Chapter 71: Let the battle begin

Hermione knew it, she could feel it, the fighting was about to begin. It was slightly ironic that it seemed to be taking place at Hogwarts. It made the witch smile gently, after all, everyone said that this school was the safest place in England. Yet there hadn't been a single year that could be described as "calm", at least not since her generation had set foot on these grounds.

The group reached the school via old tunnels known only to those who knew where to look. It was thanks to a piece of mirror and a more than surprising encounter that the trio were able to reach Hogwarts.

- You're really here! Ginny stammered at the sight of Harry and her friends before rushing into the wizard's arms.

- Is everyone all right? Hermione asked. You look awful, if you don't mind me saying so.

- We're holding on as best we can, began Neville. The older ones are protecting the younger ones as best they can. But it's good to see you here, it means we're seeing the end of it all, doesn't it?

The young woman gave him a tender smile. Although many had wondered at first how Neville could have been sent to the Lions, the strength and courage he was showing today proved that he deserved his place in the Red and Gold more than anyone. Harry and Henry took the time to explain what they had planned for the future while their friend used her magic to heal as many pupils as possible.

- You're not a wizard, are you? asked a second year, pointing his finger in Henry's direction.

- Maybe he's from another school, whispered one of his classmates. He doesn't have an English accent.

The trio were about to clarify Henry's situation when news broke. Apparently, the new headmaster knew about the intruders. They all went into the Great Hall, Harry, Hermione and Henry hid among the other students.

They kept a low profile until the end of Snape's speech, which Harry found almost sickening. Then the young man came out of the ranks with his friends, reminding everyone not to lose hope and that in every darkness there was light. Hermione could only shake Henry's hand at that moment. As if to echo his speech, the doors of the Great Hall opened to reveal the major players in the resistance.

There was general surprise when three faces appeared, unknown to most people at the school: Ruby, Regina and Emma. The latter two looked proudly at their children before a fight seemed to break out between the headmistress of Gryffindor and the former head of Slytherin, leading to the latter's escape.

- What do you need, Mr Potter? asked Minerva as a crowd of people gathered around her.

- Time, especially, Professor. Harry replied. We're on a trail that should enable us to kill Voldemort once and for all.

The witch nodded, assuring him that she would make sure they had as much time as possible to complete their mission. Henry and Hermione took advantage of the few minutes they had to run into Emma and Regina's arms, waving goodbye to Ruby, Sirius and Remus. The young woman also took a few seconds to hug Ron, who had succeeded in his mission: to get everyone together for the fight that was approaching.

- Go on, we'll hold them off while you ... er, while you do what you have to do, said Sirius, giving the group a smile.

Ron then joined the trio. They decided to split up. Harry and the redhead would go in search of the Slytherin tiara while Henry and Hermione would go to the Chamber of Secrets to get some Basilisk fangs.

The defence was organised outside the castle. The students and teachers erected as strong a shield as they could while Minerva animated the stone knights of the building. Her enthusiasm was matched by the sparkling smiles on the faces of Storybrooke's three residents. Emma and Regina looked at each other and realised immediately that adding their own shields would give them extra protection.

- Girls, exclaimed Ruby, it's working, both shields are holding!

Everyone remained focused on their respective spells to give Harry, Ron, Henry and Hermione as much time as possible to carry out their mission. Then came the shock of the destruction of both the cup and the tiara. The group's efficiency was no longer in question, but this angered the Dark Lord, who used his newly acquired wand to destroy the shield duo. He then realised that something was wrong with his wand.

It was at this moment that everyone realised that the real fighting was about to begin, with their lives, the lives of their loved ones and the lives of strangers they had only just befriended, all at stake. A little surprise was added when Ruby turned into a wolf, to everyone's astonishment. She had trained in this form and knew where to bite.

- Let's show them what our magic can do! Regina exclaimed, looking at Emma.

- My reputation as a Saviour is at stake! We're going to have to kick some ass!

A silence filled the future battlefield, a prelude to the howling that would soon follow.

Note : who knows if everyone will come out alive?