Chapter 44: Battle on the Bridge

On the misty morning of June 22nd, Claire sent a message out to all the members of the Circle of Khanna to meet her on the Training Grounds. When she got there, everyone was present except for Merula. Ignoring this, she cleared her throat before addressing the group.

"Today is the anniversary of Dai Ryusaki's death," Claire stated. "So we will take this opportunity to take 'R' head-on. Jacob and I believe they are after an adult Legilimens to complete their ultimate plan, and may try to attack our school since there are at least two adult Legilimens here."

Penny gasped. "You don't mean — "

"Yes," Claire nodded. "I'm talking about Professor Dumbledore and Professor Snape."

"But they're experienced Legilimens," Diego pointed out. "Surely they don't need our help. I mean, they could probably take care of themselves, right?"

"We can't take any chances, though," Ben said. "Given the combined strength of 'R''s members, and the fact that they've managed to successfully get past our school's magical barriers multiple times, I don't think we should leave our professors unguarded."

"Not to mention the number of potential casualties if 'R' goes for a full-scale attack on our school," Chiara added. "Even if all of our professors are on high alert, they can't be everywhere all at once."

"And we can't rely on Moody or the Aurors to take care of 'R,' since all they care about is hunting down Claire's dad," Tulip said bitterly. "It's like the Ministry refuses to see the bigger picture of the situation!"

Badeea sighed. "I just hope we can get through this day without bloodshed."

Claire saw the nervous looks on everyone's faces and said, "As much as I want to avoid fighting 'R' myself, and not just because my dad is involved, we can't pretend it's not a reality. We have to do this! For Rowan, for us, and for Hogwarts!"

"'R' is not going to get across the school bridge," Ben declared. "Not while I'm still alive!"

"What about Merula, though?" Corey interrupted. "Is she still on our side?"

"I think she is," Claire said. "She visited my brother at St. Mungo's, and seemed to genuinely regret her involvement in the incident that made Jacob blind."

Ben didn't seem convinced, but then he nodded. "If you say so, then I'll trust your judgement."

"Thanks, Ben," Claire smiled. "All right, then let's go to the bridge."

Using the fog as cover, Claire and the others snuck out of the Training Grounds and into a corridor that took them to the bridge that served as Hogwarts' main entrance for the students who took carriages driven by Thestrals. It was an impressive structure made from white stone that ran over a deep chasm between the rock the school stood on and a cliff on the other side. Yet when Claire and the rest of the Circle reached the end of the bridge, there was no one present.

"Did I get 'R''s plan wrong?" Claire said doubtfully. "Where are — "

"Guess I should've known you would figure it out, Claire."

Flinching, Claire looked through the fog where her father's voice came from. Then Peregrine himself stepped forward as multiple witches and wizards Apparated around him.

"But now it's time for you and your little friends to step aside," Peregrine continued.

"No one is moving until you give me that amulet, Dad," Claire insisted as her friends took out their wands.

Clenching his fists, Peregrine responded, "For the last time, I'm not giving it to you!"

"You should've stayed out of my life!" Claire yelled. "I've been willing to give you a chance again, but all you did was let me down. No wonder Mum decided to leave you!"

That last statement seemed to hurt Peregrine as his fierce eyes softened a little. "Claire, I…I don't want to hurt you."

"If you truly love me, then stop this madness right now."

Peregrine put a hand over his face like he was about to cry. But in less than a moment, he looked back at Claire with the same fierce eyes as before. "It's too late. No one is going to get in my way ever again. So stand aside, daughter, or else!"

Claire fought back tears as she took out her ebony wand. "You've left me with no choice but to stop you."

"Fine, have it your way!" Peregrine took out his own wand as the other witches and wizards of 'R' did the same.

From there, the fog was pierced by the various spells and charms that flew through the air. While Claire and Ben found themselves dealing with Peregrine, the other Circle members each took on a different member of 'R'.

"You were the witch who sold me a fake Ashwinder Egg!" Jae said to the woman he was dueling. "Consider this payback!"

Meanwhile, Andre's shirt almost got burned by a spell from the wizard he was fighting. "How dare you! Let's see how you like burned shirts! Incendio!"

"Stupid child!" said an 'R' member who was standing in front of Barnaby. "Who do you think you are?"

"Barnaby Lee, and don't you forget it!" Barnaby cried out. "Confringo!"

"You wannabe Dark Witches and Wizards are no match for me," Ismelda smirked as she waved her wand at the nearest 'R' member. "Densaugeo!"

"Get out of our way!" shouted another 'R' member who pointed their wand at Claire. "Expulso!"

"Watch out, Claire!" Chiara called as she got in the way of the spell. "Protego!"

An invisible forcefield protected Chiara, preventing the explosive spell from hitting her or Claire. She then aided Jae against the witch he was fighting.

"Everyone, stick together!" Claire commanded.

"You stubborn fool!" Peregrine snapped.

"On your left, Claire!" Ben warned, using Protego to block an incoming spell from a third 'R' member whom Badeea and Talbott were dueling together.

Tonks and Victor, though, had managed to bring an 'R' member down to their knees. Soon the other Circle of Khanna members followed as they were able to subdue most of the 'R' members.

"Depulso!" Claire shouted, which made Peregrine fall backwards.

To be continued…