Chapter Fifteen
Odd thoughts and actions

We ended up at the front of the room with the others, the entire crowd pressing in on us as they asked questions. Voices washed over me, but I only heard a loud ringing in my ears as my vision blurred. I gripped Jamie’s hand tightly, expecting to have a vision, but what happened next completely shocked me.

“I’m going to be sick!” I yelled, letting go of Jamie to clamp my hand over my mouth. Several girls ran forwards and surrounded me, leading me towards the bathroom that sat in the corner, the door slamming shut behind us.

“Here…” I turned to find Pavarti holding a wet towel out and nodded thanks, wiping my mouth with a shaky hand.

“Get the others, pleas, I need to talk to them” I whispered and a couple of my entourage vanished.

“Are you okay?” I nodded, giving Pavarti a warm smile.

“Fine… Probably a bug I picked up somewhere” I said absently as the door opened and the others were pushed in. More of the girls left, leaving Pavarti standing awkwardly in the middle of the room. “It’s okay, Pavarti, you can stay if you want”

“No, it’s all right… I’ll just give you some space” She backed out, smiling kindly.

“What is it?” Ron asked, looking slightly nervous.

“I thought I was going to have a vision, but then…” I waved a hand dramatically. “My ears started ringing, vision blurred and I felt like I was going to- ” I made a gagging motion, making Hermione roll her eyes.

“Do you have any idea why?” She asked, ignoring Ron’s squeamish reactions.

“I told the girls it was a bug, but they don’t believe me… They think I’m pregnant, which I’m not” I added quickly, seeing the colour drain out of Jamie’s face. “I think it was a reaction to the vision I didn’t have, which has never actually happened before”

“We really don’t need more stuff to ponder over” Harry said, sighing.

“I know that, but I have nothing to go on… I have a feeling it’s got something to do with the castle, though” I said, scrunching my nose as I thought about it. “Well, let’s go put the masses to rest, shall we? There’ll be more rumours going round otherwise” I heaved myself to my feet and wrapping my arm round Ron’s shoulders. “What’s your view, dearest cousin of mine?”

“You know, you’re not actually married, so we’re not cousins yet” He pointed out, smiling slightly.

“Whatever” I said, frowning and pushing away from him again. “Okay, before you start asking questions, I need you to listen very carefully” I said, addressing the room. “I. Am. Not. Pregnant. Do you really think that we’ve had time for that while we’ve been on the run?”

“Ali” Jamie’s voice was calm, but I heard the warning in my name easily. My lips twitched slightly and I took a step back. “Try focusing on things outside this room, okay?” Translation: ignore them and try to figure out what the hell just happened, oh, and see if it’s safe to actually be here.

“Yes, sir” I said, dropping to the floor by Harry’s feet and saluting him. He ignored me and started to address the crowd, who were asking questions again. “Stupid visions… Why are you changing?” I grumbled quietly, leaning my head into my hands. Behind my closed eyelids, odd flashes and images appeared, as if they were being flashed at me secretly, too fast to make sense and several times so I could slowly piece it together.

A series of stills of people fighting hooded figure on the lawns, people on brooms overhead, giants, Acromantula, Dementors, fires burning slowly on rubble littered round the grounds, arrows flitting through bodies and hitting their targets. Then, as if it was slapped across my face, another image appeared, lasting much longer tha the others. I studied the background first- the Forbidden Forest, that was easy to see. It was one of the small clearings I used to use for star-gazing when I was younger- close enough to the castle so I couldn’t get lost, and far enough in the trees to be completely silent. As I focused on the scene in the clearing, the sick feeling started again, so I jumped up, one hand over my mouth and the other pressed to my stomach. This time, the crowd parted and I stumbled to the bathroom on my own, everyone’s attention on Harry as he argued with Neville over something.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” I gasped and spun to find Pavarti with another wet towel, which she held out to me.

“Yeah… It turns out my visions are now linked to my gag reflexes, or something like that” I said, shrugging and slapping the towel over my face.

“You’re throwing up because of what you’re seeing?”

“Yup… It’s happening to me, and even I’m confused” I sighed, pushing away from the counter and glancing at the door. “The thing is, I need to understand what it is I’m seeing, so I know I’ll be in here again” I sighed as we walked out together. “Thanks for following me, by the way”

“When you’ve been living like this for a while, you get used to caring for others” She shrugged and I laughed. “What?”

“I’ve been living with them four and all learnt was I’m the only good cook, Hermione’s the person for helping with injuries and the boys like to argue and sleep in a lot” I said, shaking my head.

“Well… I’ll leave you with your odd visions, then” She said, grinning.

“Hey, just so you know, I’ve really missed you” I said, catching her hand as she turned.

“I missed you too, Alicia” She said quietly, hugging me. “Oh, so have a lot of the boys, but if Jamie finds out, I didn’t tell you” I laughed and pushed her away playfully. She winked and vanished into the crowd. I sighed and tugged on Jamie’s arm, catching his attention.

“Hey, I feel bad for Pavarti having to keep following me to the loo when I’m sick… I know what’s making it happen, but if I tell you, I’m going to…” I trailed off and made gagging motions again. He grabbed my hand and pulled me back into the bathroom, pausing to talk to Hermione quickly.

“If something happens, let us know” She nodded and we locked ourselves in the small room.

“Normally, I would say something about being locked in here with you, but I know what I’ve got to say next, and it’ll kill the mood” I said, hopping up onto the counter by the sink.

“So the vision’s bad?”

“It’s not actually a vision, to be exact” I said, focusing on the tile directly opposite me instead of looking at him. “It’s more like someone’s taken photos of the future and their showing them to me, really fast”

“But you caught what they were?”

“Obviously” I said, rolling my eyes. I hesitated, wondering just how much to tell him. “There’s a fight… People against masked figures- ”

“Death Eaters” He cut in, beginning to pace.

“Giants wrestling with each other, using ripped up trees as clubs to knock people out their way if they don’t stand on them… Dementors swooping round and giving the Kiss to anyone they can…” I stopped again, making him look at me. “The Acromantula attacking the castle, which is over-run with fighters from both sides… Then- then- sorry” I jumped off my makeshift seat and bent over the toilet, seeing the last scene in my head again. Jamie held my hair away from my face, which I would’ve made a joke about.

“It’s fine… You don’t need to apologise, it’s not your fault, is it?” he said, rubbing my back in soothing circles.

“No, course not” I said, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, which was shaking like mad. “There’s fifty bodies in a line, in the Hall… The fighting’s over and they’re all on our side”

“That’s what’s making you…?” He said, waving a hand awkwardly. I nodded, refusing to tell him the truth.

TaDa!

Hey, I'm new here, but I've been reading your stories! They are awesome, you've been putting such great details into them! Alicia and Jamie are quite the characters, good job creating them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by narnia_potter

Hey, I'm new here, but I've been reading your stories! They are awesome, you've been putting such great details into them! Alicia and Jamie are quite the characters, good job creating them.

Thank you.

I'm glad that you like it.

I hope you're enjoying the rest of SS, too!


Abi

Chapter Sixteen
Surprise After Surprise After Surprise

“You need to focus on now” I said, grabbing Jamie’s face and forcing him to look at me. “Forget the future! We’ll change it- we have to!” I was talking more to myself at that point, but he nodded, pulling my hands away and kissing my palm.

“Live in the present, I know” He said, planting a kiss on the inside of my left wrist quickly. I stiffened as a faint stabbing pain started in my temple. “What?” I ignored him, turning to pull open the door as Hermione stumbled to a stop.

“Situation with Harry” She said, turning and retracing her steps. I glanced back to see Jamie drawing his wand and nodding.

“Are you all right, Harry?” I heard Neville ask as we hurried to the front of the crowd. “Do you want to sit down? I expect you’ve got what Alicia’s got-”

“No” I snapped, making little shooing motions at him and he stepped aside quickly. “Harry’s fine, aren’t you?”

“We need to get going” He retorted, staring at me. I felt the colour drain from my face and I half glanced at the others to see the same reaction.

“See? Fine” I mumbled, stepping back.

“What’s the plan?” We all stared at Seamus with different reactions. Jamie and Hermione looked confused, Harry looked strained, Ron looked completely lost and I was positive I had a look of total shock plastered on my face.

“Plan?” Harry repeated, glancing round to catch the look of understanding dawn on my face.

“There’s something we- Ron, Hermione, Jamie, Harry and I- need to do” I said slowly, my hair turning the colour of golden wheat. “Then we’re leaving”

The room fell deadly silent and every eye fell on me.

“What do you mean?” Neville asked, confusion clouding his face.

“We haven’t come back to stay” I said calmly. “Leave it alone” I added, slapping Harry’s hand away from his scar.

“There’s something important we need to do-” Harry said, frowning at me, and Neville rounded on him.

“What is it?”

“We- we can’t tell you” Harry’s words made Neville’s eyebrows contract and caused a ripple of mutinous muttering to surge through the listening crowd.

“Why can’t you tell us?” Neville countered, his eyes cutting from Harry to me and back again repeatedly. “It’s got something to do with fighting You-Know-Who, right?”

“Well, yeah” Harry said, frowning at me as I slapped his hand away again.

“Of course it does, Nev” I started, trying to diffuse the mounting tension.

“Then we’ll help you” Neville cut in, sweeping an arm across the crowd of DA members, who were nodding or standing up.

“You don’t understand” Harry said, starting to sound tired. “We can’t tell you. We’ve got to do it- alone”

“Why?” Neville ordered, sounding much older than he looked.

“Because…” Harry trailed off, shooting me a desperate look.

“Because Dumbledore left the five of us a job, and he wanted just us to do it” I said, brushing strands of chocolate hair out of my face.

“We’re his Army” Neville started, and I stifled the urge to roll my eyes.

“I’m not saying you’re not!” I got in quickly, but he continued, ignoring me.

“Dumbledore’s Army. We were all in it together, remember? We’ve been keeping it going while you’ve been off on your own-”

“It hasn’t exactly been a picnic, Neville” Ron said quickly, and Neville glanced at him.

“I never said it had-”

“Good, because we’ve been through hell- and Alicia’s just found out her family is dead-” Jamie added, his wand still held tightly in his hand.

“And we’re sorry about that, really” Neville said, glancing at my face quickly. “But I don’t see why you can’t trust us!” He said, his voice getting louder. “Everyone in this Room’s been fighting and they’ve been driven in here because the Carrows were hunting them down” Neville’s serious gaze swept over us and landed on Harry. “Everyone in here’s proven they’re loyal to Dumbledore- loyal to you”

“Look-” Harry started, looking awkward.

“We got your message, Neville!” I spun round so fast my hair, which was now bright green and down to my waist, whipped Ron round the face, turning pure white. “Hello you five, I thought you must be here!”

“Lu?” Jamie frowned, lowering his wand as he helped her climb down from the tunnel entrance. Seamus’s roar of delight told me Dean was with her.

“Hi, everyone! Oh, it’s great to be back!” Luna continued, smiling happily and ignoring my look of utmost shock.

“Luna, what are you doing here? How did you- ?” Harry said, completely distracted.

“Neville” I hissed, rounding on him as my hair slowly turned to black.

“I sent for her” He said, ignoring me and holding the fake DA Galleon out for us to see. “I promised her and Ginny that if you turned up, I’d let them know”

“Ginny?” Ron repeated, frowning and becoming distracted himself.

“You- you all thought that if we came back, it would mean revolution- that we’d overthrow Snape and the Carrows” I said into the silent room, my messy black hair turning into sickly green curls. I felt Jamie step up behind me and leaned into his chest, closing my eyes.

“Of course that’s what it means!” Luna said brightly, not catching on to the strained atmosphere. “Isn’t it? We’re going to fight them out of Hogwarts?” I turned my head away and down as Jamie rubbed my arms soothingly.

“Listen, I’m sorry, but that’s not what we came back for!” Harry blurted in his panic.

“You’re going to leave us in this mess?” Michael Corner’s voice demanded.

“No! What we’re doing will benefit everyone in the end!” Ron said loudly. “It’s all about trying to get rid of You-Know-Who-”

“Then let us help you!” Neville said angrily, and his anger broke through my thoughts. “We want to be a part of it!” There was a scuffling sound behind us and I looked up to see Ginny, Fred, George and Lee climbing into the Room. Ginny gave Harry a blinding smile, who just stared at her, while the twins gave me a tight double hug, waving to the crowd.

“Abenforth’s getting a bit ratty” Fred said, as Lee replaced him, hugging me quickly before joining the crowd. “He wants a kip and his bar’s turned into a railway station” I just stared at the tunnel entrance, my hair a sickly green still but now streaked with white as Cho appeared next.

“So, what’s the plan?” George’s question brought back my anger at Neville, causing my hair to curl and darken.

“There isn’t one” Harry answered automatically, raising a hand to his burning scar.

“Just going to make it up as we go along, are we? My favourite kind-” Fred said, grinning up until the point where I cut him off.

“You’ve got to stop this!” I yelled at Neville, who took an automatic step back as the room fell deathly silent. “What did you call them all back for? This is insane-”

“Alicia!” Ginny gasped, shocked.

“We’re fighting, aren’t we?” Dean said, cutting me off and offering his fake Galleon. “The message said you were back and we were going to fight! I’ll have to get a wand, though-”

“You haven’t got a wand-” Seamus started, but Ron caught my attention as he stepped between Harry and me.

“Why can’t they help?” He asked quietly, turning to glance round at each of us.

“What?” Harry and I said together- him confused and me outraged.

“We don’t where it is, and we’ve got to find it fast. We don’t have to tell them it’s a Horcrux” Ron explained, just loud enough for us to hear.

“No” I said cuttingly, glaring at him, which he pointedly ignored. “We can’t get them involved!” I hissed. “It’s too dangerous!”

“Everything we’ve done so far is dangerous!” Ron countered, and Jamie’s hands appeared on my shoulders. Harry’s gaze swept over us quickly.

“I think Ron’s right” Hermione said, speaking at last. “We don’t even know what we’re looking for, we need them” Harry looked like he was agreeing with me. “You don’t have to do everything alone Harry”

Harry’s thoughts started churning and I glared at him. “Listen to me! You’re nothing like Dumbledore! You have us- you’re not alone! We get them involved, and it’ll end badly!” I snapped but I knew I had lost.

“All right” He murmured, glancing at Ron, Hermione and, surprisingly, Jamie.

“You agree with this?” I ground through my clenched teeth, turning round to glare at him. “After what I told you?”

“What if that happens because we leave them out?” He countered, raising an eyebrow.

“Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you” I spat, glaring at the three of them before turning to the crowd, who fell into an excited and alert silence immediately. “There’s something we need to find, something that’ll help us overthrow You-Know-Who” I said slowly, gazing into the faces carefully. “It’s here, at Hogwarts, but we don’t know where” I paused, glancing at Harry quickly and sighing. “I’m certain it belonged to Rowena Ravenclaw. Has anyone heard or come across an object of hers? Something with an Eagle on it or something?” I asked, my gaze lingering on the little knot of Ravenclaws on the far right of the group. Terry glanced at Michael, who shrugged and turned to look up at Padma, who looked to Cho, who gave me an apologetic look.

“Well, there’s her lost diadem. I told you about it, remember, Harry? The Lost diadem of Ravenclaw? Daddy’s trying to duplicate it” Luna said from the arm of Ginny’s chair, which was close to where we stood.

“Yeah, but the lost diadem is lost, Luna, that’s sort of the point” Michael said, rolling his eyes.

“Luna, remember we told you Daddy almost killed us?” Jamie said, making the twins snort with laughter at his tone before they realised what he was saying.

“Enough” I snapped, whacking Jamie in the stomach and glaring at the twins, who fell into a silence only reserved for a friend’s death bed. “When was it lost?” I demanded, my gaze sharp as I refocused on the Ravenclaws.

“Centuries ago, they say” Terry said immediately, looking slightly panicked.

“Professor Flitwick says the diadem vanished with Ravenclaw herself. People have looked, but nobody’s ever found a trace of it, have they?” Cho continued, glancing round at the others, who shook their heads. I turned to Harry, raising an eyebrow and giving him a ‘well, I told you so’ look.

“Sorry, but what is a diadem?” Ron said and despite my still slightly high temper, my lips twitched up at the side.

“It’s a sort of crown” Padma said from her perch on Terry’s chair arm. “Ravenclaw’s was supposed to have magical properties, enhance the wisdom of the wearer”

“Yes, Daddy’s Wrackspurt siphons-”

“Enough, Luna” Jamie sighed, making me hit him again.

“And none of you have seen anything like it?” Harry asked desperately. They shook their heads again and he swapped a disappointed look with the others, ignoring me.

“If you’d like to see what the diadem’s supposed to look like, I could take you up to our common room, Harry? Ravenclaw’s wearing it in her statue” Cho said nervously and I turned to narrow my eyes at her.

The room pitched suddenly and I staggered under the immense pain that suddenly appeared in my temples as Harry swayed. Whatever Voldemort was doing, it was suddenly affecting me, too.

“He’s on the move” He said quietly, pulling us closer together. I saw him glance over his shoulder at Cho, and I locked eyes with Ginny for half a second. “I know it’s not much of a lead, but I’m going to look at this statue, at least I can find out what it looks like. Wait here and keep the other one safe-”

“You are not going into the castle on your own!” I snapped, glaring at him. “We promised that after Christmas and when- when Ron came back, we weren’t going to split up again!” I said, faltering slightly over my sentence.

“Ali, we can’t all go strolling through the castle!” Jamie retorted and I squished the urge to roll my eyes at him.

“I know that, Captain Obvious, thank you” I shot at him and he smirked.

“No problem, Sargent Sarcastic” I ignored him and looked Harry directly in the eye.

“I’m coming with you”

“No way” Jamie said sharply, his voice going flat with supressed anger.

“Look, I can send you all an image of the diadem telepathically, and foresee any dangers” I said, giving Cho a quick glance.

“Fine, just be careful” Jamie sighed, sensing I wasn’t going to change my mind and kissing me briefly, making the twins wolf- whistle.

Really good!! I love it! I can't wait to continue reading more. Though, I ssuppose I'm getting bits of it confused with the one you and Emily are writing.
-Rach

Chapter Seventeen: Scary Thoughts and Scary Situations

“No” I turned, a small smile on my face, as Ginny spoke in an overly fierce voice. “Luna will take Harry, won’t you, Luna?”

“Oooh, yes, I’d like to” Luna said, hopping up happily while Cho sat down, looking rather disappointed.

“Slightly uncalled for, Ginny” I muttered, sidling up and bending to reach her ear. “I’m going with him”

“I’m not taking my chances” She mumbled and I quickly stifled a laugh.

“Well, no competition here, love, I’m all Jamie’s” I flashed her my ring, which I finally looked at. “It’s an arrow!” I stared down at my hand, barely hearing Ginny’s gasp.

“Are you serious?” She yelled, grabbing my hand and drawing everyone’s attention. “Jamie!” I moved away from her, smiling as Jamie appeared beside me. “You’re engaged! To Alicia!”

“Who else would I be engaged to, stupid!”

“That’s our cue to leave!” I said loudly, turning to Harry and Luna. “Neville, how do we get out?” He motioned for us to follow him and I blew a kiss to Jamie and Ginny over my shoulder, who were still arguing with each other about keeping secrets.

“It comes out somewhere different every day, so they’ve never been able to find it” Neville said and I could sense a flaw coming up. “Only problem is we never know where we’re going to end up when we go out” Neville shrugged, proving me right. “Be careful, they’re always patrolling the corridors at night” He warned and we nodded.

“Hey, sorry for shouting at you earlier” I said, touching his arm softly.

“It’s okay, Alicia, I’ve missed you yelling at me” He laughed and I stuck my tongue out at him.

“Alicia, hurry up!” Harry called and I scrambled up the steep staircase after them. “Get under here” He said, flinging the Cloak over us as we reached what appeared to be a dead end. I smooshed myself against him, hanging onto his arm. “Not that close, Alicia” He muttered, giving the wall a little push so that it melted away.

“For the first time in fourteen years, I’m terrified to be inside the castle” I whispered in his ear as he pulled out the Marauder’s Map and studied it, giving me a startled little look.

“We’re up on the fifth floor” Harry said, trying to calm me down. “Come on”

We walked in silence, keeping to the shadows even though we were under the Cloak, listening intently for any sounds that weren’t us. When an owl soared past the window, it’s dark shadow falling over us, I almost shrieked out loud, but Harry quickly covered my mouth, frowning.

“Sorry!” I mumbled, holding up my hands. “I’m sorry!”

“What’s with you?” He whispered, still frowning as we paused in the shadows. “One minute you’re amazingly happy, then you’re snapping at everyone, and now you’re terrified!” As he spoke, a thought flickered through my head, scaring me more than being in the middle of a school full of Death Eaters.

“It’s- it’s nothing… I’m over it now… Let’s go” I said, my voice shaking slightly from my revelation. We set off again, Luna pulling us out of the corridor we’d turned into and up a dizzying amount of tight stairs that led to a plain wooden door with a brass eagle-shaped knocker, which Luna reached out and knocked gently, the sound making both Harry and me flinch.

“Which came first, the phoenix of the flame?” A musical voice asked, coming from the knocker itself.

“What do you two think?” Luna asked, looking like she was thinking really hard over the question.

“What? Isn’t there a password?” Harry hissed, staring at her.

“Oh, no, you’ve got to answer a question” Luna answered absently.

“Because Ravenclaw house is home of the clever and wise” I mumbled. “What if you get it wrong?”

“You have to wait for someone else to get it right” She said cheerfully, smiling at us. “That way you learn, see?”

“The trouble is, Luna, we can’t really afford to wait for anyone else” Harry said quietly, his words rushed.

“And we’re Gryffindors- our traits are bravery, courage and chivalry, not brains” I added, glancing round nervously, making me look like a liar.

“No, I see what you mean” Luna said, suddenly serious. “Well then, I think the answer is that a circle has no beginning”

“Well-reasoned” The knocker said and with a sound like a soft sigh, the door swung open. We scrambled inside and I couldn’t help but look around in wonder. My eyes were drawn upwards, where stars where painted on the domed ceiling, and also found them on the midnight blue carpet. I noticed that the dark colour seemed to be the dominant colour, so I made my hair match automatically, letting the soft curls spill over my shoulders. Harry found the marble statue immediately, and he stepped out from under the Cloak, approaching it.

“Wait for me!” I hissed, slipping out and hurrying to his side. “She’s so beautiful!” I gasped, my fingers hovering inches away from the marble face. “I think she had hair like mine” I murmured absently. “So black it looked blue”

“Alicia, shut up” Harry sighed, shaking his head. “There…” He nodded towards a delicate-looking tiara set among the statue’s curls, which looked uncannily like mine.

“That’s writing” I said, narrowing my eyes slightly. We both clamoured up onto the plinth, leaning close to the cold stone.

“‘Wit beyond measure is man’s greatest treasure’” Harry read, running a finger over the etching gently.

“Which makes you two pretty skint, witless and witless” We both twisted round, lost our balance and crashed towards the floor, which made Alecto Carrow cackle even more as she pressed her fat finger to the Dark Mark on her arm twice- once for Harry, and once for me.

“Dammit!” I said angrily, pointing at her as Harry stumbled while scrambling to his feet. My Stunner merged with Luna’s and resulted in a tremendous bang, which sent Alecto sprawling across the dark carpet. “Dammit!” I repeated as the sound of footsteps echoed from above.

“I’ve never Stunned anyone except in our DA classes” Luna said with mild interest as I grabbed Harry’s upper arm.

“Luna, where are you? We need to get under the Cloak!” Harry hissed and Luna’s feet appeared as she hoisted the Cloak up. We scrambled towards her, and in a panic, I tripped on Alecto’s wand and put my hand straight through a glass-fronted cabinet.

“Er- ow” I gasped, diving towards Luna’s feet as the door that stood between us and the Ravenclaws burst open.

“Um, Alicia?” Harry whispered as the students surrounded the unconscious Death Eater warily. “Your hand’s bleeding pretty badly” I glanced at it and sighed.

“Great…” I gritted my teeth and pulled out all the glass I could, my eyes darting towards the students every now and again. Once I’d cleaned it as best as I could, I fumbled for the edge of my cloak, waiting for the right moment.

“I think she might be dead!” A First-year squeaked, bravely prodding Alecto in the bottom with his big toe.

“Oh, look! They’re pleased!” Luna said happily.

“Yeah… Great” I muttered, rolling my eyes as Harry swayed slightly, telling me he was sneaking a glimpse of whatever Voldemort was doing. Then, there was a sharp rap on the door, making the Ravenclaws fall silent and the three of us turn round slowly, so that the Cloak didn’t flap. I was still clutching the edge of my cloak, waiting to rip off a make-shift bandage.

“Where do vanished objects go?”

“I dunno, do I? Alecto? Alecto?” I recognised that uncouth voice- Amycus Carrow, Alecto’s dim-witted brother. “Are you there? Have you got ‘em? Open the door!” Terrified whispering broke out behind us, which was punctuated by squeals of fright as a series of echoing bangs made the door tremble. Several terrified students tripped over their feet as they raced back up the stairs. “ALECTO! If he comes, and we haven’t got Potter, or Daniels, or both of ‘em- d’you want to go the same way as the Malfoys?” His words reminded me of my promise to help Draco, which I had forgotten about. “ANSWER ME!”

The door shook under Amycus’s attack on it, but, thankfully, it stayed firmly shut. Under the cover of the bangs, I ripped a length off my cloak and wrapped it quickly round my torn-up hand, which had gone numb, and then caught wind of Harry’s thoughts.

‘Harry! You can’t attack him! The students will see you!’ He glanced at me as my thought rang through his head and I saw him back down slightly, even though his grip on his wand remained white-knuckled.

“May I ask what you are doing, Professor Carrow?” I felt my lips turn up in a dazed smile as Professor McGonagall’s voice drifted through the door during a pause in the Death Eater’s attack on the door, which started back up immediately.

“Trying- to get- through this damn- door!” Amycus yelled at her between bangs. This time, Harry’s warning sounded round my head.

‘We can’t do anything, remember?’

“Go and get Flitwick! Get him to open it, now!” The man demanded.

“But isn’t your sister in there?” I heard a barely detectable amount of coolness, mixed with distaste in McGonagall’s voice. “Didn’t Professor Flitwick let her in, earlier this evening, at your urgent request? Perhaps she could open the door for you? Then you needn’t wake up half the castle”

“She ain’t answering, you old besom!” Amycus yelled, ditching his attack. “You open it! Do it, now!”

“Certainly, if you wish it” I recoiled from the iciness in my Head of House’s voice, which was followed by a soft tap.

“Where do vanished objects go?”

“Into non-being, which is to say, everything” She answered smoothly.

“Nicely phrased” The remaining students sprinted for cover seconds before the door swung open and the Death Eater burst in, his beady little eyes falling onto his unconscious sister immediately.

“What’ve they done, the little whelps?” He screamed as McGonagall stepped over the threshold and stooped down to examine the witch. “I’ll Cruciate the lot of ‘em ‘till they tell me who did it- and what’s the Dark Lord going to say?” He clapped a hand to his forehead, standing over Alecto. “We haven’t got ‘em, and they’ve gorn and killed her!”

“She’s only Stunned. She’ll be perfectly all right” McGonagall said impatiently, getting to her feet. I noticed she didn’t reverse the jinx.

“No she bludgering well won’t!” Amycus bellowed at her. “Not after the Dark Lord gets hold of her! She’s gorn and sent for him, I felt me Mark burn, and he thinks we’ve got Potter and Daniels!”

“‘Got Potter and Daniels’?” McGonagall repeated sharply. “What do you mean, ‘got Potter and Daniels’?”

“He told us they might try to get inside Ravenclaw Tower, and to send for him if we caught them!”

“Why would Harry Potter and Alicia Daniels try to get inside Ravenclaw Tower? They belong in my house!” In those last five words, I heard the small amount of pride that was buried under McGonagall’s disbelief and anger, and felt a rush of affection for the professor.

“We was told they might come in here!” Amycus snapped. “I dunno why, do I?” I bit my tongue to stop myself from saying he didn’t know very much, and saw McGonagall’s sharp gaze sweep the room twice. “We can push it off on the kids” The wizard continued, looking suddenly crafty, and I felt sick. “Yeah, that’s what we’ll do. We’ll say Alecto was ambushed by the kids, them kids up there, and we’ll say they forced her to press her Mark, and that’s why he got a false alarm” I watched in disgust as he paced quickly, nodding at his plan. “He can punish them. Couple of kids more or less, what’s the difference?” It was only Harry’s shaking hand on my arm that stopped me from stepping forwards and hitting the Death Eater.

“Only the difference between truth and lies, courage and cowardice” McGonagall said, her face pale. I felt the sudden urge to hold her upright. “A difference, in short, which you and your sister seem unable to appreciate. But let me make one thing very clear. You are not going to pass off your many ineptitudes on the students of Hogwarts. I shall not permit it”

“Excuse me?” Amycus said quietly, stepping round his sister and getting offensively close to the professor. She didn’t back down, but looked down at him with a disgusted look on her face, earning my total respect forever. “It’s not a case of what you’ll permit, Minerva McGonagall. Your time’s over” he said, his voice still low as his face hovered inches from hers. “It’s us what’s in charge here now, and you’ll back me up or you’ll pay the price”

Then, he done the wrong thing- he spat straight into her face.

Harry and I both stepped out from under the Cloak, our fury ruling us at that moment. I whipped my bow off my back and notched an arrow in it so fast the actions blurred while Harry raised his wand.

“You really shouldn’t have done that” Harry said, making both adults spin round to stare at us. “Crucio!” Harry’s Unforgivable curse caused my arrow to miss and embed into the wall as the Death Eater flew, writhing and screaming, through the air before crashing into the cabinet I’d put my hand through earlier.

“You are so lucky that missed, you pathetic little man” I spat at him as McGonagall clutched at her heart.

“I see what Bellatrix meant” Harry said casually to me as I shot him an unhappy look. “You need to really mean it” I grinned, my hair turning into scarlet curls.

“Well, duh!” I laughed, rolling my eyes.

“Potter! Daniels!” She gasped, her eyes wide as she stared at us. “Potter- Alicia- you’re here! What- ? How- ?” We waited patiently for her to be able to form a complete sentence. I notched another arrow and kept it trained on the wizard. “That was foolish!”

“He just spat at you” I said, deciding that Amycus wasn’t going to be bothering us for a while and lowering my bow, turning to her.

“I- that was very- very gallant of you both- but don’t you realise- ?”

“Yeah, we do” Harry said, his voice calm and reassuring. “Professor McGonagall, Voldemort’s on the way”

“Oh, are we allowed to say the name now?” Luna asked, a faint interest clouding her voice as she pulled the Cloak off, too. I caught McGonagall by the elbow as Luna’s appearance seemed to overwhelm her and guided her into a chair as she clutched at the neck of her dressing gown.

“It doesn’t really matter now, Lu” I said casually, as if we were discussing the weather. “He knows we’re here, so…” I shrugged, perching on the arm of the chair. I glanced at Harry, who gave me access to the part of his brain connected to Voldemort’s. “Close… Not much time, is there?” I sniffed, making him smile slightly.

“You must flee” I gazed at the woman beside me, an eyebrow raised slightly. “Now, as quickly as you can!”

“Have I been gone that long, professor? You act like you don’t know me” I said, shaking my head.

“We can’t” Harry said, taking a step forwards. “There’s something we need to do. Professor, do you know where the diadem of Ravenclaw is?”

“Oh, way to be subtle about it, Harry” I muttered, rolling my eyes at him, which he ignored.

“The d- diadem of Ravenclaw? Of course not- hasn’t it been lost for centuries?” She sat up a little straighter and I jumped up, unable to sit still for long, giving my injured hand a little shake to try and get some feeling into it. “Potter, Daniels, it was madness, utter madness, for you to enter this castle-”

“Well, you know me…” I said, grinning.

“Can you shut up?” Harry shot at me, and I held up my hands in surrender. “We had to. Professor, there’s something hidden here that I’m supposed to find, and it could be the diadem- if I could just speak to professor Flitwick-”

With the sound of clinking glass, Amycus began to come round, cutting Harry off. I raised my bow and aimed right between his eyes, but McGonagall beat me to it. Rising to her feet, she pointed her wand at him calmly.

“Imperio” He stood, shook glass off his robes, shuffled over to his sister, picked up her wand, moved towards us, handed it to McGonagall, and then handed his own over. I kept my bow aimed at him as he returned to his sister and lay down on the floor beside her. With a wave of her wand, the professor conjured a length of shining silver rope, which snaked round the Death Eaters and bound them together tightly. “Potter, if He Who Must Not Be Named does indeed know you and Miss Daniels are here-” She said, making me sigh.

“Ignore the person trying to lighten the mood, that’s right” I muttered as I lunged towards Harry, who swayed and almost toppled over. His hand clamped down on Luna’s shoulder and I grabbed his upper arm tightly, wincing at what he was going through.

“Potter, are you all right?” McGonagall said sharply, looking concerned.

“This is the normal now, don’t worry” I said calmly as Harry came back, blinking rapidly. “We’re seriously running out of time”

“Voldemort’s getting nearer. Professor, we’re acting on Dumbledore’s orders, we have to find what he wanted us to!” Harry said, an edge of impatience seeping into his voice.

“But we’ve got to get the student’s out while we’re searching the castle- it’s us two Voldemort wants, but he won’t care about killing a few more or less, not now…” I added more calmly, letting my voice trail off as I locked eyes with Harry, who finished the sentence in his head.

‘Not now he knows we’re hunting Horcruxes’

“You’re acting on Dumbledore’s orders?” McGonagall repeated, wonder in her voice and face for a second, before she drew herself up to her full height. “We shall secure the school against He Who Must Not Be Named while you search for this- this object”

“Is that possible?” Harry asked, getting distracted.

“I think so” McGonagall said dryly, raising an eyebrow. “We teachers are rather good at magic, you know” I snorted with laughter at her sarcasm, earning a very small smile. “I am sure we will be able to hold him off for a while if we all put our best efforts into it. Of course, something will have to be done about professor Snape-”

“Let me- ” Harry started, but McGonagall continued talking over him, glancing at me.

“And if Hogwarts is about to enter a state of siege, with the Dark Lord at the gates, it would indeed be advisable to take as many innocent people out of the way as possible. With the Floo Network under observation and Apparition impossible within the grounds-”

“There’s a way” I said quickly, making her pause in her lecture. “There’s a tunnel that leads from the seventh floor to the Hogs Head Inn, and it isn’t being guarded- well, except for the DA, but they don’t really count”

“Daniels, we’re talking about hundreds of students- ”

“I know, professor, but if the Death Eaters and Voldemort are concentrating on the school boundaries, they won’t be interested in anyone who’s Disapparating out of the Hog’s Head” I said sneakily, and her lips gave a little twitch to the side as I pulled the arrow out of the wall.

“There’s something in that” She agreed, pointing her wand at the Carrows.

“I’ve been known to have brilliant moments” I beamed, watching as a silver net dropped out of nowhere and hoisted the Death Eaters up into the air.

“Come. We must alert the other Heads of House. You’d better put that Cloak back on” McGonagall said, glancing over her shoulder at us as she marched from the room. Luna handed the Cloak to Harry, who threw it over us and we followed her quietly. I winced as I knocked my injured hand on the wall as we descended in tight circles and followed the three silver tabby cat Patronuses McGonagall had sent ahead of us.

“Wait!” I hissed after we’d gone down two floors, making the others halt mid-step, even the teacher. “We’re not alone” In response, Harry and Luna gripped their wands tightly, and McGonagall raised her as if preparing to duel.

“Who’s there?” She demanded, spinning round to peer into the darkness. I wrapped my fingers round Harry’s wrist, pinning him to my side.

“It is I” Even though I knew it was him, at the sound of his voice, hatred flowed through me thickly, seeming to blend seamlessly with Harry’s. Snape stepped out from behind a suit of armour, wearing his usual black, and mimicking McGonagall’s readiness to fight. “Where are the Carrows?”

“Wherever you told them to be, I expect, Severus” She snapped coldly, her eyes narrowed. Harry raised his wand, ready to attack, and I raised my bow as Snape’s eyes flitted over us as if he knew we were there.

“I was under the impression, that Alecto had apprehended intruders” Snape said slowly, still taking small steps forwards.

“Really? And what gave you that impression?” McGonagall said, raising an eyebrow. As if the response was automatic, Snape flexed his left arm slightly- he’d felt the Mark burn twice on his arm. “Oh, but naturally, you Death Eaters have your own private way of communication, I forgot” Snape ignored her, still moving closer as he scanned the air for any trace of us.

“I did not know it was your night to patrol the corridors, Minerva” Snape’s voice had taken on an odd tone, but I knew better than to try and see inside his head- it would just give me away. I started forwards, not daring to lift my feet off the floor in case my heels made a noise.

“You have some objection?” McGonagall became defensive, raising her chin slightly.

“I wonder what could have brought you out of your bed at this late hour?” A prickle of unease made me roll my shoulders and I knew what he was doing.

“I thought I heard a disturbance”

“Really? But all seems calm” He finally looked at McGonagall, but not her face- her feet. “I also thought I heard heels, but I see you are not wearing any” I met Harry’s gaze quickly, a guilty look on my face, but he shook his head quickly. Then Snape met McGonagall’s eyes. “Have you seen Harry Potter or Alicia Daniels, Minerva? Because if you have, I must insist that you- ”

McGonagall’s wand slashed through the air faster than I thought possible, but Snape’s Shield Charm was just as fast, forcing her back a few steps. She pointed her wand at something above us, and we managed to duck out the way as the torch spat flames into the air where we’d been standing, which turned into a massive ring that flew at the wizard. He flicked his wand and it became a large, black snake, which McGonagall blasted into smoke and then into lethally sharp daggers. Snape pulled a suit of armour in front of him just in time for the weapons to sink into it. I raised my bow, aiming carefully.

“Minerva!” Professor Flitwick’s voice caught my attention and I glanced over my shoulder to see him and professor Sprout sprinting towards us, a panting professor Slughorn just behind them. “No! You’ll do no more murder at Hogwarts!” He squealed, raising his wand and aiming. Snape’s make-shift shield came to life with a loud clatter and seemed to give him a bone-crushing hug, which he managed to wriggle out of, sending it flying towards us.

Harry grabbed me from behind, forcing me to the side as it crashed against the wall and shattered. Snape turned and fled, three out of the four professors tailing him closely. I tore off after them, leaving Harry and Luna behind me, and passing Sprout quickly.

“Alicia?” I heard her say as she stumbled slightly. I sprinted past her, my heels loud against the stone floor and past Flitwick.

“Miss Daniels!”

“Move” I yelled, taking aim at Snape’s back as a classroom door was blown off its hinges. McGonagall glanced back and dived to the side as I let loose with deadly aim, the arrow slicing through the air and hitting his shoulder. He stumbled, giving me time to reload. Then, he did something I didn’t expect- he ran straight across the room and dived through the window. I automatically lowered my bow, racing to the window and looking down. Nothing.

“There!” McGonagall said, stepping up beside me and pointing to the sky. I took aim again, but then yelled in frustration as he got out of range.

“Alicia, my dear!” I turned to look at professor Flitwick, but noticed my bloody arrow strewn on the floor. “How- ?”

“Coward! COWARD!” McGonagall cried suddenly through the window, making me jump.

“What’s happened, what’s happened?” I heard Luna say from far down the corridor.

“Professor Flitwick, professor Sprout, it’s nice to see you again” I said stiffly, picking the arrow up and giving them strained smiles. “Well, maybe if the situation wasn’t as terrifying, it could be better”

“My dear, it’s always a pleasure” Sprout said, giving me a surprised smile.

“He jumped” I said bitterly, motioning to the smashed window, as Harry and Luna skidded to halt in the doorway behind the two confused professors.

“You mean he’s dead?” Harry sprinted past me, repeating my mistake and looking down as Flitwick and Sprout yelled in shock. Obviously three wanted teenagers in one place was a bit of a surprise.

“No, he’s not- yet” I said bitterly, using the bloody arrow to point at the bat-like shape flying towards the perimeter. “He still had his wand, and his master’s been teaching him new tricks… I’d love to shoot him out of the air, it would just make my day” I said murderously, glaring after him. Heavy footfalls and loud panting made me turn round as Slughorn finally caught up.

“Harry! Alicia! What a surprise… Minerva, do please explain… Severus… What…?” He said eventually, massaging his chest and completely ignoring Luna.

“Our Headmaster is taking a short break” McGonagall said, copying my bitter tone as she pointed to the window. Just then, Harry crashed sideways into me, his hands pressed firmly over his scar. I cringed away from him for a second, before hurrying to support him.

“Minerva! Our time limit just shorter! He’s coming now!” I shouted, trying to ignore Harry’s immense pain, but the contact seemed to make it worse. Using her name seemed to shake her out of her bitter thoughts.

“Very well. He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named is coming” She said, turning to the others. Flitwick and Sprout gasped while Slughorn groaned. “These two have work to do in the castle on Dumbledore’s orders. We need to put in place every protection of which we are capable, while they do what they need to do”

“You realise, of course, that nothing we do will be able to keep out You-Know-Who indefinitely?” Flitwick squeaked. I opened my mouth to say something, but professor Sprout beat me to it.

“But we can hold him up”

“Thank you, Pomona” McGonagall said, a grim look passing between them that I didn’t want to understand. “I suggest we establish basic protection around the place, then gather our students and meet in the Great Hall. They should be evacuated- ”

“Those who are over-age and want to fight should be able to” I cut in quickly, my voice like steel, making sure nobody argued with me. “As well as every member of the DA”

“Agreed” Sprout said immediately, surprising me. She was already turning towards the door. “Minerva, I shall meet you in the Great Hall in twenty minutes with my house” She jogged towards the exit. “Tentacula. Devil’s Snare. And Snargaluff pods… Yes, I’d like to see the Death Eaters fighting those” She muttered to herself.

“I can act from here” Flitwick said, moving to the window that he could barely see out of.

“Professor” Harry said suddenly, causing everyone to look at him. “Professor, I’m sorry to interrupt, but this is important. Have you got any idea where the diadem of Ravenclaw is?” He asked, approaching Flitwick as he waved his wand in ways that would have killed my hands instantly.

“Protego horribilis- the diadem of Ravenclaw?” He squeaked. “A little extra wisdom never goes amiss, Potter, but I hardly think it would be much use in this situation!”

“We’re not interested in wearing it” I said loudly, making the tiny wizard glance at me.

“Do you know where it is? Have you seen it?” Harry continued.

“Seen it? Nobody has seen it in living memory! Long since lost, boy!” Harry thanked him, his face contorted with desperate disappointment.

“We shall see you and your Ravenclaws in the Hall, Filius!” McGonagall said, motioning for us to follow her. We reached the doorway as Slughorn found his voice.

“My word…” I looked at him, taking in his large, pale, sweaty face. “What a to-do! I’m not at all sure whether this is wise, Minerva. He is bound to find a way in, you know, and anyone who has tried to delay him will be in most grievous peril-”

“I shall expect you and the Slytherins in the Great Hall in twenty minutes, also” McGonagall said sharply. “If you wish to leave with your students, we shall not stop you”

“But if any of you try to take up some sort of resistance against us, remember that we’re fighting to kill” I threatened, making him give my bow and me a shocked look.

“Alicia! My dear girl- !”

“Alicia is right, Horace” McGonagall snapped, giving me a quick bow of her head. “If you attempt to sabotage our plans, or try to take up arms against us, we duel to kill”

“Minerva!”

“The time has come for Slytherin House to decide upon its loyalties” She said, cutting off his shocked remark. “Go and wake your students, Horace” With that, she turned and ran through the door with Harry, Luna and me right behind her. “Piertotum- oh, for heaven’s sake, Filch, not now- !”

“Students out of bed! Students in the corridors!” He shouted, hobbling into view. I saw Harry snatch the Cloak off the floor and shove it into his pocket.

“They’re supposed to be, you blithering idiot!” McGonagall shouted at him, and I wondered vaguely how long she wanted to call him that. “Now go and do something constructive! Find Peeves!”

“P- Peeves?”

“Yes, Peeves, you fool, Peeves! Haven’t you been complaining about him for a quarter of a century? Go and fetch him, at once!” Filch left, muttering under his breath. “And now- piertotum locomotor!” Statues and suits of armour burst into life around us, and I guessed it had happened all over the school from the distant crashes and screams. “Hogwarts is threatened! Man the boundaries, protect us, do your duty to our school!” They stampeded past, yelling and making a lot of noise. I grinned at her, giving her thumbs up. “I’ve always wanted to use that spell” I laughed heartily as we continued down the corridor.

“Harry- take Luna and get the others to the Hall” I ordered and he glanced at me. “I’ll meet you in there- tell Jamie I’m fine” I added and he nodded. “Professor- you’re the figure of authority round here, get to the Hall and I’ll get the Gryffindors” She gave me a shocked look. “I think it’s time our Headmistress was reinstated”

“V- very well” She stammered and I had the weird image of her hugging me. “The password is Dragon Root” We parted at the next staircase- McGonagall going down, Harry, Luna and me going up. We ran in silence until it came to parting again.

“Behave” I demanded, hugging Luna hard and kissing Harry’s cheek. “Say hello to everyone for me- and I mean everyone” I didn’t give them a chance to ask, turning and taking the stairs two at a time.

The empty corridors echoed the sounds coming from the floors below, making it all seem surreal. The familiar route to Gryffindor Tower took a little amount of time, and I skidded to stop in front of the Fat Lady, who was snoring loudly.

“Hey!” I shouted, tapping my foot impatiently. “WAKE UP!” I yelled and she gave a startled snort.

“Where did you come from?” She asked, frowning at me.

“Never mind- it’s a long story” I said, glaring. “Dragon Root” She swung open and I moved aside quickly for a statue of Godric Gryffindor to climb out. I glanced at him over my shoulder, shrugged and scrambled inside, heading straight for the boys staircase. “UP! GRAB YOUR WANDS! GET UP! DOWNSTAIRS! COME ON! UP, UP, UP! GET UP!” I yelled, kicking open the doors as I passed them. “WAKEY, WAKEY! HURRY UP! GET UP AND GET DOWN TO THE COMMON ROOM WITH WANDS, NOW!”

“Alicia?”

“Alicia Daniels?”

“Daniels?” I ignored the voices and charged up the girls’ staircase, repeating myself.

“UP! GET DOWNSTAIRS! WAKEY, WAKEY! UP, UP, UP! THERE’S NO TIME TO DO YOUR HAIR! GET YOUR WAND AND GET DOWNSTAIRS! GRAB A CLOAK OR A DRESSING GOWN! WHAT PART OF NOW DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?”

“What’s going on?” Someone called across the room, the entire house crammed themselves into the Common Room as I climbed onto a table.

“Where did she come from?”

“Alicia!”

“Alicia!”

“HOLD IT!” I yelled angrily, holding up a hand and creating purple sparks above me. “All houses are being called to Hall for an emergency meeting!” I said clearly, glancing round at them.

“Why?” Someone yelled from the back. “Has Sirius Black broken in again?”

“Sirius Black was innocent of all the crimes he was charged of, and if I ever catch someone bad mouthing him, I’ll personally see to your painful deaths- am I understood?” I threatened, and the room fell silent. “Good. Yes, I know, it’s quite a shock to see me back and all that, but we have a very precise deadline we’re working against- I need you to get to the Hall without being complete idiots”

“Where’s professor McGonagall?”

“She’s busy” I said, waving it away quickly. “Right, if I tell you something, will you listen to me and do as I say?” I shouted as muttering started. “While I’ve been gone, I’ve learnt a lot of things that you can’t learn here- one of them is how to survive” I said into the silent room. “I had to be prepared to kill to stay alive, so I won’t hesitate if you mess me about! I don’t want to scare you, but I’m losing my patience!” There was a moment’s pause, where the only sound was breathing. “I need everyone to go to the Hall, without being complete idiots, where you will be told what is going on. If you’re still having trouble understanding me, let’s say I’m your temporary Head of House, appointed by the Headmaster himself” I lied, flashing my fake Mark to the room. “Now, follow me”

It worked. They followed silently, falling into two lines. I felt bad about lying to them- they were my family away from home. The crowds of scrambling students seemed to part for us, and I felt eyes fall on my fake Mark. We reached the Hall and I walked straight past the Gryffindor table, which the students filled silently, and headed for the High Table, which was filling with teachers.

“H- how’d you get them to behave like that?” McGonagall frowned, taking in their sombre faces.

“Lies, threats, and a Dark Mark” I said awkwardly, rubbing the back of my neck. She frowned at me and I sighed. “I know, I know… as soon as they sit down, I’ll tell them the truth”

“Good” She said, turning away from me.

“Hang on- I’ll need a professor’s support! They just see Ali, the girl who was always top of the class- I’m not her anymore” I said quickly and she gave me a long look, which lingered on my bow.

“That, Miss Daniels, is obvious”

“The Centaurs taught me how to shoot” I explained, even though I knew she already knew.

“Come along- we’ll tell them quickly” She led me to the head of the table, and every face turned to us. “Alicia was told to bring you here as a favour to me. There is a situation where I couldn’t collect you myself. I admit, her methods need a bit of work, but Gryffindor house is the first house organised, and I’m proud of her for that” She called, granting me a small smile. “As for the threats she may had made, I’m sure she didn’t mean them”

“Nah… Well, except for that one about Sirius- sorry” I added innocently, catching her raised eyebrow.

“You can still trust Alicia, as she is still a member of this house” With that, she motioned for me to follow her back to the High table. “Have we learnt what threatening our house-mates does?” She asked, tugging on one of my black curls.

“Yes, professor” I grinned, my hair turning scarlet.

“Alicia?” I froze mid-step, dropping my bow, and McGonagall carried on without me. “Is it true?”

“It depends on the rumour” I whispered, not turning round and closing my eyes tightly. “I heard that the lower school Divination teacher argued with the Death Eaters that had taken over the school about his daughter- is that true?”

“Yes” Was the only answer I got. “Is it true that the lower school Divination teacher’s daughter dropped out of school to break into the Ministry of Magic, barely escaped from Death Eaters just after Christmas, got captured by Snatchers, was tortured by Death Eaters, escaped said Death Eaters, broke into the wizarding bank and escaped on the back of a dragon, only to return to the place she had left, where she then attacks two of the Death Eater teachers in the Common Room of a house that wasn’t hers, and then shoots the Death Eater Headmaster in the shoulder, all while holding off the greatest Dark Wizard the community has seen in centuries?”

“Sounds about right, yeah” I said weakly, making him chuckle. “Although you missed out the part where she gets her friends in danger a couple of times because of her short temper, she nearly dies in the attempt to escape the Death Eaters- twice, she brings a war down onto the school… What else?” I turned, throwing myself into Firenze’s arms. “Oh yeah, she got engaged and she thinks she might be pregnant” That made him pause, lean back and stare at me. “Wait for it, that’s just the tip of the dung heap for the daughter’s story yet!” I said, glancing up into his pale blue eyes. “She has visions of the future, see? So nothing can surprise her- but when she’s has a vision showing her scenes from the war that’s slowly starting round her, ending in her dead body, she decides that the pregnancy scare is just that- a scare”

Whatchya Think?

Hey Abi! Wonderful post!!!
Ok, what is going on at the end of this post, I can honestly say that I am confused. Starting from:
to the end. I think I may have read it a little too fast, idk. PM or VM me a summary? Pretty please?
And what is the freakin realization she has?!?!? Tell me! Sorry about the impatience.
And is the pregnancy really just a scare?

Okayy, Rach... Here's your summary:

Alicia and Firenze are recapping everything dramatic that's happened to them, by pretending that they're talking about other people... It's sort of their way of getting straight to the point. And I can't tell about the 'scare' yet!


Chapter Eighteen: Taking Charge

“You think?” He repeated, making me frown at him.

“Out of all of everything we just listed, you only repeat the word think?”

“It is you- you never think” He said plainly, touching my cheek lightly.

“Is that a compliment?” I frowned again, making him chuckle.

“Oh, how I’ve missed you!” He said, hugging me tightly. Instead of releasing me, he pulled me onto his back and joined the teachers at the High Table, who suddenly started to recognise me.

“Alicia!” I turned automatically at my name to find professors Vector and Sinistra staring at me with shocked expressions.

“Hey, it’s nice to be back” I said, giving a little wave. “Okay, so, what do we do?” I asked, resting my chin on Firenze’s shoulder.

“We go against everything I have ever taught you” Firenze replied, glancing back at me. “We fight against your vision, and make sure we change it”

“I’m thinking that’s slightly easier said than done” I muttered darkly and he jolted me a little. “Hey! What was that for?” I demanded, clutching his shoulders and frowning.

“For being negative” He scolded. “You have not told Jamie about your vision or your thoughts”

“Why would I do that?” I said, rolling my eyes. “The way we’ve been fighting lately, you’d think it was Jasmine and me” He made an amused sound that mixed with something sour, and I moved on quickly. “He’d probably lock me in one of the dungeons to keep me from danger”

“It would stop the vision, I guess” Firenze said, sounding like I’d just given him a good idea.

“No, it wouldn’t” I countered in a sing song voice. “I’d end up killing myself just for the sake of it”

“Hilarious, young one” He said dryly. “I see your humour has improved”

“You bet!” I said cheerfully, grinning fakely. “I’m a great big bundle of joy after ten months in a tent in the middle of nowhere!” A block of red caught my attention then, and I glanced at the door. “They took their time!” I slid gracefully to floor and skipped forwards. “Save my seat!” I called over my shoulder, getting a chuckle in response.

“There you are!” Bill caught me up in a breath-taking hug as I stopped beside him, beaming. “We thought you’d already done a runner”

“Correction- you all thought” Jamie said, coming up behind me as Bill set me down. “I told them you’d be with Firenze”

“I’ve just met up with him, actually” I said, spinning and kissing him quickly and Bill laughed while Fleur swooped in for a hug. “I was rounding up the Gryffindors” I motioned to them grandly, curtsying when they clapped. “Thank you, thank you, you’re too kind! So, where’s Percy hiding?”

“I also told them that they couldn’t hide things, but do they listen?” Jamie said, smiling smugly at Bill, kissing my temple and then turning to face the doors. “PERCE! I FOUND HER!” I saw several red-heads streak towards me and I darted behind Bill, who tried to push me away quickly, but they crashed into him.

“How old are all of you again?” Sean said, following the sound of laughter and appearing with the other adults and Firenze.

“I’m not sure about the others, but Alicia is eighteen going on six”

“No fair, Firenze!” I scowled as everyone laughed. I crossed my arms over my chest and looked pointedly in the other direction, dropping to the floor and grinning. “You can’t prove it!” I said in a childish tone, which made them laugh harder.

“If we’re quite finished, Miss Daniels” I stood quickly, smiling innocently at McGonagall’s stern look. “Thank you. I assume you’re going to join us for the briefing?” She said, turning to look at the adults.

“We think we should join the children, seeing as they’re so immature” Bill said, glancing at his uncle, who nodded.

“Bit hard, really, seeing as I’m at the briefing, too” I said, sniffing at their surprised looks. “I’m the Seer, remember?” They shrugged and moved away to sit at the Gryffindor table.

“It shall begin shortly, Alicia” McGonagall said, her voice stern still. “Be quick” She nodded to the older Weasleys, and then turned away.

“Be quick… Okay, I can do that” I hugged Percy tightly, making him wince. “Glad to see you’ve come to your senses”

“It was bound to happen at some point, right?” He said, smiling slightly.

“At least it happened” I shot at him before I let go. “Well, if you spread that hug round, I think that counts as quick” I gripped Firenze’s forearm and let him hoist me onto his back. “Okay, who’s coming- wait, where’s Ginny?”

“Room of Requirement still” Remus said, taking my outstretched hand and kissing it. “My Lady”

“Funny” I said, rolling my eyes. “I would say hello, but you left Tonks at her mother’s”

“To look after Teddy” He countered, which I waved away absently.

“Whatever… As I was saying, who’s coming with me?” Jamie went to take my hand for me to pull him up by I glared at him. “No, you’re helping Harry, Ron and Hermione. Somebody else?” Nobody said anything, making me shrug. “Okay, just me then. I’ll see you and Kingsley up front” I said to Remus, who nodded as Firenze set off.

“Quicker than I thought you’d be” McGonagall said as I jumped to the floor beside her. Remus and Kingsley joined us after a few minutes of teacher’s gawking at me and then we launched into a very quick plan-making meeting.

“Quiet!” The four house tables fell silent as McGonagall stepped forwards. “As you may have seen, a few people have joined us, including a few familiar faces” She waved vaguely to the Gryffindor table and to the members of the Order that mingled with the teachers. Several people caught sight of my fake Mark, which was still on my arm, and started whispering.

“Sorry! I forgot about that” I tapped it absently, making it wipe itself off. “Now shut up”

“Thank you, Miss Daniels” McGonagall shot at me before turning to address the school again. “They’ve joined us because we are preparing to barricade the school against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named-” Again, whispering broke out throughout the tables. “We have agreed that it would be safer to evacuate all students from the school. Alicia?”

“The evacuation point is up on the seventh floor, opposite the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy trying to teach trolls ballet. Dumbledore’s Army has made sure the evacuation point remains open, so if you get separated from your house, you know where to go” I said loudly, pulling my long black hair up into a high ponytail with the same piece of scarlet ribbon I used for breaking into Gringotts. “I’ve explained everything to our lookout, so she’s waiting for the first group of students. Unfortunately, we haven’t got people to Apparate you out once you’re on the other side, so you need to group up with someone can” I said, watching as Harry appeared in the doorway, his eyes falling on me.

“The evacuation will be overseen by Mr Filch and Madam Pomfrey. Prefects, when I give the word, you will organise your house and take your charges, in an orderly fashion, to the evacuation point” McGonagall continued.

‘You okay?’ He looked lost as my thoughts echoed in his head.

‘He’s at the gates’ That cheerful thought-message had my hair turning a sickly green. I nodded absently and Harry began skirting the walls, glancing round at the petrified students.

“And what if we want to stay and fight?” Ernie Macmillan shouted as he stood up at the Hufflepuff table. McGonagall went to answer, but I touched her arm, stepping forwards again.

“He’s one of ours” I muttered and she nodded, letting me take the floor once more. “The DA members are expected to do their part, naturally, but if you are of age, you can stay” That news was met with a smattering of applause and the twins chanting ‘DA, DA,DA’ over and over.

“What about our things?” A girl called from the Ravenclaw table. “Our trunks, our owls?”

“There’s no time for possessions” I answered sharply, making the adults glance at me nervously. “The important thing is getting you lot out safely”

“Where’s professor Snape?” I didn’t answer the Slytherin girl at first, letting a bitter look of disappointment fall across my face.

“He has, to use the common phrase, done a bunk” McGonagall replied, her words being followed by a load cheer from the other tables.

“He’ll be doing more than bunking off if I get him in range again” I said, over the noise, making the professor nod in agreement. I noticed that Harry had started to draw attention to himself then, catching the faces that turned towards him and the whispers that broke out every few feet.

“You can’t take Snape, Alicia” Remus said calmly, causing McGonagall to glance at him.

“She almost had him a few times tonight” She shot at him. “Due to people getting in the way and his knack of being able to slip away, he still lives” Remus gave me a shocked look, and I waved my bow at him, which was already notched with a waiting arrow and held in my hand.

“I don’t mean to brag, but I can hit a moving target from twenty seven feet away, in the dark” I said, smiling slightly. “The Centaurs don’t call me Huntress for nothing”

“She is lethal with a longbow” Firenze chimed in as the noise died down.

“We have already placed protection around the castle, but it is unlikely to hold for very long unless we reinforce it. I must ask you, therefore, to move quickly and calmly, and do as your-”

“WAIT!” I screamed, cutting her off and running to the nearest wall, pressing my hand against it as an uneasy prickling falling over my skin, making it twitch uncomfortably.

“I know you are preparing to fight” Loud enough to drown out the startled screams, Voldemort’s voice echoed through the room, seeping out the walls themselves. “Your efforts are futile. You cannot fight me. I do not want to kill you. I have great respect for the teachers of Hogwarts. I do not want to spill magical blood” I raised my bow uselessly, aiming at the ceiling as I locked eyes with first Jamie, and then Harry, in the pressing silence. “Give me Harry Potter, and Alicia Daniels, and none shall be harmed. Give them to me, and I shall the school untouched. Give them to me, and you shall be rewarded. You have until midnight” Silence fell over the Hall again, more pronounced than ever.

“But they’re there! Someone grab them!” Pansy yelled, rising from the Slytherin table and alternating pointing between us. Firenze forced my bow to the side and down before I could take aim, un-notching the arrow just in case, while the other three houses stood to defend Harry.

“Thank you, Miss Parkinson” McGonagall said, her words clipped short. “You will leave the Hall first with Mr Filch. If the rest of your house could follow”

“Wait” I called, glaring at the Slytherin. “Jamie, throw something when I say so” I saw him stand and snatch something off Fred. “If any of you try to fight against us while inside this castle, know how quickly I will kill you” I said, my quiet threat echoing in the silence. “Now” Jamie launched an apple into the air, and with blinding movements, I notched an arrow, aimed and released. There was a collective gasp as the arrow pierced the apple, pulling it through the air and pinning it to the door on the other side of the room. “Think yourselves warned”

“You may leave now” McGonagall said, not attempting to lighten my threat, but making it heavier by watching the retreating Slytherins carefully. “Good shot” She added, glancing at me briefly. I nodded in thanks as a couple of teachers whispered frantically behind us. “Ravenclaws, follow on!” She cried and I scrambled for the Gryffindor table quickly.

“You’re scary, did you know that?” George said, giving me a weak smile.

“That’s with a bad hand, too” I said, grinning and holding out my hand as evidence. “I sort of tripped and put my hand through a glass door in the Ravenclaw Common Room” I added quickly, catching the look on Jamie’s face. “I’m only here for a few seconds, then Kingsley will want me back up there-” As I said it, his smooth voice travelled over the sound of the leaving Hufflepuffs.

“Alicia!”

“Hold your Hippogriffs!” I yelled at him, rolling my eyes. “As I was saying, you need to get going, don’t you?” I said meaningfully to Jamie and Harry. “And where are Ron and Hermione?”

“That, is a good question” Harry muttered, glancing at me as I made an annoyed sound.

“For Merlin’s sake! We don’t have time to play games!” I snapped, frowning at the ceiling.

“Alicia!”

“I know!” I yelled, scowling in Kingsley’s direction. “Well, there’s no point crying over spilt potion, is there? Go and find them, then get busy! I’ll be a half-thought away, okay?” I said, backing away slowly as McGonagall came down to move along the younger Gryffindors who had stayed in their seats. “Dennis! There’s no way you’re staying!” I snapped, pulling him to his feet and giving him a little push towards the door. “I love you, be careful, don’t die, and all that” I continued, watching Jamie.

“Alicia!”

I blew kisses to them and turned, storming through the crowd. “Don’t get your wand in a knot, Kingsley! I’m coming, aren’t I?” I shouted and several people laughed. “See? I’m here, now! I have priorities, you know!” I snapped, waving my ring in Kingsley’s face erratically. There was still a fair amount of noise in the Hall, making me sigh in frustration. “Do I have to do everything round here, now?” I muttered, making Remus try to stifle a laugh. “HEY! Listen up!” The room fell silent immediately. “Shall I talk for you?”

“We’ve only got half an hour until midnight, so we need to act fast!” Kingsley said, stepping forwards as Remus pulled me into a headlock. “A battle plan has been agreed between the teachers of Hogwarts, the Order of the Phoenix, and Dumbledore’s Army. Professors Flitwick, Sprout and McGonagall are going to take groups of fighters up to the three highest Towers- Ravenclaw, Astronomy and Gryffindor- where they’ll have a good overview, excellent positions from which to work spells”

“Meanwhile, Remus- who’s an idiot” I said, pushing him off me and pointing to him. “Arthur” Uncle Arthur gave a little wave from the Gryffindor table. “Kingsley” I jerked my head towards him as I stepped up beside him. “Firenze and I will take groups into the grounds. We’ll need two very important twins to organise defence of the entrances of the passageways into the school”

“Consider it done” Fred said, giving me a wicked grin.

“And, as a few last minute extras, I want all those who were on the Quidditch teams on brooms for an aerial attack” I saw Oliver Wood receive a high-five from Angelina across the table. “And I want the DA to spread out through the groups evenly, which is about everything”

“All right, leaders up here and we’ll divide the troops!”

“No matter what, I want Luna!” I added, making the blonde laugh.

<3

Last Updated: 30/10/2011

Reactivated on authors request.

I apologise for the wait, I accidently clicked DON'T SAVE and had to redo the lot...

But I have managed to catch up to where I was!

Chapter Nineteen: Tortured and Captured

My group was forced to scatter as a foot appeared above us. Luna tried to stay with me as long as possible, but I gave her a light shove towards the castle.

“Go, Lu- I’ll be fine” I said, nodding encouragingly. She gave me one more wide-eyed look before vanishing into the fight. There was a shattering bang, and I watched as part of the castle wall exploded, revealing fighters in the exposed corridor while Acromantula scaled the building.

“Alicia” I spun at my name. Remus was fighting with Dolohov, whose mask was forgotten. “Get to the castle- now!”

“Do you even know me?” I retorted, shaking my head as I worked my way towards him, firing arrows at passing Death Eaters. As I reached him, three figures detached themselves from the crowd and ran at us. I automatically shot at them, but they knocked the arrow away with a wave of a wand.

“Don’t shoot!” A man shouted and I lowered my bow quickly.

“Sorry!” I said as Sean, Sophie and another figure appeared. “What are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t stand it, not knowing” Tonks said, accepting my fierce hug. “Mother has Teddy, she said she’d look after him for us” She directed at Remus, who nodded, still fighting Dolohov.

“I can’t believe you shot at us” Sean said to me, shaking his head.

“You came straight at me during a war- what d’you expect?” I said defensively, hitting a Death Eater in the shoulder as they came at Sophie. “I wasn’t exactly going to take my chances, seeing as they’re meant to be here for me”

“Exactly- which is why you need to get to the castle” Remus demanded as Sophie and Sean began to duel with two masked Death Eaters.

“Wait- what?” Tonks said, frowning as she rushed to help her husband.

“Oh right, you missed it- Voldemort wants me to join him while he wants Harry dead” I shrugged, trying to get a clear view on Dolohov, but Remus kept getting in the way. As I went to snap at him, a ringing laugh started in the darkness. Sean and Sophie turned towards the sound, and were blasted off their feet.

“Sean! Sophie!” Remus shouted, trying to reach them. I rushed to their sides, dropping my bow and fumbling to find pulses.

“Please, please, please!” I cried, knowing Tonks had moved to stand over me protectively. “Yes!” Relief washed through me as I felt the steady beat of life in both wrists. “They’re alive! They’re alive!” I said happily, glancing up at the witch. Before I could perform the counter-curse, however, the laughter started again, this time closer than before. Tonks and Remus both looked round, but I spotted her first, snatching my bow up and taking aim. “You” I snarled, making them both spin round. “Remus- watch your fight!” I snapped, feeling like the professor for once.

“Manners, pretty girly” She scolded, malicious laughter echoing across the space between us. “Remember to respect- your- elders” She shot a Cruciatus curse at me with each word, making me duck to the side.

“I hope you don’t mean yourself” I said cheerfully, taking aim into her face, but her attention had turned to Tonks.

“Aunt” She spat, glaring.

“You are no family of mine” Bellatrix snapped, her wand slashing through the air. Tonks retaliated, snapping at me to take care of Sean and Sophie. I grabbed the back of Sean’s robes and dragged him out of harm’s way, then done the same to Sophie.

“Rennervate” I said quickly, waving a hand over their faces.

“What happened?” Sean said immediately, sitting upright.

“I think it was Stunners, I’m not sure” I said, standing between them and offering them both a hand. “You scared me for a second, just to let you know”

“Sorry” Sophie said sincerely. “Where’re Tonks and Remus?”

“Remus is still fighting Dolohov” I said, watching the two fights from our safe spot. “That laughter was Bellatrix- Tonks is fighting her. She told me to take you someplace safe, so I did”

“Since when have to listened to advice?” Sean teased, and I pulled a face at him.

“I’ve always listened to Tonks- she’s like another sister to me” I added, and I spotted the pity cross their faces quickly.

“We need a plan” Sophie said, watching the fighting through the trees. I leaned against a pine tree, resting my bow against my legs. “I think Alicia should stay in here-”

“Sorry?” I said, frowning.

“It’s safer in here than it is out there” She said quickly.

“No offense, but you can see those Acromantula out there, can’t you? They’re not exactly hard to miss” I snapped, pointing towards the castle. “Their Hollow has obviously been turned into a camp for the enemy- so nowhere is safe anymore”

“Nobody knows the Forest like you-”

“Voldemort knows enough- he lived in here during my first year” I said, motioning to the trees behind us.

“Jamie may have mentioned that to us before” Sean allowed, sounding awkward. “What if she stays with us?” He said, looking at his wife. “We can keep an eye on her, keep her out of trouble” I snorted, which they both ignored.

“I can take care of myself, thank you very much” I said defiantly, crossing my arms over my chest. “The girl you knew hasn’t come out of hiding yet” I added, my voice softer. They both looked at me for two seconds.

“You stay with us, fight with us- like an equal” Sophie said eventually. I nodded, reaching for my bow as I scanned the battle ground.

“Where are they?” I said, snapping upright, my bow forgotten at my feet. “Where’s Tonks and Remus? I can’t see them” Both adults looked out, searching.

“There!” Sophie said, pointing. I sprinted out of the trees, towards the two fighters, leaving my bow behind me and causing Sean to swear as they followed me. Then it happened- the two Death Eaters had the couple back to back and the jets of green light illuminated the area, hitting both Order members squarely in the chest.

“No!” I shouted, pushing myself faster. I heard Sophie stumble to a halt behind me, but Sean continued to chase after me. “No!” I skidded to a stop, falling to my knees beside them and fumbling for their wrists, trying to check for a pulse. I heard Bellatrix laugh as Dolohov loomed over me, his wand pointed into my face.

“Alicia” Sean said, swiping his wand through the air and forcing the Death Eater back several steps.

“Gone” I whispered, dropping their wrists and wrapping my arms round my head, hiding my face in my lap. “All my fault… Shouldn’t have run… Because of me-”

“Are you feeling guilty for your friends deaths, pretty girly?” Bellatrix’s voice breathed in my ear, making me scramble to my feet, my hand groping for a bow that wasn’t there. “Your boyfriend’s mummy and daddy are too busy to help you” She said, walking round my in a close circle, a hand running through my long lavender coloured hair, making me jerk away from her. She was right- they were both duelling Dolohov, who was sneering at Sophie.

“They were brave too, just like you- it took six of us to kill them, and they were cowards”

“Gideon and Fabian were heroes!” Sophie shouted, her wand slashing furiously.

“So, I think we should play a little game, don’t you?” Bellatrix said, whispering into my ear as she rested her chin on my shoulder again.

“You’ll have to catch me first” I hissed at her before sprinting for the tree line. Her laughter echoed behind me as she followed. Running into a Forest with a crazy killer witch behind me without any way to defend myself wasn’t exactly one my smarter plans, but I did it anyway.

“You know death is the only option you have left now, Alicia” Bellatrix called as I dived behind trees and jumped thorn bushes. “The Dark Lord doesn’t need you to join us once your little friend is dead” I ignored her taunting, continuing through the Forest at high speed. “Everyone you love is dead, Alicia- or dying, well, at least they will be soon” She laughed and her curse hit me in the small of my back, making me fly towards the ground face first. Pain erupted, spreading quickly from where the curse hit until it consumed me, making me scream in agony. I didn’t know how long it lasted- seconds, minutes, hours maybe- but eventually, Bellatrix raised her wand and came to crouch beside, grabbing my hair and forcing me onto my back.

“Go to hell” I whispered, glaring weakly up at her and making her laugh as she let my head go, letting it smash against a sharp rock that was embedded in the leafy floor. I felt the blood begin to seep through my hair, which was a snowy white colour.

“You’re very persistent, aren’t you?” She said, cocking her head to the side as she watched me. “A fighter till the end, I see. Crucio” This time I knew it was coming- I could read it in her dark eyes. Again, I wasn’t sure on the time passing by, gasping for breath as the pain receded and Bellatrix’s face loomed above me again. “Most would have given in by now- begged for death. But not you” I managed to spit at her between breaths. “Naughty, naughty” She scolded, smacking me lightly on the arm. I’d hit my head again on the rock, this time at the front of my head, so that the blood trickled into my eyes. “What shall we do- oh” Her tone changed and she glanced down at her exposed Dark Mark seconds before Voldemort’s voice echoed round the clearing and the grounds, calling his Death Eaters back to him and giving Harry and me a deadline to hand ourselves over. “Well, doesn’t that make it easier” Bellatrix said happily, wrapping her hand in my hair and forcing me to my feet. “Let’s go for a little walk, shall we?”

It was only a few minutes of stumbling over tree roots and fallen braches till I spotted a flickering light ahead of us. Bellatrix threw me forwards as we entered the Acromantula Hollow, where I rolled towards the large fire in the middle of the clearing. I felt the weight of every eye on me as I pushed myself to my feet, swaying once.

“Very good, Bella” Voldemort said, appraising me. I met his cold red eyes with a glare, my hand balling into a fist. “I assume you know our other- guest” He motioned to the left, but I didn’t take my eyes off him. “Do you not trust me, Alicia?”

“Alicia!” Hagrid’s voice caused my head to whip round, making the Death Eaters laugh at me.

“Hagrid” I said, taking a step towards him. Several wands appeared, all pointing at me, and I turned statue-like, my eyes returning to Voldemort. “What do you want?”

“You, of course, my dear” He said calmly, a cold smile appearing on his face. “You would be welcomed into our family with open arms”

“I think I’d rather die, if I’m honest” I said, matter-of-factly. Anger flashed across his face quickly. “So, what will you do with me now, seeing as I’m a fighter till the end- that is what you said, isn’t it?” I asked Bellatrix innocently. Voldemort held up a hand, halting the witch’s attack on me. “Hi, by the way” I added, glancing at Hagrid, who was watching me with a terrified expression.

“You’re not afraid, are you?” Voldemort questioned, taking a step towards me.

“Not in the slightest” I answered honestly. “You see, I know the only way I’ll get out of this place is as a corpse-”

“Ah, that is where you are wrong, my little Seer” He said, smiling again. “You see, I have a use for everyone soon enough. I can see your engagement ring- I think you will be useful as a hostage. Your other half wouldn’t want to risk your pretty little head, so he’d stop fighting- as would your remaining friends and family” He paused, giving me one last look before motioning to one of his Death Eaters. “Secure her separately from the half breed”

My hands were tied behind my back, then my arms were pinned to my sides and a length of rope was tied round my neck like a noose. As an extra precaution, I was gagged as well, then shoved to the other side of the clearing, which still showed traces of the Acromantula.

Aaaaah!
No, Alicia can't die... you just can't kill her, Abi! If you do... you know my previously said threat. :evillaugh
I can't believe she had to watch Remus and Tonks die. That had to be so hard. Poor girl
Wonderful post though, Abi! Perfect! And I'm glad you're back
-Rach

Chapter Twenty: Waiting

It wasn’t as eventful as I thought it would be, sitting in the lair of the enemy. Voldemort just remained silent while he paced, rolling his wand between his fingers. The giants cast shadows over some of the circle, and I knew those were the Death Eaters watching me. Bellatrix was entranced by Voldemort, nearly forgetting about me and Fenrir Greyback was posted in front of me to keep me in line.

Wha’ are yeh doin’ here, Alicia?

Having a picnic, what’s it look like? I retorted, throwing an eye-roll in Hagrid’s direction and catching the unimpressed look he was giving me in response.

I’ll try again… Wha’ are yeh doin’ HERE, Alicia?

Bellatrix killed Tonks, then chased me into the trees and brought me here as you saw.

And yeh didn’ figh’ her?

Of course I did! I fought her off and managed to escape! Then, because I was totally bored, I decided to let her catch me again and bring me here… I left my bow in the Forest when she killed Tonks, and didn’t think of fighting back.

“Are you comfortable, my little Seer? ” Voldemort said quietly, his voice travelling through the clearing. I glared up at him as the gag was ripped away.

“I wish you’d stopped calling me that, you know” I said in an overly fake cheerful tone. “And I hope you’re prepared to be disappointed, because Harry would never hand himself over to you”

“That’s where you’re wrong, yet again” Voldemort said, stepping closer and taking hold of my chin lightly with his frigid fingers. “You see, he will hate that those he love are dying around him, for him, and he will come to stop that” I caught sight of Hagrid’s sharp head shake and bit my tongue against the reply I’d come up with.

“We’ll see” Was my witty comeback instead, causing Voldemort to grip my chin harder.

“Yes, we shall” He let me go and stepped back. “No, leave her as she is” He ordered as a Death Eater stepped forwards to gag me again. I gave a large smile to both of them and then continued to stare at the tree opposite me, as I’d done for the past half hour.

Yet more time passed, and the only thing of interest to me was the brave little squirrel that was perched in the tree I was staring at, his head cocked to the side as he took in the scene below. He glanced behind him and then turned to look at me with dark round eyes as a sound echoed from the shadows.

The two Death Eaters that Voldemort had sent to patrol the area around the Hollow returned, and announced that they hadn’t seen Harry, which made my heart lift slightly. If the fighting continued, then Jamie or Ron or Hermione would realise I was missing and come find me- hopefully with adult backup, including Firenze.

“I told you s-” My witty remark was cut short as Harry appeared in my eyesight- under the Cloak. That explained why the guards couldn’t see him.

‘NO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? TURN AROUND BEFORE THEY SEE YOU! ’ I screamed into his head, but he just blinked at me slowly and calmly. ‘HARRY, PLEASE! JUST TURN AROUND! IF THEY FIND OUT YOU’RE HERE, THEY’LL KILL YOU!’ My warnings were ignored and I watched with horror as Harry pulled the Invisibility Cloak off of himself and stepped forwards into the circle of light.

Everything seemed to be a mix of colours and roaring sounds around me as I watched on without realising. The only thing that caught my attention was the little squirrel. He watched on until the blinding flash of emerald green light filled the Hollow and then scampered away as my vision blurred from my tears.

“Harry… Harry” I whispered, drawing attention to myself which wasn’t exactly a good thing. Bellatrix’s cackle washed over me and my eyes started to itch as they dried. Blinking slowly, I managed to pull my eyes from Harry, who wasn’t moving, to the witch, who was slowly saundering her way towards me.

“No. If Hagrid will carry the boy, the girl will walk beside them. Let them all see their precious Chosen One is gone forever and that their Seer is no longer theirs” I heard Voldemort’s words as if they were far away. The ropes were cut away from me and I fell onto my knees, my legs unable to take my weight.

“Harry…” I whispered again, my head bowed to the leafy ground.

Aaaaahhhhhh! Poor Ali!! I can't imagine what's going on in her head! That's awful that she just watched Tonks and Remus, and now has to watch Harry... plain horrible!
Grreat post Abi!
-Rach

Hey, sorry about the wait between posts, things have been a bit hectic in Abi Land
I promise I'll post as soon as I can!

Chapter Twenty One: Gloating

Hagrid was sobbing behind me, and I focused on that, to keep myself sane. Voldemort had killed my entire family, my friends, had killed Harry in front of my eyes, and here I was, walking behind him as a prisoner-of-war. The leers from the Death Eaters broke into my concentration and I looked up from my feet.

“Alicia!” A male voice shouted, shock and anger evident in their tone.

“Ronan!” I answered immediately, finding the chestnut coloured centaur among the watching herd. We both moved towards each other at the same time and were stopped immediately. Bane put his arm out silently, catching Ronan across the chest as Bellatrix caught my hair and yanked, causing me to stumble.

“Are yeh happy now, tha’ yeh didn’ fight, yeh cowardly bunch o’ nags? Are yeh happy Harry Potter’s d- dead…?” Hagrid said, breaking down into sobs again. I felt eyes flickering from me to Harry, who was in Hagrid’s arms, looking for the truth as my own tears restarted, sliding silently down my cheeks, hidden behind the straight curtain of navy blue hair.

The walk continued through the trees of my childhood with the soundtrack of monsters and murderers playing around me. As I managed to stop my tears, we hit the edge of the forest, right in the front of the castle doors. The Dementors seemed restless, watching greedily as the group spread through the trees. I was shoved to the front, and forced onto my knees, where I stayed- silent and staring at the grass.

“Harry Potter is dead. He was killed as he ran away, trying to save himself while you lay down your lives for him. We bring you his body as proof that your hero is gone” Voldemort lied, his voice magnified so that he could be heard inside. As he paused, I turned to glare at him as he stood behind me, spitting angrily. Bellatrix cackled quietly as my punishment was administered by Fenrir Greyback and herself. A wave of Voldemort’s hand stopped it and I collapsed at his side. “The battle is won. You have lost half of your fighters,” my breath caught and I could hear the smile in Voldemort’s voice as he continued. “And you have lost your Seer. My Death Eaters outnumber you and the Boy Who Lived is finished. There must be no more war. Anyone who continues to resist, man, woman or child, will be slaughtered as will every member of their family.” I thought of all my friends who had already lost so much. “Come out of the castle, now, kneel before me, and you shall be spared. Your parents and children, your brothers and sisters will live, and be forgiven, and you will join me in the new world we shall build together”

Another wave of his hand and the line of Death Eaters moved closer to the castle, someone kicking me along with them, so that I felt the bruises start to form on my ribs and face. I waited silently as they stilled, curled into a ball at the side of Voldemort, as the sound of footsteps echoed from the Entrance Hall.

“No!” McGonagall’s scream ripped through me, and I twisted round, so that I was facing the doors.

“No!”

“No!”

“Harry! HARRY!” I reacted more to Ron, Hermione and Ginny’s voices, attempting to push my top half up off the ground, my head hanging down low.

“Alicia!” Jamie’s voice was strong and furious, and I looked up, hunting the crowd of familiar faces for him, but failing as my arms gave out and I hit the grass again. “You *******s!” Jamie shouted as his parents caught hold of his arms. The shout worked as a trigger, setting off more insults from those around him, then spreading through the survivors.

“Silence!” Voldemort screeched, following it with a silencing charm. “It is over! Set him down, Hagrid, at my feet, where he belongs!”

I saw Harry appear beside me and reached out a shaky hand to the arm that fell towards me limply. I touched wrist, expecting it to be cold and still. But it was warm. And I could feel a strong pulse.

‘Harry James Potter! Are you alive?’ I demanded, digging my nails into his skin. Receiving the response was nothing short of a miracle.

‘Don’t react, Alicia! We need to keep it a secret!’ Voldemort had been pacing behind us, gloating to the crowd again.

“He beat you!” I heard Ron yell, breaking the spell so that the yells and shouts could be heard again, until a second silencing charm wiped them out.

‘Harry, the charms aren’t holding! You’ve done what your mum done for you, but on a bigger scale!’ I thought, feeling my spirit mend itself at the knowledge that Voldemort wouldn’t be able to deal any major damage to anyone. I managed to push myself onto my knees as Voldemort started speaking again, only to interrupted by a lone figure flying towards us from the opposite crowd.

Oh Abi, I loved it so much!
It was awesome!
The last bit was the best part of it I loved her yelling at him in her mind (I totally would too) and her last statement about Harry and how he did what his mom did; it's true but I still liked it a lot.
Loved!
-Rach






P.S.-- When are ya gonna stop by mine? I miss seeing your lovely face on my story

...and? What next? This is excellently written - dialogue, characterization, action, descriptions, you've got it all down to a "t". Incredibly engaging - which means you need to post more, and soon

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!”

Oh my gosh Abi!!
Crazy... but I loved it! Wonderful job.
I love how she's yelling at Harry (I would be too) and how much everyone cares for her. Ron's joking is perfect in that, even though he's lost (so he thinks) his best friend , he's still make small comments.
Loved! Can't wait for more!
-Rach


P.S.-- Glad you're back

Okay, so this post is the second to last one, cause I can't really think of anything else to write for it... But I'll start work on a Sequel soon

Chapter Twenty Three: Dying and Surviving

This fight was more intense than the first. I could feel anger and desperation emanating out of every fighter surrounding me. The unending wave of arrows forced the Death Eaters forwards, towards the remaining fighters and reinforcements. I was glad for the refilling spell I’d placed on my quiver, as arrow after arrow hit my targets, forcing Death Eaters to fall dead, stumble, or drop their wands and duck for cover.

Hagrid was the first to notice Harry’s sudden disappearance, then the rest of the crowd began to, searching the ground for the body between fighting as everyone swarmed into the Entrance Hall. The attack from the House-elves came as a surprise, especially with Kreature leading them, forcing me to think that Dobby should be there, and standing next to him.

My hunt for Bellatrix kicked up a gear, and I started elbowing people out of the way, pushing down hard on their heads to force them to duck spells and curses. I’d lost track of Jamie, and Ron, and everyone else, my mind focusing on nobody but her. Then I found her.

She was standing in the middle of the Hall, a few feet from Voldemort, duelling Ginny, Luna and Hermione. I scanned the room, taking in the long line of bodies at the other end.

Colin. Lavender. Tonks. Remus. Fred. Fred Weasley was dead, and Bellatrix was laughing as she duelled his little sister- his only sister. My soon-to-be cousin.

Without warning, I ran head first at the red-head, rugby tackling her to the floor.

“Alicia! Get off me!” She snarled, fighting against me.

“No,” I snapped, my voice a dagger. She froze and stared at me, fear in her eyes. “Ronan.” I ordered, and the Centaur took the girl off me.

“Be careful, Huntress,” he said quietly, his fingers brushing my forehead briefly. I nodded and then ran back into the middle of the hall, dropping to the floor and sliding towards the Death Eater, aiming to take her down.

“Mine. That’s what you are!” I yelled at her as I collided with her legs, knocking her down. She laughed briefly, before I resorted to Muggle fighting and starting landing punches on her.

“Letting your anger take control, pretty girly?” She cackled, covering her head with her arms. I hissed and went to punch her in the stomach area, but she had managed to reach her wand and I was shoved backwards. “Let’s go back to magic, shall we? I hate that barbarian way of fighting” I heard the blood-status comment but it just washed over me. I hadn’t realised that Ginny had escaped Ronan and rejoined Luna and Hermione until Bellatrix’s killing curse missed her by inches.

“HEY!” I screamed, aiming curse after curse at the witch, making her focus on me again. “You know, for someone who’s going back to Azkaban shortly, you’re not really putting up much of a fight, are you? Did you enjoy it in there?” I saw the small snarl appear on her lips. “I wonder what you’d have to think of though… I’m sure the image of your poor husband with one of my arrows through his heart isn’t really very happy, is it?”

“You’re going to die, Mudblood!” She screeched, pointing her wand at me. I laughed, my hair turning scarlet as I held my hands out to her.

“Take your best shot! You’ve had all night to do it!” I taunted, dodging each spell she aimed at me as I took slow steps towards her. “Hurry up, Bella! Time is ticking!” I ducked another curse and realised I had drawn a lot of attention from around the room. I could see students fighting against professors to reach me, Jamie was surrounded by his family, every eye bloodshot. “DO IT!”

“Not my daughter, you *****!” I heard Molly Weasley’s voice smother my own, and spun as a spell soared over my shoulder. At the same time, several pairs of hands grabbed me and pulled me out of the way. Bellatrix laughed at her new opponent and then finally managed to hit me with a curse.

Everything turned black. Pain racked my body from every inch of skin. I knew what was happening. My vision was becoming real. I was dying. I had tried to survive, like Firenze had told me to, and I managed to survive the Forest. I thought I would be safe. Obviously not.

Muggles say that their lives flash before their eyes. I guess that was what you could say was happening now. The blackness was interrupted by a still image, like a muggle photograph. Jamie. The pain increased, but I was focusing on something else, trying to make myself numb to it. It had always been Jamie, from the very first moment I saw him, heading down towards the vaults at Gringotts seven years ago. That one second glimpse was all I needed for my abilities to tell me that he was the one.

Harry. Ron. Hermione. Ginny. Neville. Luna. George. Alicia. Katie. Angelina. Lee. Oliver. Faces started to flash before me, showing me my friends futures. Children, marragies, grandchildren. They seemed so happy and carefree. At least I knew that Harry would survive the final confrontation with Voldemort. I watched as every person I knew grew old and had a family, waiting for Jamie’s future to appear. Then, as the pain reached an unbareable level, I saw it.

Jamie was sitting in a chair beside a fire, a small child sitting on his knee. The girl had his eyes. Their hair was the same colour. I watched as the image grew wider so I could see the rest of Jamie’s future family. One, two, three… I stopped counting the children and focused on the room itself. There, on the table beside Jamie’s chair, was a photograph. Of me.

Light blinded me as I opened my eyes, screaming. I was still in the Great Hall and the pain had suddenly cut off. Sunlight was pouring in through what was left of the windows, and Bellatrix was gone. I managed to stop the blood curdling scream and glanced around. Someone was moving her body out of the Hall, as well as Voldemort’s.

We had won. People were celebrating. Harry was walking towards me, a smile on his face. I looked up and found Jamie’s eyes, the worry disappearing from them quickly. Slowly, noises came into hearing. People were cheering. Jamie was asking if I was okay. Harry knelt down beside me and took my hand, saying it was all over. Hooves clopped against the floor as the Centaurs surrounded me. I found Firenze’s smiling face as he said two words to me.

‘You survived’

I smiled, and grabbed Jamie’s hand, forcing it down to just above my bellybutton, and saw his immediate understanding. I knew we’d argue about this- me not telling him sooner, us arguing all the time, me risking my life and the baby’s life by joining the battle, but I didn’t care.

No more secrets. No more fighting. No more hiding. We won. We survived.

Oh my gosh! Only one more post!! Really?! Nooooooooooo!!!!!!! (as long as there's a sequel )
Loved it Abi
I loved Alicia tackling Ginny... perfect
Her and Jamie will have their hands full now cute post
Can't wait for the last post (and the sequel)!
-Rach

This is the last post!
I'm sorry about the long wait!


Chapter Twenty Four:
Becoming A Super Hero


Kingsley came over to the Gryffindor table where my group was sitting quietly, reflecting on what we’d done and who we’d lost, and tapped my shoulder lightly.

“There’s a meeting at the top table that you have to attend, Alicia” he sounded apologetic, his eyes lingering on the cuts I had refused to have healed.

“Sure thing,” I said, nodding slowly. Everything was still too bright and loud to me since I’d come round from my little experience, as Jamie and Firenze were calling it, so I was moving slowly. “help me stand?” I added, holding out a hand. Kingsley reached for it, but Firenze beat him to it, dropping to the floor and using my outstretched arm to pull me onto his back.

“I have to attend this meeting too, Young one, so we shall go together,” he explained, noticing my questioning look. I nodded absently and leaned against him, feeling tired.

“Jamie, you too,” I heard Kingsley say as Firenze started to move away.

“What’s going on?” I asked, pushing myself into a sitting position and making Firenze pause. “Why does Jamie have to come? Why do they need me?”

“You are the Seer, Alicia, not me,” was the only reply I got, which caused me to sigh and wince when it hurt.

“You okay?” Jamie said, as he and Kingsley caught up with us, touching my leg briefly.

“Yeah, I forgot about the bruises, that’s all,” I said, giving him a faint smile. “before you say it, I’m still not getting them healed- I want to heal the Muggle way,” I added, seeing his face.

“I don’t understand why you’re doing this, but okay,” he said, shaking his head. I smiled at him again as Firenze started to move again. Eyes followed the four of us as we moved through the groups, half celebrating, half mourning. The adults were watching from the top table, with a backdrop of loss and sadness behind them. My eyes lingered on Fred, Tonks and Remus for a second before I had to look away, which was a mistake, cause I glanced at Jamie, who was staring at his cousin silently.

“What is this about?” Firenze said as we reached the others. I let Kingsley lift me off his back and leaned against Jamie for support.

“There are a few things that need to be sorted out before today is over,” McGonagall said in quiet voice.

“You’re the headmistress, nobody can take that away from you,” I said, drawing all the attention to myself. I saw several people nod in agreement.

“Thank you, Alicia,” the professor said, her voice even more quiet than before. I heard the gratitiude and love in her voice and gave her a smile. “next is who will take over as Minister, considering the last Minister was under the Imperious Curse- ”

“And is now an overgrown sea-urchin, thanks to Percy,” Jamie added, making several people chuckle quickly. “Kingsley should be Minister,”

“I don’t think- ”

“Kingsley, I agree,” I said, cutting off the Auror. Until that precise moment, I didn’t realize just how much people looked to me for guidance. He nodded, placing a hand on Jamie’s shoulder in thanks before standing up straighter.

“Very well,” McGonagall nodded towards Kingsley and then paused for a second, and I realized what the next subject would be.

“The families should be informed, and then they can make the choice of what to do with- the bodies,” I said, my voice quiet.

“We are already informing the families of the students lost, Miss Daniels,” professor Flitwick said softly, his gaze darting behind him quickly. I wondered who he was glancing at, but didn’t say anything.

“I think Alicia have proved herself to be more than just another student, professor,” Kingsley said, looking at Flitwick with an unreadable look, making me glance at Jamie. “and, I think we should be calling her Mrs Starlight if we’re going to be formal about things,”

“Wait, what?” I said, pushing away from Jamie and grabbing his arm, making him look at me.

“You two are engaged, correct?” he said, and we both nodded. “well, considering the circumstances, and your importance to the Wizarding world, I think even a quiet event would be scrutinized, so this is just a better way to do things,”

“I didn’t want the usual big wedding anyway, Kingsley,” I said, feeling the need to defend myself. “who would I invite, the only family I have left is Firenze, and then I have friends I count as family,”

“Ali, baby, he understands, that’s why he’s saying what he’s saying,” Jamie said, touching the small of my back and making me turn into him as I realized the heaviness of my words. I was alone in the Muggle world. “do you want this?”

“Are you retarted? Of course I do!” I said, forgetting my loneliness and frowning at him.

“Well, then, you two are bonded,” Firenze stated, resting a hand on my shoulder.

“There’s something else we want to offer you, Alicia,” Kingsley said, motioning towards himself and the professors around us.

“We wan’ yer to come and live ‘ere at the castle, permanently,” Hagrid said, grinning down at me. I just stared at him, my mouth open slightly.

“Of course, there would be a catch, as you would say,” McGonagall added, sounded more like a professor with every word. “you would be given your own quarters on the ground floor so that it isn’t difficult for Firenze and the other Centaurs to visit, and you would be allowed to do with it as you wish, but only professors are allowed to reside in the castle,”

“Are you trying to say that you want Alicia to teach? Here? At Hogwarts?” Jamie said, sounding as shocked as I felt.

“That is exactly what I’m saying, Mr Starlight,” McGonagall stated calmly, nodding.

“What am I supposed to teach?” I asked, still reeling from this news. Everyone knew my O.W.L’s were perfect in every subject, they had been printed in the Daily Prophet. “I haven’t even done my N.E.W.T’s!”

“We’re starting a new subject next year,” McGonagall said, smiling slightly. “Self-defense and Preservation”

“How to survive?” I said, shocked.

“Well, didn’t you say to your house-members that you had learnt how to survive?” McGonagall looked at me knowingly.

“Sort of, I was threatening to kill them at the time,” I admitted, making everyone stare at me. “what? They were abusing Sirius and I knew they wouldn’t listen to me,”

“So you threatened them?” Kingsley said, sounding surprised.

“We’re not the same people who were at Bill and Fleur’s wedding, Kingsley,” Jamie said casually, a hand on my shoulder. “When you spend ten months living a life which could kill you, you learn a few things,”

“Bu’ yer goin’ ter take the job, righ’?” Hagrid said, completely ignoring Jamie and still grinning at me.

“I need a while to process and think,” I said, stalling. They nodded and moved away, meaning the meeting was over. “Well, that was…” I said, walking towards the exit with Jamie, who took my hand.

“Tell me about it,” was all he said. “we’re going for walk, we’ll be back soon,” he added as he passed his parents, who were watching us carefully. “So, what are you going to do?” he asked as we paused in the destroyed Entrance hall.

“Would you want to live here?” I asked, glancing at him.

“Sure, we have a lot of memories in this place,” he said, pulling me outside. The devastation was even worse out on the grounds. Pieces of the castle were scattered across the grass, which had murderous patterns scorched into it.

“A lot of them horrendous, now,” I sighed, kicking a dismembered wing from one of the flying boar statues.

“But even more of them happy,” he countered, gesturing towards where Hagrid’s cabin once stood, the Forest, the Lake and the Quidditch pitch.

“There are ghosts of lost friends here now,” I argued, gesturing all around us. “I don’t think I could live with the ghosts of friends who died because of me,”

“Baby, don’t think like that,” Jamie said quietly, wrapping an arm around my waist. “none of this is your fault, nor Harry’s,”

“It doesn’t feel like that,” I sighed, resting against him.

“You’d be giving every single person who comes through this castle a chance of surviving if they ever have to go through what we did. Look at it as paying respect to Tonks, and Remus, and Fred,” I watched his face as he looked at me. “You’d be closer to your family, Alicia,” he knew he’d got me with that. Firenze was the most important person to me after him.

“I did consider becoming a professor once, but that feels like a long time ago- and after what we’ve been through, I still think I prefer becoming an Auror,” I said, weighing the differences.

“Who’s to say you can’t do both?” Jamie said, smiling.

“What if teaching and protecting the Wizarding community clash?” I said, grinning at the idea he was laying down in front of me. “I think another talk with Kingsley is in order,”

“So use your super powers and summon him here,” he joked, poking me in the ribs, which made me wince slightly. “okay, so I totally forgot about that!” he apologized, kissing my forehead quickly.

‘Kingsley, are you busy?’ I sent, grinning away his worry.

‘Not really, we’re discussing the clean-up, why?’

‘Can you come outside? I want to discuss something with you’ I turned away from Jamie and stared out across the lawns. “Super powers, huh?” I said casually, and I heard him laugh.

“Every super hero has powers,” he said, and I could hear the smile in his voice. “and to a lot of people, you are a super hero because of what’s you’ve done and been through,”

“So, would you be your wife’s side-kick, Mr. Starlight?” Kingsley voice sounded behind us and made me turn round.

“I’m glad that you know Muggle references, Minister, but please do not suggest that I am better than my husband,” I said, smiling. “well, that felt amazing to say,” I added, my hair curling loosely.

“Sounds amazing,” Jamie added, his fingertips sweeping a stray curl from my face, making them turn light pink.

“I assume you didn’t call me outside to talk about Muggle stories?” Kingsley said, smiling at the two of us.

“We were talking about McGonagall’s offer,” I said, gazing at him intently.

“I think it is a very good idea, Alicia. Who better to teach the younger generations than the famous Alicia Daniels,” he said, nodding.

“But what if I wasn’t famous, Kingsley? What if I didn’t have the abilities I have?” I said, and he paused for a minute.

“Ali, for a while, your visions didn’t even make an appearance, and when they did, even you said they weren’t a look of help,” Jamie said, taking a step towards Kingsley.

“Still, would it make a difference?” I pressed, rolling my eyes at Jamie.

“No, it wouldn’t Alicia,” he answered finally, gazing at me.

“Would my unwanted celebrity status compromise any chance of me becoming an Auror?” I questioned, returning the gaze intently.

“Not at all, Alicia. Look at Mad-eye, he wasn’t exactly an unheard of Auror. Then there’s Harry- ”

“Harry?” I said, surprised. “I get offered a teaching role and Harry gets offered job at the Ministry?” Kingsley just nodded. “It feels like you’re trying to use us a little, Kingsley,”

“I can see where you’re coming from, but I can assure you that isn’t the case,” he said, placing a hand on my shoulder.

“I know, but letting people know the truth can’t hurt,” I said, shrugging. “What if I could use my abilities to do more than just teach?”

“Are you talking about joining Harry at the Ministry? I know we’ve spoken about you becoming an Auror before,” he said, smoothing the front of his robe.

“Would it be possible for me to do both? Teach and become an Auror?” I asked, cutting straight to the point. “I mean, most of the professors were in the Order, and Alastor was both, so I don’t think it would be a problem for me,”

“I see your point,” Kinglsey said, and I knew he was thinking of the possibilities. “I’m positive it won’t have any effect whatsoever. Welcome to the team, Mrs. Starlight,” he said, smiling at me.

“And that, is how you make me feel like a super hero,” I said, grinning at Jamie.