Chapter Twenty Two: No Longer Required

The flash of a spell disorientated me, and I saw Voldemort throw something down in the grass beside me.

“And who is this?” Voldemort’s head cocked to side, as if he was watching something amusing. “Who has volunteered to demonstrate what happens to those who continue to fight when the battle is lost?” Bellatrix was laughing as she stepped forwards, her eyes dancing between the newcomer and me.

“it is Neville Longbottom, my Lord!” her voice dripped with sadistic delight as my head shot up. “He is the boy who has been giving the Carrows so much trouble! The son of the Aurors, remember?”

“Ah, yes, I remember. But you are a Pure-blood, aren’t you, my dear boy?” Voldemort asked, watching as I slowly crawled towards Neville, whose wand was now hidden down the front of my leather corset.

“So what if I am?” Neville spat, defiant. “Here, Alicia” I looked up to see Neville bend and offer his hand.

“Neville” I whispered, barely smiling and gripping his wrist. Voldemort watched with curiosity as Neville helped me to my feet, then held onto my waist to keep me upright.

“You show spirit, and bravery, and loyalty,” he said slowly, his eyes on me. “and you come of noble stock. You will make a very valuable Death Eater. We need your kind, Neville Longbottom”

“I’ll join you when Hell freezes over!” Neville shot back immediately. “DUMBLEDORE’S ARMY!” he yelled, deafening me. The cheer from the crowd behind us masked my laughter.

“Very well,” my laughter cut off quickly at the silky tone Voldemort’s voice had taken. “if that is your choice, Longbottom, we revert to the original plan. On your head, be it” as Voldemort’s wand came up, I finally found my voice, strength and balance.

“NO!” I shouted, stepping in front of Neville, who released me.

“Alicia! What- ?” he whispered, but I shook my head slightly, cutting him off.

‘What are you doing? Are you stupid or something? Do you have a death wish?’

‘Leave off, Harry! You’re dead!’ I retorted, my eyes never leaving Voldemort’s face. Bracing myself in front of Neville, I took a steadying breath through the pain coursing through my body. “you will not touch him!” I ordered furiously, making Bellatrix take an angry, uncontrolled step in my direction, but Voldemort held up a single white finger.

“Things have changed, Alicia, my sweet” Voldemort said smoothly, his voice travelling through the silence like a hot knife through butter and causing me to spit in his direction. “your, ah- services, shall we say, are no longer required. I cannot have rebellious, hormonal women following me, causing trouble” I flinched painfully and noticeably at the word hormonal, making him smile wickedly. His wand slashed through the air and I felt my feet leave the ground as I flew backwards, hitting the ground hard before rebounding into the watching crowd, who stumbled and fell like dominoes.

‘Alicia!’

“Alicia!” Neville and Harry called my name at the same time, both of them more worried about me than themselves.

‘DON’T YOU DARE MOVE UNTIL I SAY, HARRY POTTER! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?’ I screamed into Harry’s head, staring at his body with that much concentration I saw his fingers twitch slightly.

“Ali! MOVE! Alicia!” I heard Jamie’s voice over the sound of people fighting their way through the crowd, but it was professor Flitwick’s face I recognised first.

“Are you okay, Miss Daniels?” he asked, his filled with concern as they checked me over quickly.

“A little busted up, but it can be fixed” I shrugged, wincing at the stabbing pains that produced. “did I land on anyone?” my question made the professor smile a little.

“Several people broke your fall, but they’re fine”

“Speak for yourself” I heard from beside me and Ron appeared, his eyes a little red round the rims and several cuts on his face. He was rubbing his chin and limping slightly, but he winked at me as Jamie popped into the small bubble of space around me.

“Ali!” he cried, dropping to the floor beside me.

“Baby! I love you too, and all that, but don’t touch me!” I said quickly and he lent back quickly, forgetting about the hug he was planning to give me and deciding on a quick hair ruffle instead, which earned him a glare. “So, how do I look?”

“You look like Hell” Ron said cheerfully, making Jamie aim a punch at his kidney.

“Thanks- Neville!” I shouted, making everyone who was listening to me jump, as something flew over us, heading the way I’d just come from. I tried to stand but it was rather difficult with a broken leg. “Jamie!” I cried in desperation, but he just watched what was happening out on the grass, already on his feet as Neville’s screams rent the air and I could see the flickering of flames through the legs of those in front. “Fix me up!” I demanded, staring at the tiny professor. “Now! I need to help him!” Flitwick obliged immediately and I scrambled to my feet, grabbing hold of the back of Jamie’s robes for a little extra help.

“Ali-!” Jamie started, but I shook my head, stopping him before he could protest.

‘BANE! Now would be a really good time to make up for your mistakes!’ I sent, and in response, the sound of hooves echoed from the trees, followed by arrows appearing through the dark.

“Catch!” Ronan’s voice sound over the noise around me as people swarmed over the perimeter wall, led by Charlie and proessor Slughorn. My bow and quiver soared towards the crowd and I jumped onto the low wall next to me as a boost to climb over the top of the crowd, using them as leverage to launch myself into the air. Grawp galloped round the corner of the castle, swinging his gargoyle club as he shouts deafened all of us. Before I touched the ground, I had caught both objects, slug the quiver over my shoulder and loaded the bow.

‘Now, Harry! GO!’ I watched with a small smile as Harry vanished from sight amongst the newly created chaos.

“Ali?” Jamie said, watching me closely as I skipped towards him, letting arrows fly towards any Death Eater who got too close to the castle.

“Baby, you still got a little bit of fighting left in you?” I grinned and he pulled his wand out of his pocket. “That’s my boy!” I kissed him quickly and pulled out Neville’s wand. “Get this to Nev, as quickly as you can! GO!”