A Little Help from a Snake // Tomarry

Part 74

Reposted: February 18, 2022

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Hey, y'all. Part of the reason for the delay of nearly two months (whoops) is a) college and b) lack of certainty over this chapter. But I finally decided to throw caution to the wind and post this.

Summary: The battle has finally begun.

Warning: Expect some more graphic action. Not too bad, I think, but definitely more than my usual kind writing.

Days passed, with more deaths popping up in random places. The Aurors picked up the magical trace of Igor Karkaroff as well as Dumbledore and Pettigrew, which somewhat explained how they escaped.

"The guards at Azkaban told the Daily Prophet that Karkaroff had been making visits," Sirius said.

Remus set his cup down, eyebrows furrowed. "And they didn't think that was suspicious?"

Severus shrugged. "I don't know. They didn't say, but I suspect some spellwork was at play."

"Imperius?"

"Possibly."

"What did Minerva want?" The Heads of Houses had been late to breakfast that morning, which had been unsettling to say the least.

"The wards have been wavering. She thinks Dumbledore is nearby."

"Wait, what?" Remus stared. "Does she plan on telling the students at all?"

"I'm unsure. Dinner is to be served in the dorms tonight. I can only hope that will be enough."

It was a dark and stormy night. Okay, that wasn't completely true; there was still a little bit of light (which was fading quickly) and the storm hadn't struck. Yet.

"We really need to start using light sources other than candles and the sun," Harry muttered.

There was the sound of someone stumbling followed by a curse, then Draco said, "You're probably right."

"How the hell did you manage to trip when our wands are literally lit up?" said Blaise.

"Oh, like you have never misstepped, Zabini," Draco retorted.

"Not that badly."

Pansy made a noise of disagreement. "Last week?"

"You have no proof."

"My memories say otherwise."

"Hush!" Harry said, cutting off Blaise's protest. The shadows of the castle seemed more ominous.

Tracey gripped his arm and he looked to see someone step into the wandlight. He didn't recognize the wizard, but his gleaming eyes put Harry on edge.

Movement made him turn to see several more wizards had come out of hiding. The Slytherins were trapped.

"Potter, you're coming with us," said the first one.

"Just like that? I don't think so," Harry retorted.

The wizard didn't reply, just gave a sharp jerk of his head. At once, the other wizards drew their wands.

The Slytherins barely had time to take out theirs before the corridor was alight with spells.

'Protego!' Harry hissed, conjuring up a shield so strong the Reductor Curse rebounded in a split second. It slammed into the wall, showering them with debris.

"Harry!" Pansy was at his side. "You have to get out of here! They want you!"

"No way!" Harry snapped back, pulling her out of an incoming spell.