CHAPTERED FIC (20/21, PART TWO): Immortalitas Aestas - R - H/D
Chapter Twenty, Part I
The silence that followed Dumbledore's announcement was profound. Draco felt Pansy tense next to him and ran a hand soothingly down her arm. They'd known this was coming, but the straight-forwardness of the announcement had slightly thrown him; Dumbledore wasn't exactly known for getting straight to the point.
As the members of the Order moved toward the antechamber off the Great Hall, Dumbledore gestured toward the four students still sitting on the dais, motioning for them to stand, before turning to talk to Shacklebolt. Draco did so, pulling Pansy up with him, and followed Harry and Hermione to some empty spots at the Ravenclaw table. Harry sat across from Draco, Hermione next to him, and they were joined a few seconds later by Weasley, who sat on Harry's other side.
"Ginny's hacked off," Weasley whispered. "She's not seventeen yet so I didn't let her come down; Mum would've had my head if I had. Not sure how she knew, but she could tell that this was the real deal."
"She probably could have helped us," Harry said quietly. "She knows the Patronus charm. But I feel better knowing she won't be in the middle of anything."
"Me, too," Weasley said. "It's bad enough the rest of my family's involved."
Harry winced and Draco wanted to kick Weasley in the shins. Talk about being thick-headed.
"Teaspoon, Ron," Hermione said exasperatedly. Draco didn't know what she meant, but Weasley clearly did, as he immediately flushed bright red.
"Oh. Sorry, Harry," he said, apologetic. "You know that wasn't really what I meant."
"Forget it," Harry muttered.
The conversation was interrupted by Fred and George Weasley, who had entered with the other Order members and taken seats next to Draco. Draco couldn't tell them apart on the best of days, and it seemed they'd gone out of their way to confuse him even further, as both were dressed identically in black robes. Draco wasn't sure why they were sitting with them instead of heading back to the antechamber like all the other Order members, but the question was answered by one of them seconds later.
"We're staying with you," one of them declared. "We don't really want to be adults."
That got a smile out of Harry, who said, "No, of course not."
"Besides," the other twin continued, "they're discussing strategies and whatnot. You'd think they were all Ravenclaws, the way they keep going on about proper steps to take and military order and all that rot. Everyone knows Gryffindors do better when they just rush headlong into danger."
"Bellowing war cries and waving around swords?" Pansy asked deadpan.
Draco hid his laughter with a cough as Fred or George or whichever one it was said, "Exactly!"
"Anyway, Harry," the other one said, "we brought some things we think you'll like. Enough to cause some Death Eater distractions, I should think."
Harry smiled. "That's great, George. I'll look them over in a bit."
Dumbledore had turned back around to face the Hall, and their small group fell quiet.
"As I said before, this is not another drill. We have it on good authority that Voldemort-" and here he paused for the requisite shudders and exclamations at the mention of the Dark Lord's name, "-and his Death Eaters will attack Hogwarts tonight. At this time I need everyone present to decide whether they wish to take part in the altercation or if they would prefer to remain in the castle under its protection. If you wish to fight, please remain seated. If you do not wish to participate in the battle, please move over to the door to the Great Hall. Professor Flitwick will escort you to the Charms classroom, as I am afraid that we cannot allow you to return to your dormitories."
There was some shifting before a few people from each table stood and moved toward the door. All in all it looked like the majority of the students still planned on fighting. Draco was not surprised to see Nott in the group at the door and wondered once again what he was up to, as he had never even left the common room during all the other drills.
"Why did Theo even come down here?" Pansy whispered, voicing Draco's thoughts.
Draco shook his head. "I don't know."
After a nod from Dumbledore, Flitwick led the students out. Dumbledore stepped up to the Ravenclaw table and spoke to Harry.
"I would like you to take the students who have remained over to the far side of the Great Hall," he said. "You need to determine who can do the Patronus charm and who cannot and partner them accordingly. Also, I believe the products the Weasley twins have brought along will be useful."
Fred and George grinned. "Dead useful," one of them quipped.
"Sir, I'd like to know what's being discussed between the Order members," Harry said. "I feel that I have a right to know."
"You will," Dumbledore assured him, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder. "But at this time it is more important for you to help your fellow students."
Harry sighed. "Yes, sir."
Dumbledore moved back toward the antechamber as Harry stood. Instantly all eyes were upon him.
"We need to determine everyone's strengths," Harry said. "Please move to the back of the Hall. Ron, Lavender, get a few others to help you move the tables, please."
There was a distinct rise in the noise level as people stood and Ron, Lavender, Padma and Ernie began levitating the tables so that they were out of the center of the floor. Draco stepped next to Harry, who turned to look at him.
"Can you cast the Patronus?"
"Yes," Draco answered.
"Show me," Harry said.
Draco nodded once, then closed his eyes, bringing the image of the way Harry had looked underneath him that night in the Room of Requirement, with the moonlight slanting through the window and falling across his face.
"Expecto Patronum!"
Out from Draco's wand burst a silver fox, who circled around once before sitting primly. It cocked its head sideways, looking back at Draco, who looked back at it in confusion. His Patronus hadn't been a fox last he'd checked. It was only a split second later that he realized exactly which fox it was.
"Isn't that you?" Pansy asked, amused. "I've never heard of someone's Patronus being themselves. It's a bit egotistical, no?"
Draco shook his head but didn't reply, and also didn't look at Harry, who was peering closely at the fox. Draco knew that it would only be a second or two before Harry realized exactly whose form it was, and it was decidedly not Draco's.
"Harry, we've got the tables-" Weasley cut off with a gasp as he saw the fox; clearly he knew exactly whose shape Draco's Patronus took after, too. "Blimey," he murmured, staring at the fox.
Harry went down on his knees in front of the Patronus, fingers reaching out and just barely skimming over its head. He looked up at Draco with an unreadable expression; there were way too many emotions flickering over his face for Draco to decipher.
They were interrupted by a loud bang and an explosion of fireworks over their heads. Draco jumped, colliding roughly into Pansy, who tripped over her robe and fell, taking Draco down with her.
"What the hell was that?" Pansy demanded, rubbing at the spot on her ribcage where Draco's elbow had jabbed her.
"Sorry!" one of the twins shouted. "Box must've not been shut all the way."
"Your distractions?" Harry asked mildly. He was still on the floor, but Draco's Patronus had disappeared when he'd lost concentration, leaving him kneeling next to empty space.
"It wasn't meant to be," Fred or George replied. "Didn't realize they'd got stuck in there."
Harry nodded and stood, brushing his knees off. "Might work well, though, if everyone's reaction was any indication." The twins turned thoughtful, mulling over what Harry had said.
He walked over to the tangle that was Draco and Pansy and offered them both a hand. Pansy took it quickly and was hauled up. Draco took Harry's hand after a slight moment of hesitation and let Harry pull him to his feet. He was surprised to feel that Harry didn't release him. Instead Harry locked their fingers together, letting the fall of their robes conceal their hands from view.
"Okay, a show of hands, if you please. I know nearly all of you who were in the D.A. can cast the Patronus charm, but are there any others of you who can?"
Draco was surprised to see that there were a fair amount of them. The Patronus was a rather difficult charm, after all; most adults couldn't cast it at all, and Draco hadn't learned it until the past year.
"Why are you asking if we can cast it?" Finnigan asked. "Are there going to be Dementors?"
"Yes," Harry answered simply. "I need to know who can cast it and who can't, because I'm going to try to partner those of you who can't together with someone who can. Two sets of eyes are better than one, and this way one of you can worry about the Dementors and the other of you can worry about the Death Eaters."
"So you're really going to battle You-Know-Who?" Megan Jones asked.
Next to him Pansy rolled her eyes, but Harry simply said, "Yes," again.
Harry glanced at Hermione, who took over. "We need to see your Patronuses, so if you'd all spread out and cast them toward the center, we can start pairing you off. Those of you who can't do the spell, please move over to the right."
Everyone did as Hermione asked, and instantly the Great Hall was filled with cries of "Expecto Patronum". Harry, meanwhile, tugged on Draco's hand and pulled him over to the opposite wall.
"Um, Harry, don't you think you should be paying attention to what they're doing?" Draco asked rather desperately. He didn't want to talk about his Patronus or what it had revealed inadvertently. He didn't think he was ready for any such conversation.
"Hermione will handle it," Harry said firmly. "I want to talk about your Patronus."
Draco tugged ineffectually at his hand but Harry simply tightened his grip.
"Did you know that your Patronus was me?"
Leave it to Harry to get right to the point, Draco thought. He sighed and tried again to pull away but Harry reached up and gripped the front of his robes, holding him firmly in place. Draco realized he had no choice but to answer.
"It wasn't always," he finally said, voice quiet. "It used to be a hawk."
Harry didn't say anything; he just continued to stare at Draco, who shifted uneasily.
"I didn't even know they could change," Draco continued. "I thought it was going to be as it always was."
"Patronuses can change shape after a 'severe emotional upheaval'," Harry said, sounding like he was quoting something. "Or maybe just a change of heart."
Draco swallowed heavily. "Harry," he said, but didn't get a chance to continue as Harry's fingers tightened in his robes and he was tugged forward. Harry's lips touched his and all thought floated away as he was soundly kissed.
The sound of a throat clearing rather forcefully finally drifted into Draco's consciousness, and he realized that he was clinging to Harry quite desperately, and that the entire Hall had fallen dead silent.
Harry finally broke the kiss and turned his head to look at Hermione, the source of the throat-clearing, who was trying to look stern, but Draco noticed that the effect was ruined by the smile she was trying to hide.
"Bloody hell, Harry," Weasley said. "I always knew you were big on dramatic gestures but I didn't really figure you'd resort to one now."
Harry turned his head to smirk at Ron, who gave him a half-smile back. "Sorry, mate," he said, clearly not sorry in the slightest. He still hadn't released Draco and was, in fact, playing with strands of Draco's hair as they stood there, the other hand still fisted in Draco's robe. "I'll try to control myself next time."
Hermione started laughing at that, and Weasley joined her, the two of them clutching at each other as they nearly fell down.
Harry looked back to Draco and gave him another smile before leaning forward and kissing him once more, lightly, before releasing him. Harry moved over to join Ron and Hermione, who had settled down slightly. Draco glanced over at Pansy, who was smirking at him.
"Whatever happened to wanting to keep it to yourself?" she asked amusedly.
"Change of plans," Draco replied, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close for a hug. He glanced at everyone else, who were mostly standing around, mouths agape. He caught Blaise's eye, who merely shrugged.
"You and Potter?" Lisa Turpin asked weakly.
"Yes," Draco said, amused at her reaction.
"Oh," she said faintly. "Okay."
Draco gave a slight laugh. Daphne was shaking her head in amazement and the rest of his housemates save Blaise were equally stunned. The looks he was getting from the other three houses weren't nearly as friendly and Draco remembered in that instant that not everyone in the room trusted him. An hour before a battle against the Death Eaters probably hadn't been the best time to spring such a revelation on everyone.
"Well, that was exciting!" one of the twins declared. The other one set off another firework, which exploded in the air in the shape of a heart, causing everyone to laugh, especially at Draco, who blushed.
"Okay, enough with the fireworks," Harry said good-naturedly, and Draco was pleased to see that he was faintly pink in embarrassment as well. "Time to get back to business."
That sobered everyone instantly and they turned back to the partnerships that Hermione had placed them in. Pansy was paired with Morag, who couldn't do the Patronus charm but was equally as well-versed in offensive charms as Pansy herself. Longbottom, he saw, was paired with Daphne, and had just cast his Patronus, which took the form of a Great Dane. Daphne, meanwhile, was showing him how to cast a stronger shield charm.
Harry had stepped over to the Weasley twins, who were pulling out boxes of their products, which were quickly enlarged to their normal size. Draco stepped up next to them and listened in.
"These are our Decoy Detonators. Should be great for distractions. We also have Shield hats-"
"Should be enough for everyone," the other twin interjected.
"-as well as Shield cloaks and gloves. They still don't work against Unforgivables, but should at least give everyone a bit more protection."
"These are great, guys," Harry said. "You've already outfitted yourselves, I see."
"'Course," they said in unison.
Harry nodded and picked up a cloak. "Perfect." He turned to Draco and held it out. "Put this on."
Draco took it and did as Harry said, clasping it underneath his chin. "How do I look?"
"It'll do," Harry said with a smile. He turned and motioned to everyone. "You all need to come over here and get one of each of these. Put them on; they're Shield cloaks, hats and gloves. They won't work against Unforgivables, but should work for your basic jinxes and hexes."
Once everyone was properly attired, they turned to face Harry for more instructions. Draco saw Pansy glance at her watch again and couldn't help but look at the time himself: 8:25.
"Fred and George have also brought some of their Decoy Detonators. Each of you should take two. Padma, Terry, you take the rest of them and split them between you. Since you'll be above the battlefield you'll have a better view of where they're needed."
Everyone turned to stare at the two Ravenclaws, who looked at each other and shrugged. "We're going to be riding on Hippogriffs," Padma elaborated. "Which reminds me, Harry. How are we going to be able to tell everyone apart? I thought the Death Eaters wore black robes?"
"Ah, no worries," said one of the twins. "A simple color-change spell on your robes will do. Like this." He turned and cast a charm on his brother's robe, which turned a violent magenta that clashed horrendously with his hair.
"Perhaps something a bit more low-key, Fred?" Harry asked diplomatically.
"Oh, Harry, you're no fun," Fred replied, but he flicked his wand again and the magenta was changed to a royal blue instead.
"Much better," Harry said with a smile. Everyone followed suit, changing the black robes to royal blue.
"Potter, there are two more things to distribute," Snape said, stepping up to the group of students. He was carrying a crate that Draco knew was full of the invincibility potion that he'd brewed and had a cloth bag looped around one wrist. "Everyone is to take one each of the potion but is not to drink it yet. There's an Unbreakable charm on the bottle; place it in your pockets until later. You'll be told when to drink it."
Snape also removed the bag from his arm and opened it, revealing huge chunks of chocolate. "Lupin," he said, and Draco noted the faint sneer at the pronouncement of their professor's name, "has requested that everyone take a piece of chocolate to help counteract the effects of the Dementors. There is a Keep-Fresh charm on them so they will last until you need them. Use it wisely; you are only to receive one piece each."
Everyone took one of the bottles, Draco taking a second one per his promise to Harry, and then a piece of chocolate. All three items were tucked carefully into his pocket along with the Decoy Detonators and his wand.
The Order had obviously concluded their final meeting, as the members had left the antechamber and were milling about the Hall. Draco caught Harry's arm and pulled him away from the others. He'd been wondering about something that kept being conveniently overlooked.
"What about the full moon?" he asked Harry. With the full moon Lupin would have to undergo his usual transformation; in fact, it was late enough that Draco wondered if he'd done so already.
"Snape gave Lupin his Wolfsbane," Harry said. "I don't really know what's going on with that, but they were talking about letting him out. Since he'd have his mind, it should technically be safe for everyone to be around him. And a werewolf is strong; it would be a nice asset. Especially if Voldemort is stupid enough to release Fenrir Greyback on us."
Draco felt like someone had poured ice down his back. "Surely he wouldn't?" Draco asked, horrified. "Greyback wouldn't give a toss about who anyone was. He could end up biting Voldemort himself!"
Harry shrugged. "Snape didn't think so. But I don't really know. And Pansy did hear a wolf's howl in her vision."
Draco's stomach twisted. The battle was going to be difficult enough without a rogue werewolf running about!
"Do not concern yourselves with Fenrir Greyback," Dumbledore said, appearing out of nowhere. "I do not believe that even Voldemort is blood-thirsty enough to risk all of his followers should Greyback decide to attack. His own life is worth too much to him."
"Then Professor Lupin is going to be fighting?" Harry asked.
"He is. He is currently waiting in the Shrieking Shack as we speak. Sirius will be joining him momentarily. I believe Sirius would like to speak with you before he goes, Harry."
Harry nodded and moved over to the doors, where Sirius was waiting. Draco watched them for a moment before a soft touch on his hand grabbed his attention. He turned to see his mother, regarding him calmly.
Draco returned the look, his throat tightening. God, he loved his mother. He didn't want anything to happen to her, not when she was the only family he had left. He noticed that she was wearing one of the Weasley twins' cloaks and had a hat clasped in one of her hands.
Draco forced a smile but was sure it came out wobbly. "I don't really think that hat's your style."
Narcissa smiled at him and reached out a hand, ghosting it over his cheek. "It will do."
Draco couldn't say anything else and instead stepped forward and hugged her. She embraced him back and placed a kiss on his cheek, holding him for a moment before releasing him. She held him at arm's length and looked at him.
"I am proud of you, Draco," she said. "You have chosen your side and fought for what you believe in, and the young man you love." Draco was surprised; he hadn't realized that she knew about Harry. She smiled at him, nodding once. "I am your mother, Draco. I know these things." Draco returned the smile.
"While your father has tarnished the Malfoy name nearly beyond repair, I believe that your actions, tonight and in the future, will restore it to its former glory," she continued. "And I look forward to being there for you through every step. You are my son, and I love you."
Draco felt tears threatening and tried to blink them back. "I love you, too, Mum," he said, voice thick. She embraced him once more then stepped back. "Your young man is coming," she said softly with a smile, squeezing Draco's shoulder before moving back to Andromeda, who was standing over to one side conversing with Hestia Jones.
"All right?" Harry asked.
Draco drew a deep breath and released it slowly. "All right," he replied, and Harry nodded, squeezing his hand.
Dumbledore reappeared with Ron and Hermione. "Harry, I'd like to quickly go over everything with the four of you. And then we will need to move outside. It is nearly time."
Nearly time. Funny how two words could sound so ominous.
Dumbledore quickly outlined the plan. The members of the Adversarius, along with the Order members, would be right in the center of the battle, as they were the best trained. The other students would be positioned along the edge of the Forbidden Forest, in the hopes that their Patronuses would keep the Dementors at bay.
Padma, Terry, Charlie Weasley and Sturgis Podmore would be above the battle on Hippogriffs, allowing them a clear look at the battlefield and where extra help might be needed. This would also allow them to cast down on the unsuspecting Death Eaters and hopefully stay out of range of any spellfire on the ground.
Macmillan had gotten his hybrid plant to sprout and hold; it was planted around the entire front of the castle and was charmed to attack anyone that came within three feet of it. Flitwick was in the process of moving all the suits of armor in the castle out to the front lawn, where Hannah Abbott would use her charm to make some of them into decoy students. Draco could hear the clang of metal from inside the hall as the knights were marched outside.
"We will most likely be outnumbered," Dumbledore cautioned. "This is something you should expect, so that it will not surprise you. Voldemort has many ways of gathering followers, as you know."
The four of them nodded, faces grim. It stood to reason that some of the people who would lose their lives tonight most likely didn't even want to be there, but were being forced by magic.
"Once we are outside, we will cast the final spell," Dumbledore said. "You need one member from each house to do the casting. If I might make a suggestion, I believe that you, Harry, should be the Gryffindor. Mr. Malfoy would be perfect for the Slytherin representative, and Miss Patil for Ravenclaw. I am sure you can get Mr. Macmillan to agree to be the delegate from Hufflepuff."
"Do they know the incantation?" Harry asked.
"I believe they do," Dumbledore answered, "but it would be prudent to go over it again before you actually cast it. It is not a difficult charm."
Dumbledore smiled down at Harry and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You will do your parents proud tonight, of that I am certain," he said quietly.
"Thank you, sir," Harry said, bowing his head respectfully. "I will do my best."
Dumbledore nodded and squeezed Harry's shoulder briefly. "It is time."
As Dumbledore moved away to gather everyone up, Harry turned to look at Ron and Hermione. His face was awash in emotion and Draco noticed that Hermione had tears in her eyes and that Weasley was blinking back a few of his own. When he and Harry were alone it was easy to forget the history between the trio in front of him, but there was no question that Harry loved Ron and Hermione fiercely; they were, without a doubt, his two closest friends.
"Stay safe," Hermione finally said, voice tight, reaching out and hugging Harry. Harry returned the embrace, then reached out his free hand to tug Weasley into the group. The three of them stood with their arms around each other for a moment before stepping back, Hermione wiping away tears.
Weasley turned away slightly and Draco saw him bring a hand up to his eyes. He turned back and cleared his throat. "Once more, for old time's sake?" he asked with a small smile.
Harry nodded. "Once more." He turned to look at Draco, face very serious. "Remember your promise," he whispered.
Draco's throat grew tight at the expression in Harry's eyes, but managed to nod once. "I'll remember." Not caring who was watching, Draco pulled Harry close and kissed him again.
Pansy chose that moment to appear, throwing her arms around Draco's neck in a fierce hug of her own. "Don't do anything stupid," she said harshly. "Remember that you're not a Gryffindor."
He laughed slightly and she gave him a small smile in return. "I'll remember," he said again.
"We need to head outside now," Dumbledore said, voice rising above all the other admonishments to stay safe.
As they exited the Great Hall, they were surprised to see Professor McGonagall, who was herding what looked like an entire classroom-full of desks out the doors onto the lawn. She had animated them so that they were walking in military formation, stopping directly behind Flitwick's suits of armor.
Hannah pushed past them, joining Flitwick on the lawn, and started charming the knights to look like students; they were pretty nondescript, all told, each of them looking identical in their blue cloaks and hats.
Hermione had grabbed Macmillan and Padma, obviously explaining the incantation and making sure they wanted to be the spellcasters when the time came. Harry stepped up next to him, tugging his hat into place on his head. His hands were already covered in the Shield gloves. He was looking up at the sky, which was full of dark, black clouds, the full moon just barely visible between them. Someone had charmed fairy lights to float around the grounds, lending them a semblance of light by which to see, which was good because otherwise they'd no doubt be crashing into each other momentarily.
"It would be really nice if it didn't rain," Harry murmured. Draco made a sound of agreement, although it didn't seem likely that Harry's wish would come true. Harry sighed and looked at Hermione, who gave a thumbs-up. Obviously Padma and Ernie were ready to go.
Dumbledore was quickly ushering the non-Adversarius students out toward the forest, where they each took positions in amongst the trees. Draco saw Hagrid standing nearby, four Hippogriffs following behind him on leads. In his other hand was a pink umbrella.
Harry turned to face the remaining students and when he spoke his voice was calm.
"We're finally at the end of it," he said. "The end of two years of hard training, sleepless nights, and countless numbers of shattered lives. Tonight, Voldemort will fall.
"I'm not a very good speech-giver," he continued. "I don't know how to say all the right words or the pretty phrases that you're wanting to hear from me. I really only know how to go into things headfirst and think about the consequences later; I am, after all, a Gryffindor." There was some slight laughter at this statement, and Harry gave a small smile.
"I can say for certain, that this is the end. After tonight our lives will continue on as they're meant to, with no further threats from Voldemort or his Death Eaters. I want all of you to know how honored I am to have been a part of this group with you. Each of you has taught me things I otherwise would not have known, and have shown yourselves to be loyal companions. Our victory tonight will be a direct result of all of your hard work and dedication, and I couldn't be prouder to know that my name will share the history books with yours."
Next to Draco, Pansy covertly checked her watch. "Seven minutes," she murmured. "Wrap it up, Potter."
Harry heard her and cast an amused glance in her direction, nodding slightly in acknowledgement.
"This next step is for Draco, Ernie, Padma and me. It's the spell I mentioned at the meeting a few days ago, Dum Mors. The rest of you don't need to do anything; just know that, as long as one of us is alive, the school will be safe, and the students inside will remain out of harm's way. Remember that tonight we don't do battle only for ourselves and our lives, but for the lives of our classmates, many of whom are too young to fight for themselves. It is up to us to keep them safe."
That seemed to strengthen the resolve of some of the students, because Draco noticed that they were all standing a bit straighter.
"Let's do this," Harry said firmly.
He jumped down the stairs and turned to face the school. Draco stepped down with him, Padma and Ernie joining them.
"We have to go in the order of the school crest, in clockwise order," Harry said quickly. "So I'm first, then Draco, then Padma, and Ernie. Okay?"
The other three nodded their assent. Draco caught Pansy's eye; she held up four fingers.
"Servo Insquequo Nex!" Harry shouted, wand held aloft. From the tip burst a huge lion, sparkling golden in the air. It roared once, then pawed the sky, bowing its head to Harry, who returned the gesture.
Draco followed. "Servo Insquequo Nex!" A long, green snake appeared from his wand, hissing in greeting. It curved into the letter "s" as it settled next to the lion, then focused on Draco, bowing its head. Draco did so as well.
"Servo Insquequo Nex!" Padma said clearly, bringing forth a large eagle, who screeched, circling the air once before settling underneath the snake. It regarded them silently before bowing its head, and Padma nodded back.
"Servo Insquequo Nex!" Ernie said, completing the charm. From his wand burst a badger, who let out a growl before sitting next to the eagle. It bowed to Macmillan, who returned the move.
Dumbledore appeared next to them, and with a fancy wave of his wand and a murmured charm, the four animals turned into the Hogwart's crest. The crest rose up into the air, shimmering even through the darkness. It started to raise itself until it was settled over the whole of the school; Dumbledore slowly lowered his wand and the crest followed suit, until it landed on the school, the crest dissipating into the stone.
Charlie Weasley ran up to them, gesturing for Padma to follow him quickly to the Hippogriffs. Terry was already seated on one and was hanging a bag that contained the Decoy Detonators around its neck. Podmore was aboard the other one and was already leading it toward the lawn at a run.
"Everyone take your invincibility potion!" Harry shouted. "And put on your hats and gloves! Quickly now!"
Everyone complied hurriedly. Draco looked at Pansy who shook her head. Time was up.
"Here we go," Harry said, and at that moment two things occurred at once; they felt a brush of magic across their faces - "The wards are down!" McGonagall cried out - and the rain that had been threatening all day suddenly poured from the sky.
"Bloody hell!" Weasley cried out, and at that second, the sky was filled with pops, as the Death Eaters Apparated straight onto the Hogwarts' lawn.
***
(next part)
The silence that followed Dumbledore's announcement was profound. Draco felt Pansy tense next to him and ran a hand soothingly down her arm. They'd known this was coming, but the straight-forwardness of the announcement had slightly thrown him; Dumbledore wasn't exactly known for getting straight to the point.
As the members of the Order moved toward the antechamber off the Great Hall, Dumbledore gestured toward the four students still sitting on the dais, motioning for them to stand, before turning to talk to Shacklebolt. Draco did so, pulling Pansy up with him, and followed Harry and Hermione to some empty spots at the Ravenclaw table. Harry sat across from Draco, Hermione next to him, and they were joined a few seconds later by Weasley, who sat on Harry's other side.
"Ginny's hacked off," Weasley whispered. "She's not seventeen yet so I didn't let her come down; Mum would've had my head if I had. Not sure how she knew, but she could tell that this was the real deal."
"She probably could have helped us," Harry said quietly. "She knows the Patronus charm. But I feel better knowing she won't be in the middle of anything."
"Me, too," Weasley said. "It's bad enough the rest of my family's involved."
Harry winced and Draco wanted to kick Weasley in the shins. Talk about being thick-headed.
"Teaspoon, Ron," Hermione said exasperatedly. Draco didn't know what she meant, but Weasley clearly did, as he immediately flushed bright red.
"Oh. Sorry, Harry," he said, apologetic. "You know that wasn't really what I meant."
"Forget it," Harry muttered.
The conversation was interrupted by Fred and George Weasley, who had entered with the other Order members and taken seats next to Draco. Draco couldn't tell them apart on the best of days, and it seemed they'd gone out of their way to confuse him even further, as both were dressed identically in black robes. Draco wasn't sure why they were sitting with them instead of heading back to the antechamber like all the other Order members, but the question was answered by one of them seconds later.
"We're staying with you," one of them declared. "We don't really want to be adults."
That got a smile out of Harry, who said, "No, of course not."
"Besides," the other twin continued, "they're discussing strategies and whatnot. You'd think they were all Ravenclaws, the way they keep going on about proper steps to take and military order and all that rot. Everyone knows Gryffindors do better when they just rush headlong into danger."
"Bellowing war cries and waving around swords?" Pansy asked deadpan.
Draco hid his laughter with a cough as Fred or George or whichever one it was said, "Exactly!"
"Anyway, Harry," the other one said, "we brought some things we think you'll like. Enough to cause some Death Eater distractions, I should think."
Harry smiled. "That's great, George. I'll look them over in a bit."
Dumbledore had turned back around to face the Hall, and their small group fell quiet.
"As I said before, this is not another drill. We have it on good authority that Voldemort-" and here he paused for the requisite shudders and exclamations at the mention of the Dark Lord's name, "-and his Death Eaters will attack Hogwarts tonight. At this time I need everyone present to decide whether they wish to take part in the altercation or if they would prefer to remain in the castle under its protection. If you wish to fight, please remain seated. If you do not wish to participate in the battle, please move over to the door to the Great Hall. Professor Flitwick will escort you to the Charms classroom, as I am afraid that we cannot allow you to return to your dormitories."
There was some shifting before a few people from each table stood and moved toward the door. All in all it looked like the majority of the students still planned on fighting. Draco was not surprised to see Nott in the group at the door and wondered once again what he was up to, as he had never even left the common room during all the other drills.
"Why did Theo even come down here?" Pansy whispered, voicing Draco's thoughts.
Draco shook his head. "I don't know."
After a nod from Dumbledore, Flitwick led the students out. Dumbledore stepped up to the Ravenclaw table and spoke to Harry.
"I would like you to take the students who have remained over to the far side of the Great Hall," he said. "You need to determine who can do the Patronus charm and who cannot and partner them accordingly. Also, I believe the products the Weasley twins have brought along will be useful."
Fred and George grinned. "Dead useful," one of them quipped.
"Sir, I'd like to know what's being discussed between the Order members," Harry said. "I feel that I have a right to know."
"You will," Dumbledore assured him, placing a hand on Harry's shoulder. "But at this time it is more important for you to help your fellow students."
Harry sighed. "Yes, sir."
Dumbledore moved back toward the antechamber as Harry stood. Instantly all eyes were upon him.
"We need to determine everyone's strengths," Harry said. "Please move to the back of the Hall. Ron, Lavender, get a few others to help you move the tables, please."
There was a distinct rise in the noise level as people stood and Ron, Lavender, Padma and Ernie began levitating the tables so that they were out of the center of the floor. Draco stepped next to Harry, who turned to look at him.
"Can you cast the Patronus?"
"Yes," Draco answered.
"Show me," Harry said.
Draco nodded once, then closed his eyes, bringing the image of the way Harry had looked underneath him that night in the Room of Requirement, with the moonlight slanting through the window and falling across his face.
"Expecto Patronum!"
Out from Draco's wand burst a silver fox, who circled around once before sitting primly. It cocked its head sideways, looking back at Draco, who looked back at it in confusion. His Patronus hadn't been a fox last he'd checked. It was only a split second later that he realized exactly which fox it was.
"Isn't that you?" Pansy asked, amused. "I've never heard of someone's Patronus being themselves. It's a bit egotistical, no?"
Draco shook his head but didn't reply, and also didn't look at Harry, who was peering closely at the fox. Draco knew that it would only be a second or two before Harry realized exactly whose form it was, and it was decidedly not Draco's.
"Harry, we've got the tables-" Weasley cut off with a gasp as he saw the fox; clearly he knew exactly whose shape Draco's Patronus took after, too. "Blimey," he murmured, staring at the fox.
Harry went down on his knees in front of the Patronus, fingers reaching out and just barely skimming over its head. He looked up at Draco with an unreadable expression; there were way too many emotions flickering over his face for Draco to decipher.
They were interrupted by a loud bang and an explosion of fireworks over their heads. Draco jumped, colliding roughly into Pansy, who tripped over her robe and fell, taking Draco down with her.
"What the hell was that?" Pansy demanded, rubbing at the spot on her ribcage where Draco's elbow had jabbed her.
"Sorry!" one of the twins shouted. "Box must've not been shut all the way."
"Your distractions?" Harry asked mildly. He was still on the floor, but Draco's Patronus had disappeared when he'd lost concentration, leaving him kneeling next to empty space.
"It wasn't meant to be," Fred or George replied. "Didn't realize they'd got stuck in there."
Harry nodded and stood, brushing his knees off. "Might work well, though, if everyone's reaction was any indication." The twins turned thoughtful, mulling over what Harry had said.
He walked over to the tangle that was Draco and Pansy and offered them both a hand. Pansy took it quickly and was hauled up. Draco took Harry's hand after a slight moment of hesitation and let Harry pull him to his feet. He was surprised to feel that Harry didn't release him. Instead Harry locked their fingers together, letting the fall of their robes conceal their hands from view.
"Okay, a show of hands, if you please. I know nearly all of you who were in the D.A. can cast the Patronus charm, but are there any others of you who can?"
Draco was surprised to see that there were a fair amount of them. The Patronus was a rather difficult charm, after all; most adults couldn't cast it at all, and Draco hadn't learned it until the past year.
"Why are you asking if we can cast it?" Finnigan asked. "Are there going to be Dementors?"
"Yes," Harry answered simply. "I need to know who can cast it and who can't, because I'm going to try to partner those of you who can't together with someone who can. Two sets of eyes are better than one, and this way one of you can worry about the Dementors and the other of you can worry about the Death Eaters."
"So you're really going to battle You-Know-Who?" Megan Jones asked.
Next to him Pansy rolled her eyes, but Harry simply said, "Yes," again.
Harry glanced at Hermione, who took over. "We need to see your Patronuses, so if you'd all spread out and cast them toward the center, we can start pairing you off. Those of you who can't do the spell, please move over to the right."
Everyone did as Hermione asked, and instantly the Great Hall was filled with cries of "Expecto Patronum". Harry, meanwhile, tugged on Draco's hand and pulled him over to the opposite wall.
"Um, Harry, don't you think you should be paying attention to what they're doing?" Draco asked rather desperately. He didn't want to talk about his Patronus or what it had revealed inadvertently. He didn't think he was ready for any such conversation.
"Hermione will handle it," Harry said firmly. "I want to talk about your Patronus."
Draco tugged ineffectually at his hand but Harry simply tightened his grip.
"Did you know that your Patronus was me?"
Leave it to Harry to get right to the point, Draco thought. He sighed and tried again to pull away but Harry reached up and gripped the front of his robes, holding him firmly in place. Draco realized he had no choice but to answer.
"It wasn't always," he finally said, voice quiet. "It used to be a hawk."
Harry didn't say anything; he just continued to stare at Draco, who shifted uneasily.
"I didn't even know they could change," Draco continued. "I thought it was going to be as it always was."
"Patronuses can change shape after a 'severe emotional upheaval'," Harry said, sounding like he was quoting something. "Or maybe just a change of heart."
Draco swallowed heavily. "Harry," he said, but didn't get a chance to continue as Harry's fingers tightened in his robes and he was tugged forward. Harry's lips touched his and all thought floated away as he was soundly kissed.
The sound of a throat clearing rather forcefully finally drifted into Draco's consciousness, and he realized that he was clinging to Harry quite desperately, and that the entire Hall had fallen dead silent.
Harry finally broke the kiss and turned his head to look at Hermione, the source of the throat-clearing, who was trying to look stern, but Draco noticed that the effect was ruined by the smile she was trying to hide.
"Bloody hell, Harry," Weasley said. "I always knew you were big on dramatic gestures but I didn't really figure you'd resort to one now."
Harry turned his head to smirk at Ron, who gave him a half-smile back. "Sorry, mate," he said, clearly not sorry in the slightest. He still hadn't released Draco and was, in fact, playing with strands of Draco's hair as they stood there, the other hand still fisted in Draco's robe. "I'll try to control myself next time."
Hermione started laughing at that, and Weasley joined her, the two of them clutching at each other as they nearly fell down.
Harry looked back to Draco and gave him another smile before leaning forward and kissing him once more, lightly, before releasing him. Harry moved over to join Ron and Hermione, who had settled down slightly. Draco glanced over at Pansy, who was smirking at him.
"Whatever happened to wanting to keep it to yourself?" she asked amusedly.
"Change of plans," Draco replied, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close for a hug. He glanced at everyone else, who were mostly standing around, mouths agape. He caught Blaise's eye, who merely shrugged.
"You and Potter?" Lisa Turpin asked weakly.
"Yes," Draco said, amused at her reaction.
"Oh," she said faintly. "Okay."
Draco gave a slight laugh. Daphne was shaking her head in amazement and the rest of his housemates save Blaise were equally stunned. The looks he was getting from the other three houses weren't nearly as friendly and Draco remembered in that instant that not everyone in the room trusted him. An hour before a battle against the Death Eaters probably hadn't been the best time to spring such a revelation on everyone.
"Well, that was exciting!" one of the twins declared. The other one set off another firework, which exploded in the air in the shape of a heart, causing everyone to laugh, especially at Draco, who blushed.
"Okay, enough with the fireworks," Harry said good-naturedly, and Draco was pleased to see that he was faintly pink in embarrassment as well. "Time to get back to business."
That sobered everyone instantly and they turned back to the partnerships that Hermione had placed them in. Pansy was paired with Morag, who couldn't do the Patronus charm but was equally as well-versed in offensive charms as Pansy herself. Longbottom, he saw, was paired with Daphne, and had just cast his Patronus, which took the form of a Great Dane. Daphne, meanwhile, was showing him how to cast a stronger shield charm.
Harry had stepped over to the Weasley twins, who were pulling out boxes of their products, which were quickly enlarged to their normal size. Draco stepped up next to them and listened in.
"These are our Decoy Detonators. Should be great for distractions. We also have Shield hats-"
"Should be enough for everyone," the other twin interjected.
"-as well as Shield cloaks and gloves. They still don't work against Unforgivables, but should at least give everyone a bit more protection."
"These are great, guys," Harry said. "You've already outfitted yourselves, I see."
"'Course," they said in unison.
Harry nodded and picked up a cloak. "Perfect." He turned to Draco and held it out. "Put this on."
Draco took it and did as Harry said, clasping it underneath his chin. "How do I look?"
"It'll do," Harry said with a smile. He turned and motioned to everyone. "You all need to come over here and get one of each of these. Put them on; they're Shield cloaks, hats and gloves. They won't work against Unforgivables, but should work for your basic jinxes and hexes."
Once everyone was properly attired, they turned to face Harry for more instructions. Draco saw Pansy glance at her watch again and couldn't help but look at the time himself: 8:25.
"Fred and George have also brought some of their Decoy Detonators. Each of you should take two. Padma, Terry, you take the rest of them and split them between you. Since you'll be above the battlefield you'll have a better view of where they're needed."
Everyone turned to stare at the two Ravenclaws, who looked at each other and shrugged. "We're going to be riding on Hippogriffs," Padma elaborated. "Which reminds me, Harry. How are we going to be able to tell everyone apart? I thought the Death Eaters wore black robes?"
"Ah, no worries," said one of the twins. "A simple color-change spell on your robes will do. Like this." He turned and cast a charm on his brother's robe, which turned a violent magenta that clashed horrendously with his hair.
"Perhaps something a bit more low-key, Fred?" Harry asked diplomatically.
"Oh, Harry, you're no fun," Fred replied, but he flicked his wand again and the magenta was changed to a royal blue instead.
"Much better," Harry said with a smile. Everyone followed suit, changing the black robes to royal blue.
"Potter, there are two more things to distribute," Snape said, stepping up to the group of students. He was carrying a crate that Draco knew was full of the invincibility potion that he'd brewed and had a cloth bag looped around one wrist. "Everyone is to take one each of the potion but is not to drink it yet. There's an Unbreakable charm on the bottle; place it in your pockets until later. You'll be told when to drink it."
Snape also removed the bag from his arm and opened it, revealing huge chunks of chocolate. "Lupin," he said, and Draco noted the faint sneer at the pronouncement of their professor's name, "has requested that everyone take a piece of chocolate to help counteract the effects of the Dementors. There is a Keep-Fresh charm on them so they will last until you need them. Use it wisely; you are only to receive one piece each."
Everyone took one of the bottles, Draco taking a second one per his promise to Harry, and then a piece of chocolate. All three items were tucked carefully into his pocket along with the Decoy Detonators and his wand.
The Order had obviously concluded their final meeting, as the members had left the antechamber and were milling about the Hall. Draco caught Harry's arm and pulled him away from the others. He'd been wondering about something that kept being conveniently overlooked.
"What about the full moon?" he asked Harry. With the full moon Lupin would have to undergo his usual transformation; in fact, it was late enough that Draco wondered if he'd done so already.
"Snape gave Lupin his Wolfsbane," Harry said. "I don't really know what's going on with that, but they were talking about letting him out. Since he'd have his mind, it should technically be safe for everyone to be around him. And a werewolf is strong; it would be a nice asset. Especially if Voldemort is stupid enough to release Fenrir Greyback on us."
Draco felt like someone had poured ice down his back. "Surely he wouldn't?" Draco asked, horrified. "Greyback wouldn't give a toss about who anyone was. He could end up biting Voldemort himself!"
Harry shrugged. "Snape didn't think so. But I don't really know. And Pansy did hear a wolf's howl in her vision."
Draco's stomach twisted. The battle was going to be difficult enough without a rogue werewolf running about!
"Do not concern yourselves with Fenrir Greyback," Dumbledore said, appearing out of nowhere. "I do not believe that even Voldemort is blood-thirsty enough to risk all of his followers should Greyback decide to attack. His own life is worth too much to him."
"Then Professor Lupin is going to be fighting?" Harry asked.
"He is. He is currently waiting in the Shrieking Shack as we speak. Sirius will be joining him momentarily. I believe Sirius would like to speak with you before he goes, Harry."
Harry nodded and moved over to the doors, where Sirius was waiting. Draco watched them for a moment before a soft touch on his hand grabbed his attention. He turned to see his mother, regarding him calmly.
Draco returned the look, his throat tightening. God, he loved his mother. He didn't want anything to happen to her, not when she was the only family he had left. He noticed that she was wearing one of the Weasley twins' cloaks and had a hat clasped in one of her hands.
Draco forced a smile but was sure it came out wobbly. "I don't really think that hat's your style."
Narcissa smiled at him and reached out a hand, ghosting it over his cheek. "It will do."
Draco couldn't say anything else and instead stepped forward and hugged her. She embraced him back and placed a kiss on his cheek, holding him for a moment before releasing him. She held him at arm's length and looked at him.
"I am proud of you, Draco," she said. "You have chosen your side and fought for what you believe in, and the young man you love." Draco was surprised; he hadn't realized that she knew about Harry. She smiled at him, nodding once. "I am your mother, Draco. I know these things." Draco returned the smile.
"While your father has tarnished the Malfoy name nearly beyond repair, I believe that your actions, tonight and in the future, will restore it to its former glory," she continued. "And I look forward to being there for you through every step. You are my son, and I love you."
Draco felt tears threatening and tried to blink them back. "I love you, too, Mum," he said, voice thick. She embraced him once more then stepped back. "Your young man is coming," she said softly with a smile, squeezing Draco's shoulder before moving back to Andromeda, who was standing over to one side conversing with Hestia Jones.
"All right?" Harry asked.
Draco drew a deep breath and released it slowly. "All right," he replied, and Harry nodded, squeezing his hand.
Dumbledore reappeared with Ron and Hermione. "Harry, I'd like to quickly go over everything with the four of you. And then we will need to move outside. It is nearly time."
Nearly time. Funny how two words could sound so ominous.
Dumbledore quickly outlined the plan. The members of the Adversarius, along with the Order members, would be right in the center of the battle, as they were the best trained. The other students would be positioned along the edge of the Forbidden Forest, in the hopes that their Patronuses would keep the Dementors at bay.
Padma, Terry, Charlie Weasley and Sturgis Podmore would be above the battle on Hippogriffs, allowing them a clear look at the battlefield and where extra help might be needed. This would also allow them to cast down on the unsuspecting Death Eaters and hopefully stay out of range of any spellfire on the ground.
Macmillan had gotten his hybrid plant to sprout and hold; it was planted around the entire front of the castle and was charmed to attack anyone that came within three feet of it. Flitwick was in the process of moving all the suits of armor in the castle out to the front lawn, where Hannah Abbott would use her charm to make some of them into decoy students. Draco could hear the clang of metal from inside the hall as the knights were marched outside.
"We will most likely be outnumbered," Dumbledore cautioned. "This is something you should expect, so that it will not surprise you. Voldemort has many ways of gathering followers, as you know."
The four of them nodded, faces grim. It stood to reason that some of the people who would lose their lives tonight most likely didn't even want to be there, but were being forced by magic.
"Once we are outside, we will cast the final spell," Dumbledore said. "You need one member from each house to do the casting. If I might make a suggestion, I believe that you, Harry, should be the Gryffindor. Mr. Malfoy would be perfect for the Slytherin representative, and Miss Patil for Ravenclaw. I am sure you can get Mr. Macmillan to agree to be the delegate from Hufflepuff."
"Do they know the incantation?" Harry asked.
"I believe they do," Dumbledore answered, "but it would be prudent to go over it again before you actually cast it. It is not a difficult charm."
Dumbledore smiled down at Harry and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You will do your parents proud tonight, of that I am certain," he said quietly.
"Thank you, sir," Harry said, bowing his head respectfully. "I will do my best."
Dumbledore nodded and squeezed Harry's shoulder briefly. "It is time."
As Dumbledore moved away to gather everyone up, Harry turned to look at Ron and Hermione. His face was awash in emotion and Draco noticed that Hermione had tears in her eyes and that Weasley was blinking back a few of his own. When he and Harry were alone it was easy to forget the history between the trio in front of him, but there was no question that Harry loved Ron and Hermione fiercely; they were, without a doubt, his two closest friends.
"Stay safe," Hermione finally said, voice tight, reaching out and hugging Harry. Harry returned the embrace, then reached out his free hand to tug Weasley into the group. The three of them stood with their arms around each other for a moment before stepping back, Hermione wiping away tears.
Weasley turned away slightly and Draco saw him bring a hand up to his eyes. He turned back and cleared his throat. "Once more, for old time's sake?" he asked with a small smile.
Harry nodded. "Once more." He turned to look at Draco, face very serious. "Remember your promise," he whispered.
Draco's throat grew tight at the expression in Harry's eyes, but managed to nod once. "I'll remember." Not caring who was watching, Draco pulled Harry close and kissed him again.
Pansy chose that moment to appear, throwing her arms around Draco's neck in a fierce hug of her own. "Don't do anything stupid," she said harshly. "Remember that you're not a Gryffindor."
He laughed slightly and she gave him a small smile in return. "I'll remember," he said again.
"We need to head outside now," Dumbledore said, voice rising above all the other admonishments to stay safe.
As they exited the Great Hall, they were surprised to see Professor McGonagall, who was herding what looked like an entire classroom-full of desks out the doors onto the lawn. She had animated them so that they were walking in military formation, stopping directly behind Flitwick's suits of armor.
Hannah pushed past them, joining Flitwick on the lawn, and started charming the knights to look like students; they were pretty nondescript, all told, each of them looking identical in their blue cloaks and hats.
Hermione had grabbed Macmillan and Padma, obviously explaining the incantation and making sure they wanted to be the spellcasters when the time came. Harry stepped up next to him, tugging his hat into place on his head. His hands were already covered in the Shield gloves. He was looking up at the sky, which was full of dark, black clouds, the full moon just barely visible between them. Someone had charmed fairy lights to float around the grounds, lending them a semblance of light by which to see, which was good because otherwise they'd no doubt be crashing into each other momentarily.
"It would be really nice if it didn't rain," Harry murmured. Draco made a sound of agreement, although it didn't seem likely that Harry's wish would come true. Harry sighed and looked at Hermione, who gave a thumbs-up. Obviously Padma and Ernie were ready to go.
Dumbledore was quickly ushering the non-Adversarius students out toward the forest, where they each took positions in amongst the trees. Draco saw Hagrid standing nearby, four Hippogriffs following behind him on leads. In his other hand was a pink umbrella.
Harry turned to face the remaining students and when he spoke his voice was calm.
"We're finally at the end of it," he said. "The end of two years of hard training, sleepless nights, and countless numbers of shattered lives. Tonight, Voldemort will fall.
"I'm not a very good speech-giver," he continued. "I don't know how to say all the right words or the pretty phrases that you're wanting to hear from me. I really only know how to go into things headfirst and think about the consequences later; I am, after all, a Gryffindor." There was some slight laughter at this statement, and Harry gave a small smile.
"I can say for certain, that this is the end. After tonight our lives will continue on as they're meant to, with no further threats from Voldemort or his Death Eaters. I want all of you to know how honored I am to have been a part of this group with you. Each of you has taught me things I otherwise would not have known, and have shown yourselves to be loyal companions. Our victory tonight will be a direct result of all of your hard work and dedication, and I couldn't be prouder to know that my name will share the history books with yours."
Next to Draco, Pansy covertly checked her watch. "Seven minutes," she murmured. "Wrap it up, Potter."
Harry heard her and cast an amused glance in her direction, nodding slightly in acknowledgement.
"This next step is for Draco, Ernie, Padma and me. It's the spell I mentioned at the meeting a few days ago, Dum Mors. The rest of you don't need to do anything; just know that, as long as one of us is alive, the school will be safe, and the students inside will remain out of harm's way. Remember that tonight we don't do battle only for ourselves and our lives, but for the lives of our classmates, many of whom are too young to fight for themselves. It is up to us to keep them safe."
That seemed to strengthen the resolve of some of the students, because Draco noticed that they were all standing a bit straighter.
"Let's do this," Harry said firmly.
He jumped down the stairs and turned to face the school. Draco stepped down with him, Padma and Ernie joining them.
"We have to go in the order of the school crest, in clockwise order," Harry said quickly. "So I'm first, then Draco, then Padma, and Ernie. Okay?"
The other three nodded their assent. Draco caught Pansy's eye; she held up four fingers.
"Servo Insquequo Nex!" Harry shouted, wand held aloft. From the tip burst a huge lion, sparkling golden in the air. It roared once, then pawed the sky, bowing its head to Harry, who returned the gesture.
Draco followed. "Servo Insquequo Nex!" A long, green snake appeared from his wand, hissing in greeting. It curved into the letter "s" as it settled next to the lion, then focused on Draco, bowing its head. Draco did so as well.
"Servo Insquequo Nex!" Padma said clearly, bringing forth a large eagle, who screeched, circling the air once before settling underneath the snake. It regarded them silently before bowing its head, and Padma nodded back.
"Servo Insquequo Nex!" Ernie said, completing the charm. From his wand burst a badger, who let out a growl before sitting next to the eagle. It bowed to Macmillan, who returned the move.
Dumbledore appeared next to them, and with a fancy wave of his wand and a murmured charm, the four animals turned into the Hogwart's crest. The crest rose up into the air, shimmering even through the darkness. It started to raise itself until it was settled over the whole of the school; Dumbledore slowly lowered his wand and the crest followed suit, until it landed on the school, the crest dissipating into the stone.
Charlie Weasley ran up to them, gesturing for Padma to follow him quickly to the Hippogriffs. Terry was already seated on one and was hanging a bag that contained the Decoy Detonators around its neck. Podmore was aboard the other one and was already leading it toward the lawn at a run.
"Everyone take your invincibility potion!" Harry shouted. "And put on your hats and gloves! Quickly now!"
Everyone complied hurriedly. Draco looked at Pansy who shook her head. Time was up.
"Here we go," Harry said, and at that moment two things occurred at once; they felt a brush of magic across their faces - "The wards are down!" McGonagall cried out - and the rain that had been threatening all day suddenly poured from the sky.
"Bloody hell!" Weasley cried out, and at that second, the sky was filled with pops, as the Death Eaters Apparated straight onto the Hogwarts' lawn.
***
(next part)