired effect on the younger girl. After spending time with good friends, and living with someone as amazing as Rachele, Claudia now had the courage to believe in herself and the goodness of others. Nothing Gertrude would say to her would convince her otherwise. Regathering her resolve, she came out from behind the wall and stared her sister straight in the eyes with her wand raised.

"We end this. Here...and now."

Robert and Ginny stood back to back as a countless number of Death Eaters swarmed around then. They watched each others back, shooting counter-spells left and right over their heads. Tiger was doing his part as a ferocious beast, pulling bodies to the ground and tearing into them. It appeared to be never-ending as constant figures clad in dark cloaks flooded through the school gates. The Guardian statues McGonagall had summoned were bravely guarding the bridge leading to the outside world, but was slowly becoming a losing battle. Voldemort had somehow recruited giants to join his cause and they were now tearing through the stone warriors as though they were butter.

The two defending teenagers watched in horror as the towering brutes ventures closer to them at an alarming rate.

"Now what the hell do we do?" Ginny asked shakily.

Robert shrugged. "I...I don't know.

Suddenly there was a tremendous rumble from somewhere deep in the castle. Everyone was distracted as a monstrous cry could be heard. But just as quickly as it came, it vanished and the battlefield was left in a stunned silence. The Death Eaters and their armies appeared to retreat in fear somewhat.

Ginny looked around. "What just happened?"

Robert was thoughtful for a moment before his eyes lit up. "It's Harry! He destroyed another one!"

Ginny looked at him confused. "Destroyed what?"

Robert grinned. "I can't explain all the details. But let's just say we're one step closer to killing Voldemort."

Ginny's eyes widened. "Really? That's good then!"

Robert smiled to himself. 'You're nearly there Harry. We're counting on you.'

Gertrude and Claudia stopped duelling and looked around as the castle shook, the roar of a lost soul echoing around the corridor.

"NO!" Gertrude yelled. "DAMN YOU POTTER!"

Claudia smiled. "Looks like he destroyed another one."

Gertrude glared at her. "You know about the Horcruxes." It was more of a statement than anything.

Claudia nodded, making sure to stay on guard. "Rachele's always known about them. She told Robert and I ages ago."

Gertrude growled. "ENOUGH GAMES!

And just like that their personal conflict continued.

I'm close now. I can feel it. Not too much longer. Soon I'll have all that I require.

I need to hurry. People are relying on me. I can't fail them...not now.

I feel the heat of their breath on my heels, their glare on my back.

Must fly faster. So close. It's only a matter of time.

I'm feeling free as I soar through the endless skies.

I wish it could always feel like this

One day...

Robert nudged Ginny and jerked his head. "Look it's Ron and Hermione."

The couple sprinted over to them, soaking wet and definitely looking worse for wear.

Ginny looked them over. "What the hell happened to you two?"

Hermione held up her hand to catch her breath. "No time for that. We need to find Harry."

"We don't know where he is." Robert said. "Last I knew he went off to find that tiara belonging to Ravenclaws."

Ron smacked his forehead. "Bloody hell I almost forgot." He pulled out a old piece of parchment. "Let's just find him on this."

Hermione beamed. "Of course! Let's go Ron." She pulled her ginger friend back into the castle leaving Robert and Ginny just standing there.

"What just happened? What was that parchment?"

Ginny grinned. "Marauders Map. Bloody genius that is." She looked at Robert. "I want to go check on Seamus and Neville at the small bridge. Wanna come help?"

Robert shrugged. "Sure why not. I think Tiger's got things covered here." He gestured to the large cat who was still in the process of ripping out throats with a growing pile of corpses behind him.

Ginny shivered. "Merlin that's revolting. Come on let's go."

Robert nodded. "Lead the way."

Just outside the school was a small stronghold for rowboats for when first years go to Hogwarts for the first time. The boats were now nothing more than floating debris of wood, and the place holding them was reduced to a broken down shack. A dark figure paced on the deck, twiddling his fingers nervously. Seconds later another figures appeared and the first cowered and bowed his head low.

"My Lord."

The Dark Lord strode smoothly to him. "Lucius." The older Malfoy peered fearfully at the large snake wrapped around her ankles.

"Stop looking at her. She smells fear. It agitates her. Be grateful she's already eaten."

Lucius shifted his glance to the floor. He jumped slightly when an explosion went off on the school grounds. "Forgive me My Lord. But wouldn't it more prudent to call off this battle and seek the boy yourself?"

"I do not need to seek the boy out!" Voldemort snapped causing Malfoy to cringe. "Before the night is through he will seek me out! UNDERSTAND?"

Lucius swallowed hard. "Y-yes My lord.

Voldemort walked up to him with a sneer. "How do you live with yourself Lucius?" He ran his wand down the side of Lucius's face making the man tremble. "Go. Find Severus. Tell him I need to see him immediately." As soon as Lucius disapparated, the Dark Lord looked towards the smoke, covered sky with a dark frown. Harry Potter was one problem, but he was more worried about that Sullivan girl. She had made a mockery of his army once tonight, but strangely he had yet to see or hear a single sign of her. Her lack of presence did nothing to settle his paranoia. If she had disappeared somewhere it could only mean one thing; she was planning something. And it wouldn't be a trivial matter either.

Voldemort growled in irriation. That stupid girl got on his nerves. It was time to destroy her once and for all.

Meanwhile with Robert, he had assisted in helping detonate the over-head bridge. Neville stood guard towards the front, shouting insults and such at the Death Eaters; that is until they began charging and he was forced to run for his life. As he ran, he yelled at Seamus to set off the explosives they had set up underneath the walkway. Fortunately, they had succeeded in taking out the Death Eaters and Neville was barely able to escape the collapsing bridge. Then he along with Robert, Ginny, Seamus and Luna rushed back to the castle to rejoin the fight.

While the other four headed back to the grounds, Robert split from them, claiming he needed to go help Claudia. He had done what he could, now he needed to make sure she didn't die. He hated to think how Rachele would react if he allowed her best friend to be killed; and by Gertrude of all people. He raced through the main hall and down the next corridor. He didn't have to venture far before he saw the destructive scene that surrounded the Clarken sisters. Gertrude was still cackling like no tomorrow while poor Claudia was hunched behind a heavily damaged wall. Keeping himself low, he ran over to his friend. The first thing he noticed was the cuts and bruises that covered her from head to toe.

"Claudia!"

Claudia glanced at him. "Robert. I thought you were helping the others."

He knelt next to her. "I have been. I've been gone for a while. I was worried about you."

She smiled slightly. "I appreciate it but I have it under control."

Robert scanned her injuries. "Like hell. You're in bad shape. Please let me take her on."

Claudia shook her head. "No I have to keep going."

Robert put his hands on her shoulders. "Listen! I promised Rachele I would keep you safe! I'm not going to stand by while that crazy sociopath slowly rips you apart!" Claudia opened her mouth to protest but he pushed her to the floor. "You're going to sit here. I refuse to let you die. You're my friend too ya know." His declaration rendered her speechless and she was only able to respond with a stiff nod.

Robert stepped out from their hiding place, his sky blue eyes blazing with fury. "CLARKEN!"

Gertrude's smirk immediately turned into a seductive grin. "Robbiiiee!" She purred. "What a pleasant surprise! I missed you!"

Robert glared at her. "Knock it off you bloody wackjob. How many times do I have to tell you I'm NOT interested!

Gertrude only smiled wider. "Aaww you don't mean that babe! What we have will be revolutionary. Two purebloods coming together and continuing the wizard line as it should!"

Robert shivered in disgust. "Don't make me sick. I'd rather reproduce with a troll than with your ugly face." He smirked. "Besides, didn't you know? I already have a girlfriend."

Gertrude's smile vanished. "W-what?" Her eyes narrowed in to slits. "WHO? What undeserving cow has stolen my man from me?"

Robert sighed. "You really have to ask? Figure it out dumbass."

It was silent for a moment before realizition hit Gertrude like a bolt of lightning. Her face held the picture of pure disgust. "Sullivan...YOU'RE DATING THAT FILTHY MUDBLOOD?"

Robert growled. "Don't talk about Rachele like that. She may be Muggleborn, but shes a thousands time more of a witch and a person that you'll ever be." He smirked. "We both know she can kick your sorry arse into next year. You're no match for her."

"ENOUGH!" Gertrude snarled. "It makes me sick how much you praise that waste of space. She's been nothing but a nuisance from the beginning!"

Robert folded his arms. "Sounds like someone's jealous." He began walking circles around her. "You hate that she was more popular than you during school. You hate how she protects Claudia." And of course you hate that she's taken the one guy you want for yourself." Gertrude began to hyperventilate proving his words were hitting the nail on the head. "Admit it Clarken. Rachele has everything you don't and that wounds your pride."

By now Gertrude was practically shaking with rage. "You damn stupid blood traitor. You shut the damn hell up!"

Robert raised his wand. "You want me to shut up? Then make me."

With another furious scream, Gertrude thrust her wand forward. Robert mirrored her actions with a yell of his own. The corridor lit up with melding flashes of light and dark. Sitting behind the wall, the youngest of the three watched the battle with fearful golden eyes, praying her friend would be okay.

It's finally over. I've completed my task. My people await my return.

I can sense the darkness, even with the miles that lie between us.

There is great danger. My loved ones are suffering. They need my help.

Fly with me my friends. Today we storm the castle. Tonight we slay all evil.

Tomorrow we will be free.

End of Chapter

Oh look :D Gertrudes back. Now you know why she's obsessed with killing Claudia. It's stupid and selfish but that girl has never been quite right in the head. How long can Claudia and Robert hold her off until Rachele comes back?

And look at our big feisty kitty now. Rachele made sure she had someone fighting in her place. What better than a giant beast who can maul their enemies? Nice advantage to have.

Next chapter...as the fighting escalates, the number of casualties climbs higher.

See ya then!