Ch 27 Strategy

Hermione POV

Hermione hasn't exactly had much experience with planning a battle before.

And despite her experience in fighting the only one that came remotely expected was when they moved Harry from 4 Privet Drive. But no she has never planned out a battle before. Let alone strategize a final battle. It should be easy for her to strategize and come up with some kind of plan. And yet her mind was coming up blank.

But that didn't apply to the rest of the order.

In a way, she could understand why only Dumbledore made the decision instead of coordinating with the entire order.

Because right now it was mayhem.

"Why don't we hit them at the Ministry?" Someone called out. Hermione couldn't exactly keep up with who was throwing around which ideas. The entire order, Harry, Ron and her were gathered around the kitchen at Grimmauld Place. Since Dumbledore was still at Hogwarts infirmary and from what Severus told her it didn't seem like he would wake up anytime soon. Or at all. And that left the order in a difficult position. With no leader to guide them and make decisions, everyone wanted to voice their say. Especially in a matter as big as planning the final battle of the second wizarding war against Voldemort. It was going as well as to be expected.

"You assume the Dark Lord would be there?" Severus drawled as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Well isn't he the Minister?" Harry asked.

"In name only. He doesn't have the time to oversee paperwork and regulations." It made sense when Hermione thought about it. Why would the most powerful dark wizard of all time choose to simply sit behind a desk? But that did pose another question. If he isn't overseeing the ministry, what is he doing? Though nobody else seemed to bother to ask. "Besides there is no guarantee once a fight breaks out that he will join."

Many of the older members were of the opinion that the death eaters should be of the most focus. Once Voldemort is dead it is the Death Eaters who will cause the most problems. To them, the Dark Lord is mostly a symbol. A very powerful one at that though, and still one that needed to be dealt with first. At least that was hers and Severus' thinking. "And then you will be risking all innocent bystanders." And that was the last thing anyone wanted to do. There had already been enough bloodshed already. Nobody wanted to add to it.

Back and forth. That was all they were doing for the past hour. They were trying o strategize the final battle. It was agreed by almost everyone that this war was getting too drawn out. That they needed to go on the defensive. To strike hard so that the death eaters and Voldemort can't get back up. To end this was sooner before they keep getting hit repeatedly and suffer more losses. It was a nice idea in theory. But actually drawing out a plan was quite difficult. Especially with everyone's opinions being thrown into the mix.

"Why don't we just go back to Hogwarts?" Bill asked.

"That won't go well," Severus interrupted, immediately shutting the idea down. "How exactly can we guarantee that the Dark Lord will even show up?" Nobody seemed to have an answer. Much to Severus' expectation. "Besides, it is too big of ground to cover. We need to focus on him and the inner circle. The rest of the death eaters can wait."

"And let them get away with it like during the first war, I don't think so," Arthur spoke up. It was rare for the Weasley patriarch to speak up. But when he did, it was clear to see how he was able to manage seven children over the years.

"We are way too outnumbered," Severus reverberated. Clearly getting frustrated over this argument.

"Who put you in charge, Snape?" Hestia asked.

She could see the way his eyes narrowed. And how his back stiffened.

The lines that had disappeared from his face after he finished being a teacher and a spy, had slowly been returning over the past week. "In case you have forgotten," he hissed. "I have had the most experience and displeasure of being close to Dark Lord and the other Death Eaters. I know how they think, I know how they act, I know their patterns and routines even when they wouldn't think they have any."

She grabbed his arm then slowly it slid down until her fingers were toying with his. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before interlocking their hands. "So unless you can provide some more insight on the matter, then perhaps you will let me finish."

"Fine. Then what do you suggest?" Doge asked, giving Severus free reign to lead since no one seemed to have any more complaints after that.

"Every year for the past 2 years, the Dark Lord has made a tradition of going to Godric's Hollow. I am sure you can all guess what day he goes?":

"October 31st," Harry said solemnly.

"Why? Why would he go to the place where he was defeated the first time around?" Remus asked. Voicing what many, including herself, were thinking.

"Because he wasn't really defeated was he? He returned after biding his time. And though we all know why he was able to survive." Though the order in fact only knew part of the facts. They were led to believe otherwise. "He uses the day as a demonstration of his power. He brings several members of the inner circle and sometimes a few of the new initiates to an open field up on the hill overlooking the town." Severus was conveniently prepared and pulled out a sheet of paper and enlarged it. Slowly it grew until much of the table was covered and a large map of Godric's Hollow was laying in between them all. Severus leaned down and used his wand to point. Marking off the field he was referring to. "There isn't much coverage, but if we use portkeys or apparate all at once then we can ambush them. There could be others on standby in the town. But usually, one or two death eaters surveil the town. And right now we have the element of surprise on our side. And therefore we should utilize it at every expense."

"How many Death Eaters will be present?" Sirius asked. Surprisingly he kept mostly silent during this meeting. Not having much to say unless it came to the idea of using Harry as bait. He was swooping and hovering over Harry like a mother's hand ever since they found out he was a Horcrux. And though Harry plays it off as if he was annoyed. She could see how much he appreciated it.

"Around 30." 30 wasn't a huge number. But compared to theirs it was daunting. Especially not including Voldemort himself.

There was silence around the room as everyone pondered this. But Severus didn't stop. "The ministry will also need to be dealt with. And it will have to be a clean sweep. A cope exactly how the Death Eaters did it. "Therefore we will have to have 2 groups."

Hermione could see the value of taking down Voldemort and the ministry at the same time. But cutting their group in half just meant the chances of some of them getting hurt or worse were much higher. And others seemed to pick up on it but it was Molly Weasley who spoke the loudest.

"Wait, the children?"

"They aren't children anymore and have their own right to fight." Hermione was glad that Severus spoke up for them. Because frankly there was no possible way that Harry, Ron and her would stay back after all they have been through these last several years.

"It is your right as some of their mothers to argue and convince them otherwise. But as of right now, it isn't my concern." It amazed her that he was so quickly able to stop Miss Weasley in her tracks and placate her at the same time. Hermione wasn't sure if she had ever seen anyone do that before.

"Potter? Do you think you can get in contact with the members of your little defence group?

Harry stuttered for a second unprepared to be called upon. But then he nodded confidently and pulled out the galleon that connected him to the rest of the D.A. Hermione was surprised that he carried it with him consistently. The old gold messenger that she created back in her fifth year.

But that wasn't the only thing she was surprised about during this meeting.

Seeing Severus in such a strong leadership position was distracting, to say the least.

She knew she should be paying attention. But she found that her focus strayed elsewhere.

She tried to keep her eyes straight in front of her or distract herself from her surroundings. However, it was pointless. Every time she trailed the cracks and grain on the table her eyes would stray.

His silhouette was strong. Even his dark hair cascading in front of his face, obscuring most of his features didn't dissuade the attraction

The way his shoulders would be pulled back and tense. She had to resist the urge to run her fingertips along the lean but strong muscles she knew were underneath his shirt.

She didn't like how her face felt flush and the heat was rising in her chest. She was glad the only person who was resilience was standing next to her and busy talking. Otherwise, she would be quite embarrassed by the thoughts occupying her mind right now during such a serious discussion.

"It's better than nothing," Severus said, snapping her out of her thoughts. She wasn't quite sure what she missed but from what she could gather nothing other than Harry getting in contact with the D.A. And which members are willing to fight.

"Do we all agree?"

Hermione looked around and slowly everyone began nodding in agreement. There were a few hesitations but for the most part, everyone seemed to agree. She felt like the hesitancy was more so from having to fight rather than the plan itself. She wasn't getting any vibes that anyone would betray them as Mariana Edgecomb did back in her fifth year with the D.A.

"Good now the groups and the team leaders," Severus said once again leading the masses. He did seem the most qualified to lead in her opinion. And no one seemed to be doubting him now. Or at least had anything better to offer.

Severus grabbed a spare piece of parchment and started to write down some names. Though she couldn't read over his hunched shoulder very well. "Kingsley, I believe you are fully capable of handling the assault at the ministry?" He didn't even bother to look up from writing when he asked.

"Of course."

"Good." Though Severus didn't really seem as though he was expecting to say otherwise. "Tonks, Arthur, Diggle, Doge. I'm sure you guys can handle it?" Hermione wasn't exactly sure if there was any logic or specific strategy he had to assign the teams but he must have realized how much more personal it was for those who actually worked at the ministry. And of course, had easier access to the building.

"Molly, I want you in charge of healing. Coordinate with Pomphrey if you have to. Your daughter can assist you," Severus quickly said, not giving her a chance to interrupt. "And perhaps you could take the Patil twins and Lavender Brown. Severus drew a large circle on the map circling the edges of the open field and the trees and other landscapes around it. "Black and Lupin I want you to set up a perimeter, make sure none slip through the cracks. And then after they are boxed in close in on them. Weasley twins, Ernie Macmillan, Justin Finch-Fletchley and Seamus Finnigan will be with you two."

Hermione couldn't help but wonder where he would place her. She knew without a doubt that he wouldn't stop her from fighting. She knew how to take care of herself and he knew that better than most. Besides, he knew better than to argue with her. But she also knew that they wouldn't be fighting side by side. She was aware that he had some reservations about her seeing him fight. Or more specifically and most likely seeing him kill. Because there was no doubt in her mind that lives will be lost and they will be killed or be killed. She didn't like to let her mind wander to such thoughts. She was much more concerned with pretending the heat of the battle can fuel her forward with such realities. Though she knew that wasn't the case. "Bill, you're in charge of the north attack. I want you to be the first team to attack. Hit them hard and fast. You will be a smaller team. We want them to stay and fight. Think they can win. Hestia, Lee Jordan, Aberforth, Flitwick, Vector and McGonnagol are with you."

"Weasley you are going to cover an aerial assault. Make sure none try to fly away. I also want you and your team stationed nearby outside of the town and once given the signal you guys can rein down on them. Your team can also be in charge of transportation. Work on who's going to get portkeys and who will simply apparate."

"Alright, then I want Katie, Angelina, Alicia and Charlie," Ron spoke up. Quite bravely in her opinion. She was pretty sure this was the first time he spoke to Severus since he was their professor and not her partner. And to his credit, he wasn't backing down either.

"Fine" Severus snarked back. And considering this team needed to be good fliers, and Severus didn't pay all that much attention to Quidditch, he was willing to leave it to Ron's knowledge. "Take Lovegood as well. Use threstrals if you have to. I'm sure Lovegood could help."

"Hermione, I want you to lead the south attack. Ambush them from behind." She looked at him sharply. Her eyes were wide in disbelief. She didn't want to question him in front of the others but she was seriously doubting him right now. He paused for only a second. And gave her a small smile that only she would catch before continuing on. She knew she should appreciate the faith he had in her and her abilities but right now she was scared and nervous. Despite still having over 2 months to prepare. "You can take Fleur Dean Thomas, Hannah Abbott, Longbottom, Susan Bones, Anthony Goldstein, Michael Corner and Terry Boot." She could feel her heart and mind racing at the realization. She was going to be in charge of these people. It was her responsibility not only to attack but keep them safe. And Sirius' reassuring thumbs up was not helping.

"And Potter you are with me," Severus said standing up straight.

"And what are we doing?" Harry asked wearily. It hadn't escaped her notice that he hadn't been assigned to a group yet. Though she was afraid of the answer.

"Killing Voldemort." Hermione couldn't help but turn to stare at him. This was the first time she had ever heard him say his name. She knew what it did to him when others said it. She could only see the profile of his face and most noticeably his aquiline nose. But his eyes glimmered with darkness. "And if you don't think you can stomach it. Then you will at least pose as a good distraction."