I am back. Thank you for bearing with me :) Here is the chapter, as promised before. It's quite short - I didn't want to write about the bit when Harry is discovered because that bit has already been written about in the book. Anyway, the battle starts in the next chapter.
2 May 1998
The doors to the Room of Requirements were closed, and Pomona was standing protectively outside them. Minerva made her way towards her.
"I believe that is all of them," Minerva said, speaking before Pomona had the chance to ask her question. Indeed for the last few minutes, Minerva had been trying to gather all underage students and send them on their way to the Room of Requirements. Some had gone willingly while others had needed a little more persuasion.
Pomona nodded. "Some have tried to come back through," she said. "Which is why I'm standing here. Guarding the exit, so to speak."
As if to prove her point, the door behind her swung open and a boy tried to shoot out of the room. Prepared, Pomona instantly caught the by the wrist and pulled them back to the Room of Requirements. "Absolutely not, Martins!"
"But I'm 14, Professor Sprout."
"Which is far too young, as well you know," Pomona replied severely. Her features softened and she put a hand on his shoulder. "I promise you that you do not want to stay here for this. There will be witches and wizards here who will be far older and far more experience than you are, and they will not be nicer to you merely because of your age."
Leo Martins' shoulders dropped. "I could still help," he said, hopefully.
Minerva decided to step in. "No—
"But—
"—Mr Martins we are still your teachers, and you need to do as we say. Follow Madam Pince, and she will take you to Hogsmeade where your parents will be able to collect you."
She chivvied the boy along, almost pushing him back through the doorway to the Room of Requirements.
Pomona bit her lip nervously. "Filius is going to put up some additional enchantments around the castle," she said. "I can stay here while you go - I think someone still needs to stand guard here in case any other student gets ideas like Martins."
Minerva nodded, and all of a sudden the gravity of what was about to occur finally hit her. Indeed, it was entirely possible that she would not make it through that evening. Or that Pomona would not survive. And this meant that these brief few minutes when she had happened to catch Pomona before the fighting began, might be the last time she spoke to her.
The look in Pomona's eyes told Minerva that she realised this as well.
Minerva cleared her throat. "Is Grace—"
"I sent her away to her father. She argued — quite forcefully really — but if I had let her stay and anything happened—" Pomona broke off as her voice cracked. "I wouldn't be able to live with myself, Minerva."
"I understand," Minerva replied quietly. She looked away, knowing that what she suggested next was likely to be met with a fierce rebuttal, "It is possible that Irma might need help with all those students—"
"Don't even try that with me, Minerva McGonagall. I am staying right here," Pomona said. "I won't be got rid of that easily."
Minerva looked back at Pomona. She looked tired, perhaps, and definitely worried. But the way she held herself, the way her mouth was set in a firm unwavering line, and the determined look in her way, made her seem quite a lot more fierce than she usually did.
"Well, I certainly hope not," Minerva said, and Pomona smiled weakly.
"Right," she said, and she stepped forwards to give Minerva an embrace. "They will be upon us soon," she said into Minerva's shoulder. "Good luck, dear." She kissed Minerva on the cheek, then let go. "We will see each other again soon."
Minerva nodded, and neither dared look at the other in the eyes or speak their fears aloud. "Quite right," she replied hoarsely.
