Hi people, not a very long chapter I know but the next chap will have some serious action.

Disclaimer: I OWN NOTHING...not for lack of trying mind you

Chapter six

by Rosa241

"For Merlins sake whatever you do don't tell your mother you've been gambling!" Dad's voice carried back through the crowd. I know he was speaking to Fred and George, whatever they said in reply was lost as a sudden burst of 'Ireland are great' burst through the crowd, followed by a rather large eruption of cheers. Of which I honestly think Oliver was the loudest, despite his being Scottish.

Nobody really felt like turning in upon reaching the tents, too much excitement coursing through our veins. One cup of coco turned into three before Ginny fell asleep at the table, reminding dad that in all seriousness they should have been in bed hours ago, after all it was two in the morning. Oliver must be rubbing off on me seeing as I had just spent over an hour arguing with Bill about the match. Finally as everyone began turning in I couldn't help but notice I was unbelievably not tired.

I sat awake for several hours listening to the sounds all around me. Ron was snoring (rather loudly might I add), Fred and George were completely silent (about the only time of day they were) while Oliver was breathing heavily. Listening to their sounds, or lack thereof, I finally felt myself becoming tired. It was as I stood, to at last make my way to bed, when a voice came rushing in.

"Up! Now! Everyone!" Dad's voice rang through the tent as one by one murmers of questions became apparent. "Everyone up! We've got to get moving!"

"S'matter?" Harry asked as he pulled on a sweatshirt.

Percy could tell something was wrong. The singing and celebrations of the Irish had been replaced with screams and shouting. From the open flap of the tent he could see curses flying back and forth. Something was wrong...something was really wrong!

"Dad?" He merely shook his head, motioning to the younger ones before slipping out of the tent. In all the confusion I became dimly thankful that I had failed to get undressed, having not been tired before, as it was strangely cold.

By the light of the few fires that were still burning, he could see people running away into the woods, fleeing something that was moving across the field toward them, something that was emitting odd flashes of light and noises like gunfire. Loud jeering, roars of laughter, and drunken yells were drifting toward them; then came a burst of strong green light, which illuminated the scene.

"We're going to help the ministry!" Dad's voice waded through the noise as Bill and Charlie emerged, speeding off towards a rather large group of oncoming marchers. "Head into the forest and stick together!" He gave me a look before darting off, one that I could clearly read:

Protect them!

I gave him a nod before ushering everyone over towards the forest. As we reached the edge we all turned and looked back, shocked at the scene that lay before us. The crowd of marchers was larger than at previous glance, a family (probably muggles I mused) were now being suspended in mid air. Ministry wizards were trying desperately to stop them but they were hopelessly out numbered. Somehow, through all the fighting, I spotted Bill taking down a rather large man.

"Come on." Oliver tugged on my arm, before ushering everyone away from the fighting. I stayed for a moment more watching the fighting, sending up a silent prayer to whoever was listening before making my way into the forest.

Fred's pov:

My eyes went wide as I watched the scene in front of me; Malfoy really was an evil little git! I couldn't help but inwardly cheer as Ron let out a string of curses (ones that would make mum blush), he was being held back my George.

"Hermione's a witch," Harry snarled with unnatural venom.

"Have it your own way, Potter," said Malfoy, grinning like the cat who got the cream. "If you think they can't spot a Mudblood, stay where you are."

Ron made to yell once again but before anyone could make a move Malfoy had been slammed back into a tree by Oliver. He had him pinned there and honestly looked ready to kill, I actually thought he might before Percy wandered into the clearing. I suppose it was a strange sight to walk into, your best friend pinning someone against a tree. But if Percy was surprised he didn't show it, in fact he looked positively calm.

"Ol...don't give him the satisfaction." Thankfully – well not really – Oliver let Malfoy go, telling him in no uncertain terms to get lost, although his actual words weren't nearly as polite. Before Malfoy could run to safety however Percy spoke up again. "Stay away from us because next time I won't hold him back." With that Malfoy scuttled off to safety – well away from Oliver at least!

For a few minutes we just stood there, quite unsure of what to do with ourselves, all of us but Percy. He immediately went into prefect mode and for the first time in years I was glad to see him take charge. He ordered George and I to stick by Ginny no matter what whilst Hermione was to stick with Ron and Harry. Although he didn't say anything to Oliver he gave him a pointed glance, which the Quidditch Capitan seemed to understand. Silently we began making our way through the woods, eyes constantly darting in case of danger.

Things actually seemed to be settling down until a hideous voice ran down my spine like ice. Whipping my head to the left I couldn't control the gasp that left my lips as I stared into the masks of two of the marchers. One of them raised their wands at me; ready to do merlin only knows what before two voices rang through the air.

"Obscuro!" "Expelliarmus!" One on the masked men's wand flew out of his hands whilst the other grabbed at his eyes as something seemingly covered them.

"Move now!" Ginny seemed reluctant to move but I grabbed her, as did George, and pulled her away. Hermione grabbed both Ron and Harry and with strength I didn't know she possessed shoved both of them away from the two strangers. Oliver and Percy stayed put. "Whatever happens DO NOT try to help!" Ron attempted to stop and protest the order but George grabbed him and dragged towards our hiding spot.

"If ever there's a time to listen to Perce then it's now! Shush!" With that Ron quietened down as all our eyes turned back towards the four figures now standing in front of us. The two masked men were now back on their feet and ready to fight.

Please be okay Perce...

And I think we'll leave it there folks. Aren't I mean? Will everyone be okay? Well ladies and gents you're going to have to wait and see. R&R.